Ballet Practice

Katie continues to work on her ballet skills each week!

Can you find me?

Having Fun Outside

After we hung the bird feeders, Katie just had fun being out in the fresh air.

 This is a fun rock to stand on, but I never quite trust that I won't fall off of it!

 What's better than a sunny winter day?

Feed the Birds

One of my students had given me some bird feeders that she had made, so Katie and I decided to go hang them on trees close to the house.

We hung the first feeder on this tree outside our front door. 

Then we found some trees next to our house and right across from our windows. 

We can monitor the third one out our back window. 

A Trip to the Zoo

We hadn't been to the zoo for awhile, so my sister, Jennifer, and I decided to take Katie for a day of fun.

The mountain goats always welcome us to the zoo! I love seeing them! 

While I looked at the animals, Aunt Jennifer had the goal to find poop in every enclosure. She only found it a few times though! 

My mom and I decided to stand in the eagle's nest together. 

When we went to see the eagles, there was one closer than I had ever seen it! 

They always look much bigger in person than what I would expect. 

A little while later, I decided that I just had to climb through the tunnel there! 

I loved looking at the ducks this visit! 

I can't remember what this animal was, but it was pretty cute! 

One of the things that made us happiest at the zoo was spying these new leaves coming out on the trees! We're excited for spring! 

I love hanging out with my buddy! 

Our zoo has all sorts of these sculptures right now made out of recycled trash, and I loved them! 

I watched the seals play for a long time! 

Then I found another sculpture. 

 Two of the chimpanzees were right by the window, and I had fun watching them eat.

The zoo is building the chimps a new house that will be open soon. 

I also found two of the cheetahs sleeping by the window. They're so pretty! 

Of course, I had to stop in my favorite cave. 

Then Aunt Jennifer and I looked at some of the African animals. 

I waved a quick good-bye, so I could head to my favorite - giraffes. 

I had to check, but I still wasn't as tall as a baby giraffe. 

I could watch the giraffes all day. 

I especially liked when I saw one of the giraffes take off running! 

After the giraffes, we checked on the flamingos. 

Then we found another sculpture. 

You might as well stop for a picture, and...

...take a quick break before the final push. 

We were almost out when we saw the shark, so of course, Aunt Jennifer and I wanted a picture with it! 

Before we left, I got a quick picture with the mountain goats. This statue used to seem so much bigger! 

Then I said good-bye to my old friend, the squirrel. 

It was a good day!

Checking Out Some Books

When we let Katie choose what she wanted to do, she requested that we go to the book store, so she could explore. I love that she loves book stores.

It's so much fun to look through books and discover new finds!

Ten Years Ago Today

Ten years ago was a big day for me. It was the day that I finally heard from my adoption agency that I had been matched with a baby in China. The day remains very clear in my head, and I hope it never fades. It was that evening that I saw the first picture of Katie and felt so lucky!

This was one of the first three pictures of me that my mom was given ten years ago. 

I have grown a lot since then and have some new interests, but there's still a lot that remains the same...especially my love of music!

A Treat

To end President's Day, Katie had a mini cupcake. She dedicated her treat to President Washington!

Happy Birthday, President Washington!

Happy President's Day

Since Katie has always been interested in presidential history, we always celebrate President's Day with a few small gifts.

I loved that the back of this book showed what Abraham Lincoln really looked like! 

It's a book written as if President Lincoln is texting back and forth with a kid! 

These were the three books I ended up getting - the Lincoln book, an activity book that has facts about the presidents in it, and a book about voting. I can't wait until I can start voting!

Adding to Her House

When Katie plays with her doll house, she often likes to create a different background to use with it. She decides her background based upon the characters she is using.

I usually just recycle some of my paper and color the back of it to make my backgrounds.

An Afternoon Walk

Some afternoons just need a walk. Sometimes the fresh air puts a whole new perspective on the day.

I love this little shortcut path in our neighborhood. I always like to lead the way when I get here!

A Rainy Trip to the Library

This weekend my sister, Jennifer, decided to go to the library, and Katie couldn't wait to go with her!

Aunt Jennifer always has good ideas like going to the library! 

I looked through lots of books, and I was so happy to choose 16 to take home!

Playing Dolls

The other night Katie was playing with her dolls, and she looked like one of her stuffed animals.

You can't see much of me when I'm wrapped in my animal blanket.

Giving Thanks

We were a little behind this year, but Katie finally got around to writing some notes of thanks.

I'm sorry I'm late!

Preparing for Valentine's Day

Katie was so excited to find these glasses as Valentine's Day approached!

This just put me in the mood to celebrate!

Practicing Math Facts

Katie has to practice math facts for homework. She usually uses her flashcards, but Jennifer gave her a new math game at Christmas to practice them. It makes it a bit more exciting for her. She has time races against herself with the game, and she loves to see her progress.

I try to get faster each time I practice.