Xiaoyun's 17th Birthday!

When we decided to host an exchange student, we were sent a few profiles of students by the Forte exchange program. Forte's director specifically suggested that Xiaoyun would be a good fit for our family. When I saw her September birthday, I knew she was the one too. 🙂

Xiaoyun is 17 today! 

After school, we had pizza (one of Xiaoyun's favorites) and cookie cake. When we took the [video] tour of her apartment in Shanghai a couple of weeks ago, I noticed a stuffed pikachu on her bed.  She mentioned that she wished she could have brought it with her...which gave us a perfect idea for her birthday gift!

BellaMei 😆

October 1st is China's National Day (like our 4th of July).  This was the 70th Anniversary of the People's Republic of China. With the time change, she was excited to spend 12 hours of her 17th birthday with her country's 70th! 🇨🇳 Her mom sent us a video of the light show celebration in Shanghai too!

Xiaoyun has fit right in! She's so sweet and brave, always willing to try new things. We love her! 💗

Brielle & Beilyn's Birthday!

We celebrated our "twins" all weekend!  Brielle is 9!  She is tiny but mighty, loves every sport she tries, and loves doodling & drawing.  Beilyn is 7!  She is sweet and wild, loves all animals, and is obsessed with Calico Critters.  We are frequently asked if our girls are twins.  Afterall, they are the same size and have the same birthday (that really throws people 😄)!  Thankfully, Brielle & Beilyn are best buddies so they love sharing their birthday!

Yesterday, their friends came over for a Moana party!

Making flower crowns

Beilyn with her little legs crossed 😍

For their birthday breakfast, they requested "Fruity Pebbles and Rice Krispies" mixed together. 😄 A special treat because this momma doesn't normally buy Fruity Pebbles.  We had to have some donuts too, of course!

My pudding helper

Then it was time for their big family party!

Brynna was my helper on the cake again.

Just a typical evening with Beilyn. The messier, the better. 😆

I hope these girls always know how very loved they are!

Braylee's 15th Birthday! {September 22}

Our Bray Bray is 15! She is as kind as she is beautiful! She loves big, puts others before herself, and seeks hard after God. 💕 

After church, we celebrated with her birthday twin!

She's not allowed to date yet, but it's never too early to start praying for her [future] spouse!

Time slow down!!

These two cousins were born hours apart and are true kindred spirits. ✨ Their 5th Birthday and exactly 10 years later on their 15th Birthday!

Happy Birthday to Braylee & Sydney!

Today, Braylee took her driver's test at the BMV.  She was a tad nervous because several of the kids in her class didn't pass it on the first try, but she did fine. I think she was relieved to have that over! She drove me safely to Wal-Mart this evening. She starts Drivers Training next week, and I'm learning a new level of trusting God. 😊

Made it to Walmart safe & sound!