A Family Made in China: July 2012

It is has been a pretty busy summer to this point. Natalie has gotten to go to Jamaica, the Smoky Mountains, and Mammoth Cave as well as enjoy several family grillings, her second 4th of July as an American, and record heat. Some might think that last part a joke, but the heat didn't phase her much. She would have been more than content to play outside if her parents could have tolerated it.

Amongst all those things, the most special part of the summer has been the visit of Marvin, Julia, and Suraiya. For those who don't know, Marvin and Julia played a very important role in making Natalie who she is today and will be in the future. They took care of our little girl in China and gave her what we couldn't at the time, love and constant affection. We will be forever grateful. It was wonderful to finally meet them in person and share our stories of Natalie with each other. Some people will say that at age 14 months and younger there is no way Natalie could remember being with them. They wouldn't say that if they saw how Natalie bonded to them almost immediately after seeing them again.

We love you and miss you already, Manalacs.

Now, loads of pictures.

Home run derby champ

Quick story. Amy has the great idea of taking Natalie out to the hayfield to grab some photos. As soon as N gets next to a bale, she starts singing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." She is such her mother's daughter.