October 2009 (+ Halloween)

Crocs, definitely not made for running.

Pumpkin patch/farm visit with our travel group (Texas, we love and miss you!).
Last fall, H wasn't too keen on feeding the goats but this year...

...VERY brave!



Helen, Averie and MaryEllen messing around in the corn bin.




Our girl is a CAT PERSON.

Here's our usual shot of the girls together.

We captured the moment for sure!

Helen wasn't too interested in having her pic taken.

Happy Halloween! Helen, as friendly lion.

(I need to work on my face painting skills.)

Trick or Treat!

The night before, Stew and I could hear Helen through the monitor practicing what to say. "Trick OR Treat...TRICK or treat...trick or TREAT...yay! Trick or treat!"

Halloween After-party at Fred and Tom's - they have A LOT of wigs.

In case you've wondered what H will look like in 70 years.

Helping daddy with the fall yard work.

Fruits of her labor.

CRUNCH!

"I'm cold" face. Time to go inside.

For your entertainment

Sometimes ya hear things you weren't sure ya wanted to...

(recorded on my cell phone - lost the last part, unfortunately)

I know! And with a big finish, too.

*Working on some photos from Aug and Sept. Should have them up soon, ya'll!

July looked like THIS...

Dragonboat Festival at Lake Phalen, St. Paul, MN

FCC (Families with Children from China) Dragonboat Team.

Stew and I are middle right.

Oar Salute to our fans on shore as we head out to the start point.

Stew is third rower from rear closest to camera.

I'm fourth rower from the front on the other side.

Good start - everyone is pretty much together.

Not bad for one morning of practice!

6th out of 26 - woo hoo!

The Pokorny Family visits our beautiful city.

We missed you, Grandpa and Zach!

Aunt Mary took this cute shot of Helen at Sommerfest outside Orchestra Hall on the plaza.

We'd all just gotten off the trolley that runs between Lakes Harriet and Calhoun. It was a beautiful sunny day, oh and past naptime, perhaps. Hence, the scowl.

Children's Home Society Annual China Reunion

Getting ready to Pin the Tail on the (Year of the) Ox.

Perhaps you remember Molly (in town for the reunion)?

She was our lifeline in China.

Super deluxe double-slide action, zoom!

Hanging around the playground.

(sorry...)

1-2-3 Baby, you and me

I'm working on some photos from the Dragonboat Races a couple of Saturdays ago but until then... Here's some short, but sweet, vids to keep you movin'/ groovin'.

5:00 Dance Party 2009

Shake it, shake it, baby! EWW, EWW!

This is what June looks like

SO happy it's summer!

Fred and John in charge of bedtime.

Not QUITE cowboy boots, but close enough.



Once again...Helen working her look.

Stewart's birthday breakfast at Victor's.


Getting comfy in the Burly for the first time.

Already with the party tricks...

She's a midwesterner now, eh?

Huge Day! Finally able to climb UP the slide.

Thumbkin, Pointer and...Manny?

Singing after lunch today.

(Peace t-shirt - gift from dear friend, Allyson.)

A little April, a little May and a little last night

Our travel group hanging at the Johnson's - MaryEllen, Averie and Helen.

As always, we missed you Texas!

The latest couch photo - Aliyah, MaryEllen, Averie, Helen.

Can you believe how big they're getting?!

For comparison, this was taken last October.

Check here for older group pix.

Girl's got mad climbing skills.

Like her mom, H prefers a cookie to be as big as her head.

MN Zoo, Africa after-hours event.

To say the least, these two kinda like each other.

Wee, wee, wee...all the way HOOOME!

(captured last night)

Iowa, where the tall corn grows

A show of hands, who loves Okoboji?!

We've been Skype-ing with Aunt Missy lately.
Super fun!


Playing outside at Aunt Missy's.
Strawberry Shortcake necklace, complements of the Easter Bunny.


Honestly, Helen had no chance when it came to any Reeses related candy.
A weakness, an obsession of mine. Poor kid!

Practicing "gentle touch" with the cute farm kitties.

A beautiful day...

...to get together...

...on the Pokorny Family farm.

FCC Easter Egg Hunt

Freaked out by the proximity of The Easter Bunny, Helen pauses during the "decorate your bag" portion of the egg hunt.



Egg hiding in the bucket swing - good eye.

New rain boots.

Discussing strategy?

Collecting the loot.

Needing a hair cut.

Finally, the cute outfit from Aunt Missy! (see post re: ice and blood)

Looking a little sad 'cuz she had to stand still. Such a bummer when you're 2!

Right before nap time - "DELICIOUS!"