Cats and Gymnastics

 Ariel likes getting in the cat tent with Ralph and Nene because she can kiss them a lot in there.

 Nene sometimes gets a little feisty with Ralph.

 at gymnastics with Miss Cris

This is through Fairfax County Parks at Audrey Moore Rec Cetner.

 balance beam with Daddy

 Kissing Nene after school.

Celebrating Nene's 3rd "forever family" day with us!  We love you, Nene-chan.

Summer time

On a walk in Old Town Alexandria.  Ariel did not want to sit for a haircut with Cindy, so we took a nice walk instead.

Ralph and Nene enjoyed some guests for a week: Jax and Lucky.  That's Jax on the left.  Brittney, Ariel's former preschool teacher, was getting ready to move, so we kept the cats for them.  They are doing well in their new state, and we'll keep in touch.

A typical day of Bookageddon.

Retiring the much-loved-and-worn Little Mermaid lunch bag, and moving on to a new Hello Kitty one.

Swimming in our little pool in the back yard.  Ariel in her Olympic leotard/swimsuit!  This was during Aunt Debbie's visit, and a long day of play with friend Brandon.  His family was moving locally, so Debbie was kind enough to help me babysit him for the day.

resting and Sandie's visit

 Finding comfort in Keller the bear

 and with Doraemon (the doll, not our old cat, although that would be nice)

 with Haley the doll and Nene (in our bed)

 springtime with my son

and Sandie came for April 5th weekend!  We were glad the weather cooperated.

our last snow

 We took a drive in the morning, then it got very cold and started sleeting.  I think it was early April.  We went home to huddle up, and it started snowing huge snowflakes.

And I baked banana-carrot bread and rosemary-mint chocolate chip cookies (all vegan.)  To celebrate our LAST snow.  We got too much this winter.

pre-spring

A rare warm day in March

 We went to Burke Lake Park

 and again the next day (although not as warm)

and to a mall play area

We got to attend another Chinese New Year party at a restaurant in Rockville.  It was for a Chinese language and culture school (mainly for adoptive families and other Chinese Americans.)  I lady I met through Families with Children from China invited us.  The best part was the lion dance!  Ariel got to participate and feed money to the lions.  Alice was in town for a short visit, so she got to go with us. 

We also visited my friend Norma, who I worked in a lab with.  She has a son, Miguel, who is Ariel's age.  It was the first time we'd seen each other in 7 years.  Forgot to take any pictures, but we had a nice visit / play date.

The next day was warmer and sunny, so we had a nature walk at Huntley Meadows nature preserve.

After Alice's visit, Ariel caught up on her rest with Nene.

 Ariel has a renewed interest in Doraemon, a Japanese cartoon cat.  We have one Doraemon video with English songs, and this Doraemon doll that I got on a whim from a thrift store in Japan.  Little did I know these items would become so loved.  Of course, it's all guided by the spirit of the real Doraemon, one of Ariel's first cats.  His portrait hangs in the dining room.

Nene & Ralph's daily cuddle time.

snowy times

 We had lots of snow and cold weather in February.  

 Grateful for cozy clothes, blankets, and cats.

 Valentine's Day crafts (we were snowed in.)

 The cats have really enjoyed the critter-fest outside.

Old friends, new place.  With Laura (right), who I knew from long ago in Colorado, and Tricia, my friend since college.  This was Tricia's promotion party!

Year of the Horse

 Welcoming Year of the Horse, and getting ready for our party.

 Getting ready for Setsubun (Feb 2) when you throw soybeans to chase away devils (bad luck) and bring in happiness and good luck.

 Reading a new favorite book, Cat on the Mat, about Cat and her friend Rat who take gymnastics.  We've decorated the pictures with glitter and stickers.

 We think we have a mouse!  I don't blame them coming in during the very cold weather.  I hope the mouse survived.  Ralph & Nene were vigilant.  The white thing is a piece of paper towel and cat fur they pulled out from under the fridge.

Ralph had a dental cleaning.  Nene comforts him during his recovery.

Christmas cats

 Nene climbs the Christmas tree.

 Ralph watches

 See Nene?

Sweet children.