SUNRIVER

Enjoyed our last day tubing at Mt Bachelor. At times the girls would just closed their eyes going down hill because of the snow falling in their faces. Tomorrow we leave our home away from home in Sunriver and have a visit with Grammy Kathy in Portland. We will also visit our puppy dog Quincy in Keiser, OR!How are you doing mom? Feeling better!

Now this is "Okay."

Can't get enough of this.

Just beautiful :)

Dale and I need to get use to all this giggling.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAKENA

19 months old on Gotcha Dayand 5 years old today.

MT. BACHELOR SKIING

Great day to learn how to ski.

Kau`i is a natural everything. No problems picking up skiing.A princess even on skiis

Behind all the gear is little Makena

Aside from an hour lunch, Makena had her skis on from 10:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Check out the smiles.

Mommy's girl

Proud Dad

FUN IN THE SNOW

SUNRIVER

Dad couldn't get girls to sleep unless they all slept together.

Cute!

Getting ready to build a snowman and play snow angels.

Maile wanted to know if ALL the animals were hibernating? because she is afraid of raccoons :o)

Last minute, made reservations to go to Sunriver, OR, and get our snow fix for the year. Dale had fun being with the girls today because I had to visit the doctor's office for bronchitis. Tomorrow we go sledding.

SCHOOL CONFERENCE TODAY

Meeting consisted of Kamalii principal, counselor, 4th grade teacher, ESL teacher, Kau`i's tutor/teacher, public school pyschologist, dad and mom. Wow, did I miss anyone? Bottom line after the meeting... Kau`i has a "high visual memory." Staff could not believe how fast she is picking up the English language after 5 hours of tutoring and three days of schooling. Not only that, Kau`i is so outgoing, her 4th grade teacher stated during recess girls (and even boys) want to hang out with her. They talk to her and are very curious. It was a positive meeting and everyone want to help Kau`i because she absorbs everything around her and wants very much to learn.

OUR GRANDSON

The latest picture of our 5-month-old grandson Ryland relaxing in the pool. How cute is this!

KAU`I FIRST DAY AT SCHOOL

Kau`i was so nervous this morning. In so many words and face/hand gestures, she said everyone will be staring and talking about her. We assured Kau`i it is okay to be nervous but she is an outgoing person and she will love school. Maile and mom walked Kau`i to her 4th grade class. Apparently the children were told ahead of time about Kau`i. They all greeted her with smiles on their faces and started talking to her. What a relief!

(Update) Dale picked Kau`i and Maile from school today because I was stuck in traffic (on Maui!?!?!). Kau`i ran into our house and screamed "Mommy!!!!" Did you like school? Kau`i had a big smile on her face and said "YES!"

OUR GIRLS

Kau`i loves her heart pillow

Makena

Maile, Kau`i, Makena & mom all focused in their project

JACUZZI FUN

What a better way to spend a "Furlough Friday." Teachers take a day off because of the economic crunch!

By the way, I'm not sure if you remembered when we received Kaui's referral a year ago, China stated she was 12 years old. Well, when we met her on "Gotcha Day" we said no way! On Monday at her doctor's visit, she had a physical and bone age test. The results came back two days ago that Kaui is indeed 10 years old. She goes to the dentist on Tuesday and we will get Xrays. Her pediatrician said she will help us document her correct age.

A MOTHER'S DREAM

Taking a break for a picture. Here Kaui proudly shows our family all the pictures we took of her in China. She loved looking at pictures of her friends at the orphanage. She showed no regrets.

Having your four daughters prepare dinner for dad and mom is a dream come true. They were glowing from ear to ear showing us what they made.

Okay, I know it's hard to turn your head to look at this picture but I didn't want to change it!

Wondering where Makena is? She's with dad doing her art work.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS

After all she went through today Kaui still had her smile!

Resting and playing with her dolls.

Kaui said she had to change for the picture and put on her favorite night gown. Does she look like she was really sick?

Kaui was transported by ambulance to the hospital emergency room this morning after suffering flustration, chest distress and a rapid heart rate. This was her special needs. After five hours at the hospital Kaui is at home and back to her beautiful, happy self again. She was a very cooperative patient. Each time she got poked our brave little girl just closed her eyes and let the team of nurses and doctors to their thing. Tomorrow we have a followup visit with the pediatric doctor who will then refer us to a cardiologist. Her special needs is curable.

KAUI CAN KNIT TOO!

Can you please teach mom, Maile and Makena how to knit?

Yep, they all share the same room and it is paying off because Kaui is learning English FAST.

Everyday we are learning more about Kaui. She is so talented and very respectful. The latest is her knitting skills. Like we said in earlier blogs, we applaud the orphanage director and staff for the way they love and take care of the older children. Oh, when I figure out how to video Kaui, I will have her sing for you.

SCHOOL STARTS TOMORROW

Kaui is so determined to learn how to swim. It's her second time in our pool.

Shopping at the mall for food. Kaui tried to put a lot of extras in the cart.

On a picnic with friends. Kaui was happy because the two girls on the right speak Mandarin.

School begins tomorrow for Maile and Makena. Kaui won't go until she gets a bunch of paperwork done from doctor's office e.g. updated vaccinations, tb clearance, etc.