Lantern Festival

We had a lovely evening last night. We dropped Tori and her friend off at their Mini Medical School and drove over to the lantern festival. After a week of much rain, it was a clear, crisp, lovely night. We enjoyed the lanterns very much, and Mara-Grace also enjoyed some mooncakes! It certainly made us nostalgic for China and we look forward to being there soon. xo

Happy Mid-Autumn Moon Festival!!!!!
Today was a beautiful family day. Late this afternoon Mara-Grace and I made our mooncakes (which ended up being one large mooncake). We have been reading a lot about the importance of the Moon Festival and also the story of Chang E and Hou Ye and Jade Rabbit etc... Although Mooncakes can be filled with different ingredients, ours was date, apricot, coconut and raisins. I would love to buy some Moon cake molds while we are in China.
I couldn't help but think of our darling Hannah. When we woke up this morning, I thought of her as it was evening time in China. Was she celebrating? I imagine so! I thought of her standing next to Mara-Grace making our mooncake, and I imagined her eyes wide with excitement enjoying Chinese Food and stories. Although, it is too cloudy here to see the moon tonight, we thought of everyone in China who have been such a special part of our daughter's lives. They are always in our hearts.

Hannah, darling, soon you will here and we will celebrate and remember.... We love you little one....Happy Mid-Autumn Moon Festival to you and all those who are surrounding you to celebrate. xoxo

Update: We caught a glimpse of the moon right before Mara's bedtime! We all stood out and admired the most lovely full moon. We are sure we saw Chang E and Jade Rabbit too!!!!

Snow White or Mara-Grace???

This photo was taken over the weekend on a family walk in Ottawa.

Mara-Grace's FLY BOAT!

Mara-Grace has been asking her Daddy if they could make a fly boat. She had it all designed in her head. Right down to the marble, mast and wheels!!!!! Here it is!

Growing in my Heart....

We have always tried very hard to tell Mara-Grace her special story about her birth and history etc...

So, last night we were meeting Kevin and as we were waiting for him (in the car) Mara-Grace totally out of the blue (that seems to always be the way) says, "So, Mama, I forget..... when you were born in China who met you to bring you home again?????"..... Wow..... So I say, "Well, remember Mara, Mama grew in Granny's tummy. I wasn't born in China." Before I can say anything more she says, "Oh that's right Mama. And I grew in your heart. And your heart is big enough! Big enough for me, and for baby Hannah, and Tori, and Daddy and Lady... everyone!"

Such an incredibly sweet moment........

xoxo

Changing backgrounds....

Ok, I am truly having a great time changing the backgrounds! Anyone who really knows me knows I adore decorating the house for the different seasons, and well, here we are! LOL

Fall is in the air.... I am definitely in the nesting mode lately. I have been sorting, cleaning, getting ready for Miss Hannah to come home....More on this later.

I have just posted on our other blog the wonderful news that we have received our "letter seeking confirmation" today. We expect to travel to China in 6-8 weeks from now. What an incredible gift..... we are so so thankful tonight.

xoxo