Happy Easter!

We had a great day at Grandma Mary and Grandpa Geno's house.

The Easter Bunny was very good to us this year!

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Happy 2nd Birthday Sofia!

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Our baby girl officially turned 2 years old today. It has been a wonderful and fascinating year with our little princess...

Here are a few things I remember:

• You being placed in my arms for the first time. You were so tiny and scared, but I could tell that you had a mighty soul.
• Seeing you with Daddy. Saying BIG prayers of thanks that he finally has his little girl.
• Your first real smile for us. Both Daddy and I broke down and cried.
• Watching you interact with your brothers. Seeing how much bigger they are than you physically, but how you COMPLETELY stand your own in attitude.
• Watching Sawyer completely adore you and protect you.
• Seeing Tatey's transformation from, "She's staying? How can you do this to me?" to "I couldn't live without my precious mei mei."
• Watching you sleep. Sitting in utter disbelief that we have been given the gift of you.
• Your first experience with grass. You hated the feel of the blades between your toes.
• Naps on the beach in Nahma.
• Sand - feels weird; doesn't taste so good
• Baldness...Peach fuzz...Spikes...Out-of-Control Hair-do (darn humidity!)...Barettes & Bows...Your first haircut...The waterfountain pigtail
• Your baptism. You were a beautiful Chinese princess in your white, traditional Chinese dress. Having Grandma Sargent in attendance.
• Going to Mackinac Island
• Earrings
• Visiting Auntie Tina and Uncle Stevie in Reno
• Starting daycare at Miss Nicole's. Knowing that you would be OK without me, but praying that you would continue to need me as much as you had.
• The delight and curiosity you bring to your Great-Grandmas.
• Our beautiful and colorful Halloween Witch
• Your first experience with snow. Getting the Christmas tree with you in the sleigh.
• Thanksgiving & Christmas
• Costumes :o)
• Shopping!!!!!
• Discovering Janie and Jack; Owning Gymboree
• Gymbucks
• The fact that you were able to meet Grandma Groleau and Grandpa Bill before they passed away. They thought you were wonderful!
• FLORIDA! Walt Disney World, Sea World, late night flights, Vistana, your boat in the pool, LOVING the water, walks with Grandpa Pat, snuggles with Grandma Dani
• Bouncing on the bed with excitement VERY early in the morning
• Tupperware...everywhere!
• The Baby Bumblebee
• Books
• "Get down!"
• Night terrors. LONG, SLEEPLESS nights.
• More impressive flatulance than your Daddy! (You'll love that when you're a teenager!)
• Hoping that your metabolism remains as high as it is...For a little, bitty thing, you can really pack it in!
• Your infectious laugh
• Your beautiful, high-pitched, girl-squeal
• Your sweet dimples
• Hearing you cry when I leave the room. Knowing that your crying isn't because you think I'm leaving you forever, but because you need me forever.
• Knowing that I don't EVER have to let you go.

Happy Birthday Sofia Elisabeth Ning Huss.

We are truly blessed.

Florida...Day 4...Pool Day 1

We had a very relaxing - yet fun - day enjoying the pool areas. Sawyer and I stayed out until almost 4:00 (I have sunburn to prove it); Bob came bake to the condo with the little kiddos. They area actually doing quite well in the midst of all of the distractions. It seemed really hot out by the pool. I can't believe that we actually used to come and hang out in the sun for HOURS and DAYS on end. It is so funny to see the high schoolers that come to hook up with stangers. it made me feel really old and I got a future view of what my own kiddos might be doing one day. VERY SCARY!

Florida...Day 3...Sea World

We had a WONDERFUL day at Sea World. It has been years since I have been to this place, and it was awesome! We saw sharks, dolphins, whales, seals, a few shows. The kids handled the excitement very well. Tatey tired himself out at fell asleep on Bob's shoulders at the end of the day. It was s site to see as Bob tried to balance his snoozing cargo. When we fed the seals today, Tate would not touch the fish we used to feed them with. What a whimp! (JK)

Florida...Day 2...Disney

We had a magical day in WDW today! The kids were in heaven! We started at the Magic Kingdom and ended in Epcot for the Illuminations laser light show. VERY fun! I just love this place! Sawyer got to hang out with Gram, Gramp, and Auntie for awhile while the little ones stayed with mom and dad. Sawyer and Gramp went on Big Thunder Mountain RR and was NOT impressed. I think he has whimpy tendencies like his daddy! (Hee, hee!) Tate, on the other hand, went on the Barnstormer roller coaster and had a blast! It was sweet to see him interact with the characters, too. He truly was a good little boy; no major meltdowns. Sofia took it all in. She loved the excitement, but she was not thrilled with the characters.

Florida...Day 1...Going to Orlando From Tampa

Our trip started off on schedule and (thankfully) very uneventful. The kiddos traveled like a dream! The weather in Florida is cool, by Florida standards, but it feels wonderful to us. It will be cool for the next couple of days, so we will take advantage of it and visit Disney and Sea World.

As you can see from the pics, the cool temps didn't hamper the boyz from swimming. The reports were that the water was wonderful...but it was FREEZING when you got out of the water.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Happy Birthday to the best Daddy around!

We love you!

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Happy St. Patty's Day!

We're all feeling pretty green here in Combined Locks...a mix of roto-virus and ear infections. Makes for lotsa fun as it passes from kid-to-kid-to-kid-to-adult-to-adult. We are trying HARD to be over the YUCKS here in Wisconsin before our big trip to see Mickey Mouse next week! To say there is a little excitement around this house right now is an understatement!!

Doesn't help when my SPARTANS make an abominable showing in the NCAA tournament. DRAT!

Happy St. Patrick's Day to All!

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The Grumpy Spartan...Darn team!

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Sawyer and Ning Ning...future Spartans!

Happy Gotcha Day Anniversary Sofia Ning Ning!

On March 7, 2006 we quietly celebrated the anniversary of the day that Sofia Elisabeth Ning was placed into our arms for keeps at the Civil Affairs office in Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, PRC.

It has been a fabulous year of growth, development, and intense love. Our lives are limitlessly blessed by this little princess! Enjoy our year in pictures:

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Grandpa Bill Passes...

Our Grandpa Bill passed away on Sunday, April 5th. He was such an awesome guy and will be missed terribly. Just happy that he is now in heaven with a big smile and a healthy heart...I hope there is lots of chocolate for him in heaven!

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Rest in Peace Grandpa Bill.

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Happy 94th Birthday Grandma Sargent!

Happy Birthday to our amazing Grandma Violet! We had a wonderful trip to Michigan to help her celebrate in *Grand* style! This lady is totally amazing...94 years young and still going stroooonnnngggg!

We love you Grandma Violet! Can't wait to help you celebrate your 95th!

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Happy Birthday Mom!

A picture speaks a thousand words! I had a GREAT day!!

(We don't talk age anymore...)