Each day would start with getting our camp shirts on, play and story time then off to Music. They learned some wonderful songs that I know we'll be singing right up to next year. Then we'd have more class time to do crafts/art/projects and learn learn learn. Each child was also given a special folder that had color/activity pages, and an interview page where the teen helpers would interview them at the end of the day of what they liked best about each day, who they played with etc.. Assembly was up next and we'd all head down to the gym for different programs. One day was Ming the magician, Alina was another day and she sang kid songs that was a ton of fun, she was supper funny too, and our last one was the Exotic Zoo where the kids got to pet a Python and us adults got to pet a Kangaroo.. THAT was awesome. so soft.... Next up was language class where the kids learned numbers and colors. Nian caught right on to this part of our day. Playground fun was next then lunch. LUNCH... was SOOO GOOD.. Each day we had different food from different parts of the world. we had Eurasia themed with Beef Stroganoff, Ethiopian, Latin American and Chinese/Korean. yummy food all week long.. After lunch we'd head back to our room for more craft/projects/art. We also had Opening ceremonies, a special China Camp program where the kids sang and we saw the Lion dance, and Friday ended with the Parade of Nations and Closing ceremonies.
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| Ethiopian Lunch |
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| Two of many items I purchased during camp! |
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| The kids made their own ice cream! |
Camp is open to any internationally adopted child and their siblings (adopted or not). It starts at PreK and goes to teens. The teen campers this year got to spend time at Michigan's adventure as well as Craig's Cruisers on a few days. I had heard from Vicky that it was her kids favorite week of the year, and the teachers I worked with told me their kids felt the same. I can totally see why.. I LOVE that the boys had this time to learn, play , and meeting other kids from China, as well as other countries. We were told they weren't sure what would happen with camp in a few years due to a lot of things a few being costs, and the decline in camper. I'll be working with a few other moms to make sure we keep camp going, not only for our kids but for kids in the future. It might now look the same as it is now but we feel this is SO SO important for all of our children.
This week Nian also had his last baseball game of the season. he did so great, didn't get out as he says and ran hard! He even faked the catcher out on his last run and make it SAFE to home base. He did so good this year, and all of his team mates as well.
We also got our letter for our biometrics! WOO HOO. that's just fancy talk for finger printing. Yes yes we've done this twice already but with every new adoption comes new paperwork so we're off again. I was so surprised it was scheduled for next week. We usually have more notice but it'll work.
Friday was our first Sister overnight at the lake. A much needed treat after a long week of camp. What a great way to relax and unwind. and it was kid free so that was a nice bonus. Don't get me wrong I love my kids, as all mom's do, but we mom's (and dad's) need a break and adult time too! IT was like my own mini camp.
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| Still could get him to "jump" in. the water was a bit cold still |
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| Just taking cousin Evan's new Jeep for a ride! |
Saturday we said goodbye to a brave young lady. Melaina will be missed by many. Prayers are sent out to her family as they slowly start to heal from this huge pain. I can't even imagine.. Give your kids an extra hug friends..💔😢
This week went by in a rush. Nian had soccer camp 4 nights from 530-7. We met some new friends though and he had fun. After the 1st night he said he didn't like it - it was too long and he had to run a lot. LOL ugh son you run in soccer it's not baseball. 😄 The 2nd night he said it was easier. I think he liked it but he's not sure soccer is his sport. He wants to try tennis and maybe golf. Try them all my young padawan. Find the sport/hobby that fits you. The kids are free to try any sport/activity as long as they finish it once they start. Which is what made camp so great it was only 4 nights.
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| It's hard to keep little brother busy for 1.5 hours Maybe he'll like track and field |
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| Or football |
Today we headed to the local USCIS building, well office located in a little strip mall. so weird. Yes once again we got our finger printing done. Mr happy was working again so I smiled and started asking questions. 😎😆 cuz that's the way I was rolling this am. And for a change I didn't cry, which is so odd since I usually do that when we're there. Guess my questions took my tears place. bahaha. Now if this time goes as quick as the last then we'll have our I800-A approval in a few week, then we'll send it to the consulate in Chicago to get sealed along with 2 more docs. Rush to get our pictures together and then send it all to our agency. Then they'll bind our Dossier and send it off to China. woot woot.
Thanks for sharing this journey with us.. We are SO excited to be on this Slow Buss to China again. We are looking forward to growing our family and getting back to China. We hope you will continue to send us prayers as we patiently await either a match. This paper pregnancy is going to be a long one, but so worth it.
Have a wonderful and blessed weekend! ~ Becky
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