WASATCH INTERNATIONAL PARTY, FEB, 23, 2008

On February 23, 2008 we attended a very special party thrown by our adoption agency in honor of our Chinese facilitator Judy Wu and her son Mark. This was Judy and Mark's first visit to the United States and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to visit with Judy. Unfortunately, Stefanie did not wish to take photos so we don't have any with Stefanie and Judy. On our next visit to China we will be sure to have photos of Stefanie and Judy. We also did not have a chance to get photos of Judy's son Mark.

Wasatch had the party at an ice skating rink and we had a great time catching up with everyone. We had a chance to see our travel mates and Stefie's chinese sister Xanthe Dopp. Stefanie and Xanthe both lived in the same orphanage. It was so great seeing Xanthe and her mom Circe.

Stefanie and I had a chance to ice skate together for the first time. I haven't been on the ice in quite a while and this was Stefanie's first time. I loved it but pulled a muscle in my back carrying Stefie. Stefie decided she would pick her feet up off the ice as we skated around. Maybe I should say Stefie was dragged on the ice. Stefanie and I never fell and she did great for her first time. I think it will be quite a while before we attempt to skate together again. Jon decided to keep his feet planted firmly on the ground and take photos. Unfortunately there was only one spot for photos so he did the best he could. We all had a great time and we were so happy to see Judy and all our friends at Wasatch.


The Amazing Judy Wu & Jon



Stefanie with her forever china sister/travel mate,
Xanthe Dopp.


Daddy putting on Stefie's ice skates.


Stefie on the ice for the first time.




Take a look, Stefie's eyes are closed!

UPDATE, FEBRUARY 22, 2008

Gung Hay Fat Choy! Happy Chinese New Year!

I haven't posted anything recently as I keep having problems with Blogger, and my photos take a long time to download. I have posted a few items in the month of December from the Festival of Trees on December 1, Stefie and the Drums on Dec. 9, and breakfast with Santa. I'll try to get to a few photos from Christmas and then I will post photos from January and eventually catch up to February as soon as I get a chance. Sorry about our delay.

FCC CHINESE NEW YEAR PARTY, FEB. 16, 2008

This year Jon took Stefanie to the FCC (Families with children from China) Chinese New Year party alone. Unfortunately, I was not feeling well and really did not want Stefanie to miss the party. Jon and Stefie had a great time and brought back photos and crafts they worked on together. Here are a few photos from today.

VALENTINE'S DAY, FEB, 14, 2008

Our day of love! Today Stefanie and I received some very special deliveries. Jon sent us flowers. I received a beautiful arrangement with two dozen red roses in a vase so large I could not lift the flowers. Stefanie received her first flower delivery from her Daddy and her arrangement was taller than she was. Stefie happened to be wearing boots when Jon took the photo so you cannot see how tall her arrangement was. Stefanie also received a special delivery from Grandma Ruth (Jon's Mom), a stuffed animal of a dog and chocolates. For dinner Jon took Stefie and I out to a romantic dinner.


Tuscany Restaurant


"Bernesse" Stefie's new dog.


First flower delivery from Daddy.

TWISTED SNOWMEN, FEB. 9, 2008

For several days I kept driving towards the freeway and I would see this twisted snowman. Someone obviously had a great sense of humor. We'll today I had my camera with me and most of the snow has melted, so you won't see this image too well.


The large snowman had fangs coming out of his
mouth. Too funny!

MCDONALD'S PLAYLAND, FEBRUARY 9, 2008

Take a good look at Daddy in the Bubble! He
couldn't just watch Stefie with the other kids,
so he joined Stefie.

CHINESE NEW YEAR! GUNG HAY FAT CHOY, FEB. 7, 2007

This afternoon we took Stefanie to P.F. Changs to celebrate Chinese New Year. We were expecting a big snow storm in the evening so we thought it would be a good idea to go out for lunch. Jon and I decided not to dress Stefanie in her chinese outfit as it was really cold outside.

We planned on taking Stefanie some where to play but the playland was being remodeled so we had a change of plans. On our way home we drove past a Krispy Kreme store and thought it would be fun to take Stefanie to have a special treat, and of course see how donuts are made. We had an excellent lunch and a really good donut.

CHINESE NEW YEARS CELEBRATION, FEB. 2, 2008

On February 2 we attended the Utah Chinese New Year's Celebration. There were amazing performances. Here are photos from tonight's special event.