Winter 2011 has been grim, but we have a secret weapon...

Remember this...?

Ugh.

Ahhhh!

Hello, Florida, old friend.

Turn that surly upside down -

I swear, we were all instantly transformed into more joyful people

the moment our toes hit the sand and surf.

Little FISH, showing off mad swimming skills.

Brought to you by Foss Swim School and

the above/beyond efforts of Teachers Allyson and Beth back in MN!!

Pool vs. Beach?

BOTH.

 Happiest 4yr old on the planet.

Beach style - as always, Helen working her look.

Shout out to our good friend Cari Lee for showing me

the wisdom of the long-sleeved rash guard.

We didn't actually have the entire beach to ourselves

 but ya really wouldn't know it from any of our pix.

Simply a little slice of heaven.

Sunset on our last night...back to the cold and snow.

However, we've been fortified for the final push.

See ya next year, Anna Maria Island!



Chinese New Year 2011 - Year of the Rabbit

Showing a dash o' 'tude with her love-child style.

(Families with children from Asia CNY event)



There's a smile!

Happy New Year

dear friends and family!

The Get-Up

Party hat

Leopard vest

Stickers

Bug rainboots

Pajamas

Helen's ready for bed!



Look at those faces!



Happy New Year's Day/Night 2011!!

Miss Lily (5), Miss Helen (4) and Miss Muriel (5)
Yangxi Sisters



Summer's end

Clutier (IA) Days - can't wait for the parade to start.

Littles sifting for coins ("Moneys!!") in tons of sawdust.





Ahhh! Nothing like a cone to cool a girl off
after a tough day of small town Iowa festivities.





OKOBOJI 2010!!!

Helen and cousin Chelsea about to do some boating on East Lake.





Photographic evidence of Helen...





enjoying the boat! Super YAY!

(There'd been some, ummm, difficulties in the past.)





First day of Ballet Class - September 2010


(A little anxious at first, but came around quickly.)
Is there anything cuter than a tiny tot in ballet garb?

Rest of May, June and some of July - SURPRISE!

May wedding in Ames - dance TONIGHT!

Fred & Tom's new backyard - loverly.

First day of summer preschool with bestest friend, Giancarlo

(he, with the Donny Osmond smile).

Helen and Paige, Round One, taffy.

Helen and Paige, Round Two, DQ Dilly Bar.

Families with Children from Asia

2010 Dragon Boat team

Photo Finish - we won (!) and placed 8th overall.

FCA! FCA! FCA!

MN Zoo last weekend with our travel group.

(We missed you AGAIN, Texas!)

Averie and Helen, included because H is smiling here...

...but not here with Mary Ellen and Averie, our travel group buddies.
Not sure what that face is about but my guess = hot and tired.

Spring has sprung

Knows a thing or two re: personal style.

For your entertainment...and BOOM, right into the svc door!