Schlitterbahn

One last family outing before the kids start back to school. We love Schlittrrbahn Galvestin. It's just big enough to have fun riding all the rides. But not so big that you feel hurried to ride everything. The lines are usually pretty short as well.
The best part is they allow picnic lunches and drinks in. Saves us a small fortune on lunch.

Randomness

The last few weeks have been busy getting ready for back to school. Mia and Trent have started doing gymnastics and Ty has continued with his gymnastics as well. We celebrated my birthday at The Melting Pot. Then the next day Trent's birthday with a pool party at home. I'll post more of Trent's party later because the photos are quite funny. One of the games ended in a shaving cream war.
But for now here are a few cute ones.

Hanging Around

We've spent a lot of these Hot Summer Days just hanging around the pool.
 

 

Our Cousin Gabe came for a visit and we had a great weekend. 

 

Little Miss is learning to do new tricks.  She can now stand up on her own and let go for several seconds.  It's amazing to watch how fast she is learning.   

In the mix

Johanna is getting very comfortable. She's right in the middle of the kids playing games. I told them playing with her in your lap gives you extra challenge points.

Just the girls

 

A few more pics of our little sweetie!

Sleeping beauties

Go Tigers

Johanna's getting an early start on her college football attire. Geaux LSU! Thanks Mrs. Eva & Mr. Butch

Can't get enough of the cuteness

Sweetie pie

Johanna is adjusting nicely. We are working on her sleep schedule. Our goal is to get her to sleep until after 6 am. Although David & I are wide awake around 4am anyway. It might have something to do with the extended naps we are taking.

First Days at home

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Almost done

Today was our oath ceremony at the US Consulate.  No cameras or video were allowed inside the office so we took this photo in the lobby.  

 We aren't at Disney World but we found Mickey and Minnie Mouse anyway. This is the restaurant where we eat each morning.  I"m going to miss coffee and fresh fruit every morning.

After the Consulate we drove over to the Pet Market.  There were lots of cats, dogs, rabbits, turtles, birds, etc.  I was concerned about their living conditions but they were pretty well taken care of.

 Look, we found Webster!  (top right) if only he would be quiet in our carry on.

 Trent has been wanting a Red Bull since we first saw them in Beijing.  We finally had some time this afternoon to try one.  Actually two.  Kaylee got one but didn't like it so she let Trent have hers as well.

We leave here tomorrow to make the long trek home but we are so excited to get home.  We miss Zane, Ty and Mia so much!  Won't be long now

 Today was a really fun day out.  We went to a Wildlife Park/ Safari. The first part was a tram ride around a large area full of different animals that took about an hour.  These photos were taken with a point and shoot camera, so you can envision how close we actually were to the animals.  We visited this same park back in 2008. It was just as nice this time as then.  It was also just as HOT!  Did I say it was HOT? and the humidity was about 98%.  It is actually more humid here than in Houston if that is possible.

But totally worth it.

 After the earthquake in Chengdu  a few years ago they moved many of the Pandas to this area.  There were at least 12 pandas on exhibit.  Their habitats are very nicely done and they pandas were very active.

Here's Johanna playing with a bamboo shoot just like the Pandas.  Although she was more like a Marsupial today by riding in the Baby Bjorn.

This is sight I've never seen before.  Monkeys swimming in a pond.  They were having the best time.  Kaylee and Trent really wanted to join them.  

We met up with a family from Indiana that was adopting this beautiful young lady.  Her American name will be LizzieMae and she was just delightful.  She and Kaylee got along nicely.  Before we left the park she asked for a photo with Johanna.

Just a few more days to go.  I counted up clean outfits tonights and did the last of my "washing out in the sink laundry."  Can't wait to get home to the washing machine. David is looking forward to the ice maker!

Tomorrow is a big day for Johanna, she will become an American Citizen at 8:30am.  Thank you all for your prayers.  We can truly feel and see the results of those prayers.  This has been an amazingly wonderful trip.