Chiao doing the "Do your ears hang low" dance
Elizabeth loves to Pose.

Hey, Papa, what are you doing up there?

Oops, a few more pics I couldn't help but share. After her baptism, we had a "Gotcha" party for Chiao. Joby's Dad, and 2 of his Aunts had flown in (Heidi and Gretchen) so we figured it was the perfect time. Both Chiao and Elizabeth had beautiful dresses we brought back from Taiwan and they both LOVED them! So darn cute!

Some recent pics

Tia and her boyfriend Brian (with Chiao-Chiao) ready to leave for the Homecoming Dance

Amber all set for her last Homecoming dance

Chiao-Chiao after her baptism in September

Chiao, Kelli, Amber, Tia and Elizabeth after Chiao's baptism

Here are some recent pictures of my children. They are our pride and joy and we have had a wonderful Fall with them. My son stood in for Chiao's Godfather at her baptism (he was called out of town on a last minute emergency) and I was able to get this picture of all 5 of my kids (not an easy task lately). Kelli leaves for the Army January 13, so I'm glad to have this picture now.

WOW, it's been a while!

Wow, I can't believe it's been since September since I've "blogged" on here. We have just been crazy around here lately.

First came the start of the school year. This is Amber and Tia's Senior year, so that was exciting and involved shopping for the perfect dress for their last homecoming dance, getting Senior pictures taken, etc. Then, of course, we have HOMECOMING weekend itself. That was a fun weekend, but very busy with hairstylist appointments, last minutes runs for new earrings after losing "the" pair, etc.

We've been running and running lately. The twins were both sick, one had the dreaded flu, the other strep throat. School was closed for the best part of the week as everyone was home sick anyway. Then Elizabeth caught the bug, then Chiao-Chiao (Lily). It took both little girls considerably longer to recover (thanks Down syndrome for those smaller air passages that prevent the Yuck from coming out! geez, poor babies)

We have, at this point, all recovered (I hope).

Several weekends ago Joby and I and the little girls took my parents to Frankenmuth to sight see. For those of you not familiar with this area, it houses "Bronners", the largest Christmas store in the world. The town itself is a small, picturesque German village. It's beautiful! We enjoyed the day immensely. The little girls LOVED the Christmas store, even if they were a little bit overwhelmed.

We also received a bit of shocking news a short time ago. Those of you who know us personally know what a difficult time we had having Elizabeth. Several rounds of infertility meds, 3 losses, then a difficult pregnancy. That was part (only part) of the reason we decided to adopt when deciding to have one more. And so now we have a gorgeous daughter Chiao-Chiao. Then, low and behold, several weeks ago we found ourselves in the part of the "shocked" parents who find themselves pregnant again at 40! Boy, you could have blown me over with a breath! We are all happy and excited, but I do have to admit, Joby and the kids are happier than I am at 8am when I'm so darn sick! (this too shall pass.....right?....right?)

So, we have had a busy life lately. Although SO much to say, no time to say it. :-)

I hope this finds everyone well and happy and busy preparing for a wonderful Holiday season.
I will try to keep up more. Thanks so much for everyone's support in all we do.

Sheryl