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2.05.2011

Sunday Snapshot {celebrating 4 years}

Four years ago today my life was revolutionized when I became a mommy for the very first time at 4:06 in the afternoon.  At that very moment time stood still and Ian, Kylie and I were the only three that existed in the world...

But it wasn't just our family in the room.  Between 4:03 and 4:08, ten other families grew by one beautiful little girl.  And by the time those five minutes were over, we all realized that we had become, in a sense, family.
 


So today, in recognition of our big girl becoming the first of the M kids, we gathered with two of her sweet "China sisters" (who happen to live in the same greater metro area) to celebrate.


And since the Lunar New Year just started, we decided to create jiao zi.  After a quick round of instructions  (from me, the "well we've made them once now" expert) the kids got to work.


Techniques varied.


Concentration flowed.


Fingers were wiped.


Edges were crimped.



Superhero capes were even donned in order to produce best efforts.


The speed was pretty amazing.  Even with only one person (Ian) using a melon baller to scoop filling onto wrappers, the nine kids turned out two trays of jiao zi in a matter of minutes.


While the dumplings, and the methods we used to create them may not have been completely authentic, our girls seemed to enjoy making them together (along with their siblings).



Though it is possible that they enjoyed eating them even more.


And then, at the end of our meal, we took a little time to celebrate the reasons that our families know one another in the first place.


Our Guangdong girls.


Each one strikingly beautiful.


Each one delightfully unique.


Each one blessed to have the others in their daily lives.  After everyone had left and the last dish had been washed, Kylie came, hugged my legs and said, "Mommy, that was the best forever family day ever."  I asked her if there was anything else she wished we had done to celebrate.  She thought for a minute and said, "No, it was perfect!  I loved making dumplings with my China sisters!"

And we did have fun. 

The only thing that could have made the day better?  Having Kristin, Sarah, Marisa, Olivia, Caroline, Nellie, Grace and Hallie (and their families) here to celebrate with us.

Kylie Baozhen, you are truly our priceless treasure.  Thank you for teaching us a little more what it means to love.  Happy forever family day!

***********************************************************************




Ni Hao Yall

Wondering what a Sunday Snapshot is?  Head over here to find out!

23 comments:

Emily H. said...

So sweet!

Laine said...

Oh I love it!
Do you think Panda Express will have those? LOL!!!!!!!!!
I CANNOT WAIT!!!!!!!!
February is going to be your month of reunions, sister!

Monica said...

So exciting to realize your gotcha moment was only about an hour after ours that same day and year. We were in Guangxi province with our Maimie. Congrats to you and your sweet family. Fun idea making the jiao zi, too. Yummy!

Jen said...

What beautful girls. What a wonderful reason to celebrate with "extended" family!

Cindy M said...

So grateful for all of you...and missing you all so very much. I'm going to have to suck it up and make the dumplings this year. I've been stalling, but it's time. You, the Freemans...it must be the year of the dumpling! :)

Love ya! Happy Gotcha!

Heather said...

This is awesome. It's so very special that you have China sisters close enough to you to visit with. Gosh those girls are beautiful!

Our Journey said...

How sweet that you all were able to celebrate together. Happy Gotcha Day!

Our Journey said...
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Laurie said...

Being able to celebrate with others in your "extended family" makes it extra special for sure! Loved all the pics!

Jodi said...

Love it!! So sweet!!

a Tonggu Momma said...

Happy four years together as a family! She has grown SO much.

Nancy said...

Happy forever family day! How cool that it coincided with the CNY this year. What a great relationship Kylie has with her China sisters.

Annie said...

How wonderful!!!! I agree, that looks like just "the best" forever family day to me too!!!

3 Countries 1 Love said...

How wonderful!! Happy 4 years :) I would love to have the recipe for the dumplings...I have yet to find one I like!

Although I traveled alone both times (no travel group), I feel fortunate that we have become such great friends with two families here that each have two girls from China. Having a "China family" is so special!

Jess Danielson said...

How fun! I loved the ladybug 'cookie'!

Sennie said...

Wonderful! Congratulations on 4 years!! We celebrated our 4 years last Christmas.

Football and Fried Rice said...

I love your celebration! And the dumplings look delicious! I'd have to agree - your Guangdong girls are gorgeous!!

Rebekah said...

What a special day...and being able to celebrate with some of her China sisters makes it even more special! You have inspired me to finally try making dumplings. My son would love me!!!

Jenn said...

Wow 4 years??!! So hard to believe it has been that long. Great post and pics. So glad the 3 of yal were able to get together to celebrate!! And LOVE that cookie cake...yummy!!
Jenn

C.C. said...

What a wonderful party!! It was our favorite too, Kylie:-) Love you guys!!

C.C. said...
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Traci said...

Awe!!! How fun!!! What a blessing it was to be there with you that day! Those girls just get more and more beautiful every time I see them!

Glenda said...

What a gift the Lord gave you to put 3 babies together with families that would live so close together! They are all indeed beautiful gifts.