Smokey Mountains trip

We took ER to the mountains for a week. She did not like the ride down there but loved the hotel! On the first day we took her to the Aquarium in Gatlinburg. Her eyes took in everything and the shark tunnel scared her. But in the end she liked it I think. She got to ride some of the kiddie rides and did a lot of shopping.

Fun in the Sun!

ER and I have had a great summer. It has been a very busy one but very relaxing and lots of family time. ER went to Bible School, travelled to Smokey Mountaiins, and just hung out in our yard. She is such a joy to Vanous and me. I can't imagine what life was like before she came. It is a distant memory and it has not even been a year. Pictures are of my nephew Nicolas and Er, Friend Bryson and ER at Bible School, and ER washing and playing in her NEW CAR!!!

More pictures of EMMA ROSE

Here are some picts of Mom, Dad, and ER on their hiking trip. And some of our gorgeous smiling angel!!! She was no so crazy about staying in that stroller and refused to smile at the camera. But as soon as she got out- she was back to her happy self. She alternated between riding in stroller, on Mom's hip, and on Dad's shoulders. It was a beautiful day and she was pooped out at bedtime.

Summer Fun

WE are having a great time. School is out for both Mom and Dad and Emma Rose is staying home everyday with us. We went to Land Between the Lakes to go hiking and to the Nature station. ER loved the snakes the best. Groce. She is growing so much lately and starting to say lots of words we now recognize as English. So much fun.

Children's Day/ Memorial Day

Hello everyone. Thought you might enjoy some updated photos of our little princess. This Sunday was a special day at our church where the children perform, sing, etc. ER got all dressed up and was beautiful as usual. She has really grown during the last couple of weeks. She is getting taller and taller but staying slim. Her shorts fall off of her but to get the length I have to buy the next size up. She is loving being outside and going barefoot in the grass. She loves to help me water the flowers and gets soaked every time to her delight. I am out of school this week and will have lots of new picts up over the summer. Keep checking back. We had a scare with the BIG earthquake in China which was within her province. The epicenter was very near her orphanage and hometown but thank goodness both escaped serious damage. The Chengdu orphanages were not as lucky. We have been keeping up with all of the news. Over 50,000 dead. So sad.

Spring Break

Emma Rose and I have been on spring break this week. Vanous had his break last week and spent the majority of it in Florida with his softball team. So we have been 2 girls on their own this week. I decided that this week would be all about ER and getting her together with other kids to play. Monday we went to Musikgarten class and the off to lunch with her friend Sarah and her mom. Tuesday- we went to eat with my family to celebrate birthdays and got to play with my nephews. Wednesday we played at Hopscotch with her Chinese travelmates. Thursday- our preachers daughter came over for the morning to play. Thursday night we went to see Daddy's team play softball. ER got all dressed up in her coach's daughter outfit and looked adorable as usual. Friday/today we are going to try to go shopping in Nashville- just us 2 girls. We might even get an ice cream cone or milkshake while we are out. Yea!! I think ER has had a good week. I know Mommy has.

More Easter Pictures!!

This post contains family pictures. Not that any of us are as pretty as ER is but -- thought you might want to see the whole family!! (Remember that my sister is spending Easter on a Carribean Cruise and wants to see us in our finery. Scroll down for more Easter pictures of Emma Rose Brown!!!