You've come a long way Baby!!

What a difference a year makes!!  Last year, on June 23, 2011, I brought home a frail, sad, overwhelmed little girl.  Not only has she grown 6" and gained 6 lbs. since she's been home, but she has blossomed before my very eyes.  She is no longer frail, smiles all the time, and finds humor where you might least expect it.  She may still get a little overwhelmed, but it's no longer from landing in a strange country unexpectedly.  Maybe its from all our adventures!!  Ooops! I just can't help it -- I love spending time with my girl.  

So here's the girl I met (photo on 6/14/2011): 

And, here's our girl on our one year anniversary: 

Yes, it's the same girl I fell in love with when we met on June 13, 2011.  I just keep falling deeper and deeper in love!!  Seriously, she's a joy to be around, and I miss her when she's not with me.  

So, what are some of the things we've been up to -- since my last post on Halloween?  I'll let the photos tell ... 

We celebrated our 2nd Birthday!

Got acquainted with Santa -- well, maybe next year (now that she knows he brings gifts!!)

Spent some time being goofy.  

Rang in the Year of the Dragon. 

Our first Valentine's Day. 

  

First train ride to visit the National Museum of Natural History. 

First Manicure :)

Riding a Tricycle -- Big Girl Hadley!!

Celebrated Easter with Family -- Hadley LOVES her Grandma and Poppy!!

First Yankee Game -- Thanks Aunt Liz!!

All dressed up for a Princess Birthday Party. 

Transitioned to a Big Girl Bed!!

Visited the New York Aquarium and the Board Walk at Coney Island.

And, survived a long day at Sesame Place!

I love you Aunt Carol (Queen of the Teacups!)

Overall, it's been one hell of a good year!! 

I just love this kid!! 

Happy Halloween!!

What have we been up to???

We've been swimming ... 

We LOVE the local park!!!  

We took a wagon ride over to the the local carnival ...

And, especially loved the carousel!!

Although the super-slide was pretty cool, too. 

Enjoyed my first visit to the beach ... 

Ate some ice cream cake to celebrate Poppy's Birthday!! 

And, my first ice pop that Mommy made me eat outside (half naked!). 

 

Went to dinner at PF Changs ... Mmmmm!  

And, took a long car ride out to the Aquarium at Riverhead with my favorite grandfolk ...

So far ... I think it's been a Great Summer!!  What's next?? 

Wordless Wednesday?

Rumor has it, you just want photos!!!  

We're Home ... chillin' in the yard, and playing in the pool:

And, here's a few from our last days in China:  

These were taken the day we took our Citizenship Oath:

At the Six Banyan Temple

Our "Red Couch Photo" ... 

... a little unconventional, but that's just the way we roll. 

 And, these next photos were taken on our trip to Baiyun Mountain (Whitecloud Mountain) in Guangzhou:

In the cable car.

A view (of Guangzhou) from the top. 

Welcome!

Home Sweet Home!

That's one happy girl (make that Two Happy Girls!!).