400th Post and Final Visit

I can't believe I've written 400 entries ... do I really have that much to say???? Usually ... and I'm not necessarily a woman of few words either ... although there are days I just don't have the time ... lucky you!
To the heart of today's post ... our final home visit. This evening Chris, our social worker, came by for his last visit with us as a family ... he has been an integral part of our adoption story right from the very beginning ... long before Cadence became a reality. All that is left is his final report and our signatures and we will have completed ALL the paperwork China requires from us ... this is EXCITING!!! For those of you who have been and/or are in the midst of an adoption process, you will understand just how long this long paper trail has been ...
Passport application and photos are all set to go as well ... just waiting for the passport clinic this Thursday and then we're set for travel ... who knows where or IF we'll be heading anywhere soon! Oh well, it's nice to be prepared!

Training Day!

If you know me REALLY well, you will know that I have a thrill seekers side. My passion ... roller coasters ... the higher, the steeper, the faster ... the BETTER!!!! Oddly enough, I am also petrified of heights ... figure that one out! Well, yesterday we began 'training camp' for Cadence. We took her to Santa's Village ... and what a time we had! She was an absolute dream and as much as I want her to remain my little girl forever, there is a part that can't wait for her to join me on the big girl rides! Of course, by that time yours truly may be too old to enjoy them herself!
Cadence did everything ..... from the swans to the Ronno concert to the roller coaster. I have some photos ... unfortunately, just as Dora arrived my battery died! It's just as well ... the line up was LONG and my girl got 'turfed' out of the way for allegedly attempting to butt in ... hah! Okay, when children under two are invited onto the stage to 'shake it' and Dora is also on the stage ... what does one expect?! Now back to the day's photos:
Cadence and I starting off slowly with a relaxing paddle on the swans.

Kicking it up a notch with the airplanes that go 'round and 'round and ... and go up and down!

Getting strapped in for the 'Drop Zone'. Cadence is saying, "Down Mama" ... sorry darlin', not this time!

Check her out ... hands up in the air ... that's my girl!!!!!!

Every kid's gotta do the merry go round ... even if it's not their speed.

No shots of the roller coaster, but I can assure you she loved it.
As for Santa ... somehow, we missed out on him ... but is that really what Santa's Village is all about ... not for me and my girl!

Happiness is ....

a set of drapes ...

Move Over Martha ...

Finally, a towel rack out back:

Some new additions to Cadence's room:

And most impressive ... my Leonardo Da potatoe salad:

Impressive huh?????

Show Time!

Here's a couple of Cadence's latest performances:

This Week's Photos

Olympic spirit:

My bright eyes:

Hangin' with my dad:

Giddy up!:

08/08/08

Congratulations to China for a fantastic show ... the opening ceremonies for the Olympics were amazing ... in my humble opinion anyway! I must admit that every year I get a little choked up by the ceremonies of the Olympics, particularly when the torch is extinguished ... don't really know why, but I do. This year I felt myself tearing up when the footprint fireworks were going off ... maybe it's because of my new found tie and gratitude to China for the gift it has given me. Anyway, in honour of the Olympics, the host city and my daughters homeland, she and I donned our Olympic t-shirts today ... photos later!

Also of special note, today marks our eleventh year of marriage. Check us out:



Our aprons say, "Will cook for shoes!" and "KISS the Cook!".

Happy Anniversary Sean ... consider this your card ... sorry!