2007 Girls' trip to Luckenbach

Mei Li and Ying Li Center Stage!
Around this time of year, it just feels like we need to get out and go to Luckenbach, Texas. Mei Li wanted to pack up a suitcase (like daddy) and go on a trip (like daddy)... so we did!

They had lots of fun. We stayed at the Full Moon Inn in the Peach room. The manager Matthew makes wonderful pancakes and scrambled eggs and special hot chocolate for Mei Li.
We walked down to the creek and managed to touch the water without falling in. Ying Li loved checking out nature- by eating rocks, twigs and a leaf or two.
The girls bellied up to the bar and had a "root" beer with mom and some locals.

They danced on the outdoor stage, chased a few roosters and chickens- it was great! I marveled that just 7 months ago, Ying Li was in Liangping, China where her life was quite different.
I feel so lucky to have this opportunity to let them explore new things. I love this photo of Mei Li on the bridge.

It is almost Fall

Holly and I got together one evening while the old men went out to play poker.

The kids had a good time and got along very well.

It is so strange to see a little kid put a purse on her shoulder and grab the roll aboard and take off like she knows where she is going!

Pierce did a grat job hangin' with the gals.

FCC Moon Festival 07

This is Ying Li enjoying her Moon Cake!
Xhao Laoshi performed with a few of her students.

The Families with Children from China had our event at the Children's Museum.

Autumn Moon Festival 07

The Autumn Moon festival was great.

We had 2 events to go to.

One at Mei Li's school and the other at the Children's museum sponsored by Families with Children from China.

Mei Li did a Kung Fu performance and Grandma Thomas got to watch.

Ying Li played drums on the seats as the Japanese drummers played outside.

James Taylor couldn't have said it better

Well the sun is surely sinking down

But the moon is slowly rising

So this old world must still be spinning 'round

And I still love you

So close your eyes

You can close your eyes, it's all right

I don't know no love songs

And I can't sing the blues anymore

But I can sing this song

And you can sing this song

When I'm gone...

It won't be long before another day

We gonna have a good time

And no one's gonna take that time away

You can stay as long as you like...

For my 2 daughters who fill my world with new adventures each day!

I love you, and you can stay as long as you like.

Summer in Texas

Mei Li is dressed in her Libbi Lu (sp) hair and ballet and has her microphone singing to entertain Ying Li. Ying Li has left the building. But Ying Li, I bend over backwards for you!
Lilli and Mei Li, Ying Li and Audrey taking it easy in the backyard. Those girls are tan! It never stops to amaze me when I see photos like this. These girls have gone from such a different life to the one they have now- all because of love.
Check out that puss on ying Li!
Mei Li came with me to get my hair highlighted and she kept asking Tu the hairdresser if she could have a foil- she wanted to hold one. Well, Tu asked me if it was ok and I said sure so she started to part her hair and poof! Mei Li now has highlights. I told her she looked like a Japanese Anime (sp) and she loudly told me, "No, I'm Chinese!"

Anders and Thomas in Texas

Anders came from Denmark and got to meet Ying Li for the first time. He was always so god with Mei Li, I couldn't wait to see him with Ying Li. He cracked us up with his Mojito wig. The cats mad themselves comfortable on him.
He probably has never lifted so much weight.
Obviously, they got along marvelously.

There is nothing like Family! We all went over to grandma and papa Thomas' house. It is amazing how big Thomas and Anders have grown. This is the first time Ying Li met Thomas (big dude).
OK, we had to put that hat on her. Next time she'll get a photo on the longhorn.
hehehehehehehheheheheh

Two Families- one heart!

Randy, Lyndea and Ruby Shear with Cheryl, Jann, Mei Li & Ying Li Bonfils-Rasmussen
Dad and Mei Li relaxing
Mom and Mei Li and Ying Li at breakfast
Silly Zach Jensen!
Sillier Abby Jensen

More Summer Photos

Ruby and Mei Li- who would have thought 2 little babies from Jiangxi China would be having care free fun in the backyard pool in Texas!
Ying Li clapping for More- it was betther than screaming- then we taughter her to say More which was even better.
Randy and Ruby!
Ok, the wine is not hers!
Randy- boat master!

Summer 2007 When you see a child open up!

April, May and June were months of adjustment. Ying Li learned that we'd always be there for her. She did not need to scream and jump up and down to get our attention. At times, we'd be holding her and she'd be convinced that she had to holler and "pitch a fit" to get our attention. She is a very perceptive person who can imitate the expressions and emotions of those around her. She demands lots of attention and will eat anything you put in front of her. Thus, we have taught her to say "More". She makes the silliest face when she says it. I guess we look rather funny teaching it io her.
The pool has been a God-send.
Mei Li's China Sister; Ruby came down with her parents Randy & Lyndea.