~EMILY~

Emily's Kindergarten Picture

2010-11-06T19:20:00.000-04:00

Carnival Cruise to Jamaica

2010-11-06T19:19:00.000-04:00

1st Day of Kindergarten

2010-08-24T19:36:00.000-04:00

Boring Family Reunion

2010-05-30T19:28:00.000-04:00

2010-04-03T15:29:00.000-04:00

Sweet Cousins

2009-11-01T21:06:00.000-05:00

Emily & Katie

Trick or Treat

2009-10-31T23:18:00.001-04:00

Our Beautiful Princess

Kacey anxious for the Trick or Treating to begin

Things are always sweeter with Nana Susan

Bob, Julie & Kacey

Two Little Beauties

Cutie Pies

2009-10-30T23:17:00.001-04:00

Emily & Kacey enjoying their playdate at Gator Freds

Work & No Play?

2009-10-30T21:08:00.003-04:00

A few of us at work decided to play dress-up for Halloween. Who says you can't have fun at work?

To: Moo Moo

2009-10-11T16:19:00.003-04:00

Crazy about her Dad

2009-10-11T16:04:00.000-04:00

B-O-L-O-G-N-A

2009-09-13T21:31:00.002-04:00

Disney on Ice

2009-09-12T14:39:00.002-04:00

Thanks Julie & Kacey for a great time at Disney on Ice. The girls were dressed as princesses and of course were absolutely beautiful. They really enjoyed all the princesses and I enjoyed Micky & Minnie.

Annual China Girl Trip~Seagrove Beach

2009-08-30T17:36:00.005-04:00

Bahama Cruise 09

2009-06-29T18:08:00.007-04:00

Our little Bahama Mama

Brian & Erica

Hair braiding in the Bahamas

Emily after getting her hair braided.

Me & my Sister (Erica) drinking Sex on the Beach(s) in Nassau

My Babies (Atlantis in background)

Brent, Katie & Emily

HAPPY 4TH BIRTHDAY

2009-06-06T19:56:00.004-04:00

Emily celebrated her 4th birthday with Kacey, Julie, Nana Susan, Dad & Mom. The girls had fun swimming, eating hotdogs, bday cake and lots of candy from the horse pinata. Emily had a great day

Kacey gave Emily a very special birthday card that she made all by herself.

Our Vow Renewal

2009-04-27T20:50:00.001-04:00

Greg and I never had a wedding and have always talked about renewing our vows. We finally did it and it was better than we could have ever imagined. We stayed at a fantastic resort on Siesta Key Beach. Our niece, Tammy flew in to watch Emily during the ceremony. We had a wonderful and beautiful time.

Easter with Kacey

2009-04-12T19:57:00.005-04:00

Thanks Julie for inviting us to spend Easter with your family. The food was out of this world and we had a great time. As always, the girls had so much fun. They found eggs with lots of goodies, chased each other around the house, played in the swimming pool and ate like little piglets. Nana Susan & Poppa Jim gave the girls a bag of goodies and balloons and Kacey gave Emily a beautiful flower basket filled with toys and candy. It was a great day!!! Thanks Julie, Kacy, Nana Susan & Poppa Jim for including us on your Easter Day.

Happy Easter ~ Jesus is Lord!

2009-04-12T09:14:00.004-04:00

Emily has been asking for a dump truck on a daily basis. The Easter Bunny decided that he would use a dump truck instead of the traditional basket for Emily's goodies. She was very surprised and happy to wake up to a trail of tootsie rolls that led to this:

Emily's Easter Eggs

2009-04-11T22:20:00.005-04:00

Fun with Kacey

2009-03-22T21:15:00.004-04:00

Emily has been so bored not going to daycare. She loves sleeping in and loves staying with Daddy but she has been missing interaction with kids. Kacey was so sweet to invite Emily over for a playdate and to share her Nana Susan with Emily. Julie filled our tummies and the girls had a great time playing with sand, puzzles, play-doh and Nana Susan.

Riding Lessons

2009-03-11T19:24:00.003-04:00

This girl loves horses. She has been begging to ride. We found a nice little ranch close to home that gives riding lessons. This was Emily's 2nd lesson. She is really enjoying spending time with the horses. Not only is she learning to ride but she is also being taught the responsibilities that go along with owning a horse.

Beach Baby

2009-03-08T19:01:00.001-04:00

We are loving living in Florida. Emily is having so much fun staying with her Daddy everyday. The beach is one of favorite activities.

Emily & her new puppy (Buster)

2009-02-20T21:08:00.003-05:00

Emily & Santa

2008-12-15T20:24:00.001-05:00

Christmas Party 2008

2008-12-13T10:10:00.000-05:00

Santa Visits School

2008-12-12T09:48:00.001-05:00

Visit from Clint & Tannia

2008-11-01T10:34:00.004-04:00

My brother Clint & (SIL)Tannia just graduated recruiter school in South Carolina and stopped by for a visit n their way home. As always, we had fun and were busy being silly the entire time. Emily had fun playing with her Uncle Clint & Aunt Tannia and can't wait to see them again.

Annual Halloween Celebration

2008-10-26T11:05:00.004-04:00

We atended the annual Halloween party at Sonia & Hugh's lovely home. The girls had loads of fun, ate tons of candy and were on a sugar high the entire night. As usual, the kids were all adoreable and had a really good time. Thanks Kailee for the great party!

16th Anniversary

2008-10-23T06:00:00.001-04:00

Wow!!!! Today is 16 yrs with the most wonderful husband in the entire world. How can a girl get so lucky? Greg is so caring, loving and gentle. And did I mention that he is the best dad in the world? I have loved him since the very day I met him. We have been through so much together, much more than most marriages could survive. He is my one true love and I look forward to spending the rest of my life with him. I can't wait to see what the next 16 yrs has to offer.

My Baby Boy

2008-10-21T20:57:00.006-04:00

We are so very proud of Erick. He has changed so much in the last few months and has turned into such an outstanding young man. He voluntarily joined the National Guard YCP in August. His days are filled with physical training, school work and community service. He will be graduating in January and has decided to follow in our footsteps and join the military upon completion. He just hasn't committed to one branch yet. We are crossing our fingers that it will be Air Force but are proud with whatever decision he makes.
The photos are the proofs that we were sent. He's soooo cute if I do say so myself!!!!!!!

Hilton Head - Day 3

2008-10-12T18:58:00.004-04:00

The Trip Home

Hilton Head - Day 2

2008-10-11T22:17:00.000-04:00

Hilton Head - Day 1

2008-10-10T19:45:00.005-04:00

The girlie girls are in Hilton Head having a wonderful time. They had a very busy and fun first day playing at the beach for several hours. We miss you Julie & Kacey!!!!

Chloe

Cindy, Sonia & Jill

Emily & Mommy

Liza

Stephanie, Jill & Liza

Kailee, Emily, Amelia, Liza & Chloe

Cindy & Amelia

Jill & Liza

Family Day-Camp Minden

2008-09-27T20:43:00.005-04:00

I am so proud of Erick. He has been attending a National Guard Youth Challenge Program in Louisiana and he is doing great. It is a 22 week program and he has already completed his first 6 weeks. We were so excited to get to see him for Family Day and can't wait until the next one. We are so very proud of him.

Erick is 3rd from left

Emily loves her brother

Erick & Pops

Erick w/Aunt Kay & Erica

Erick & Uncle Frank

My handsome cadet

My Baby Boy

Erick & Dad

Erick & Mom

Erick & Granny

Erick w/ Ashley, Nikki & Destiny

Erick & Ashley

Emily & Zoey Play Dress-Up

2008-09-19T20:41:00.002-04:00

Fun in the Tub

2008-09-18T19:59:00.002-04:00

Fun at Moo Moo's House

2008-08-24T10:30:00.001-04:00

Emily loves her Aunt Moo Moo!! After leaving Moo Moo's house, Emily is always ready for an immediate nap.

Emily & Kailee Playdate

2008-08-03T22:14:00.000-04:00

Counting in Spanish

2008-07-28T15:49:00.005-04:00

Emily CheezN

2008-07-28T15:45:00.002-04:00

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star

2008-07-21T14:49:00.000-04:00

Emily & Helene Bear

2008-06-18T10:44:00.000-04:00

Today was Teddy Bear Day at school. The children were told to bring their favorite teddy bear to share the day with. Emily has several teddies but chose to take her favorite bear, Helene Bear. Emily was given this teddy bear by a very special person. She has slept with it almost every night since receiving it and likes to take it with her when we leave home. As you can tell from the photos, my baby is not a morning person.

Happy 3rd Birthday Emily

2008-06-06T10:35:00.001-04:00

We spent Emily's birthday at Disney World. It was sooo hot and Emily was afraid of the characters up close. So we ended up riding only four rides, buying lots of water, sweating like crazy and heading back to the hotel early. The next morning we took Emmy to the beach in Clearwater. From now on we will avoid Disney and head straight to the beach. She had a great birthday. We love you baby girl!!!!!!!

Sweet & Silly

2008-06-04T10:29:00.000-04:00

Sensational Six 2008

2008-04-28T13:01:00.007-04:00

During this years photo shoot, Emily was determined not to smile. She was not feeling very well and was not too happy about posing for photos.

Emily, Kailee, Kacey, Liza, Chloe & Amelia

Me & Emmy, Sonia & Kailee, Julie & Kacey, Jill & Liza, Stephanie & Chloe, Cindy & Amelia

Chloe, Amelia, Kacey, Emmy, Kailee & Liza

Emily Loves to Sing

2008-03-23T15:30:00.002-04:00

Happy Easter

2008-03-22T19:27:00.002-04:00

Emily does not like the Easter Bunny!!!! She told me she wanted to have her picture taken with the bunny. The closer we got to him, the more she hung on to me. She will look back and laugh at this photo one day but today it wasn't so funny.

Mommy's Girl for Today

2008-03-22T16:09:00.002-04:00

Emily is normally all about her Daddy. But today, Daddy had to work and Mommy got to spoil Emily. So for the few hours that Daddy wasn't around, Mommy rocked!

First Horse Ride

2008-03-22T15:58:00.003-04:00

Emily loves animals. She would rather watch the Animal Planet than anything else. She has always had an obcession for horses but we figured that she would be scared of them up close and personal. Not Emily~We took her to a place offering both horse and pony rides. She insisted on riding the big horse. She wasn't a bit hesitant. She continues to amaze us!!!!

Emily & Kailee Visit Yellow River Game Ranch

2008-03-16T14:35:00.004-04:00

Best Friends

2008-03-15T18:56:00.001-04:00

Praise God!!!

2008-03-13T10:28:00.005-04:00

We had a scare with Emily and had to take her to the hospital for more testing. We are so grateful to everyone that was praying for Emily. This time all the tests came back normal and even her WBC was back to normal. All the prayers worked. Praise God!!!! Hopefully she will back to her, full of energy little self, in a few more days.

2 Year Gotcha Day Anniversary

2008-02-20T13:45:00.003-05:00

We were handed our little angel two years ago today. We are so lucky to have been given this precious gift from God. We love you baby girl!!!

Happy 27th Birthday Clint!!!

2008-01-17T13:30:00.000-05:00

Me, my sister (Erica) & the baby of the family (Clint)

Santa is Scary!

2007-12-04T09:53:00.000-05:00

Emily & Kailee waiting anxiously for the Christmas parade to start!

After the parade, Emily & Kailee visited Santa, toured his house, enjoyed his Christmas lights and even got a candy cane. As soon as Emily saw Santa, she started screaming and wanted nothing to do with him. Hopefully next year she will be a little less intimidated.

2007-11-29T13:07:00.001-05:00

Sunday at Nana's

2007-09-02T19:40:00.000-04:00

Future Country Singer???

Mommy & Kenna

Emmy & Nana

Emmy & Poppa

Tammy (Moo Moo), Nana & Lori (LaLa)

Southern Girls & BBQ Ribs

2007-08-18T22:48:00.000-04:00

Our little Georgia Peaches (Kailee & Emily) enjoyed a sunny afternoon playing on Kailee's trampoline, swingset and sandbox. After hours of playing, we enjoyed Chef Hugh's BBQ Ribs. They were the best ribs ever! Thanks Sonia & Hugh for a fun and tasty afternoon.

2007-07-25T07:31:00.001-04:00

2007-07-08T18:37:00.000-04:00

Eammon & Lisa came over for spaghetti, Lisa brought a delicious peach cake for dessert. Emily and Maisie enjoyed playing with toys and in the playhouse but Maisie's favorite game was being flipped in the air by her baba. It was fun to spend the day with them. The girls had lots of fun, burned lots of energy and were ready for a nap by the afternoon.

Fun at Zoo Atlanta

2007-06-18T17:10:00.000-04:00

Emily, Garrett & Madison in the giant bird nest.

Keely, Madison, Garrett, Emily & Mom

Madison loved the Gorillas!!!!

Emily Loved the Panda.

Garrett loved the train ride.

Busy Weekend

2007-06-17T20:35:00.001-04:00

Madison, Garrett, Keely, Mom & Emily

My Mom, Keely and her children came here for the weekend. We started our adventures by going to Mellow Mushroom before making our way to the Georgia Aquarium on Friday.

Emily & her Granny

We cancelled Emily & Kailee's Birthday Party because we thought it was going to rain and a lot of people being out of town etc....... It ended up being a beautiful day that Emily & Kailee enjoyed sharing with a few of Emily's relatives.

Garrett, Madison & Emily went to Discover Mills Mall on Sunday where they bounced on trampolines, played Lunar Golf and enjoyed the play area. They had a great time and were pooped out by the time we got home. Our next adventure will be Zoo Atlanta.

Happy Birthday Baby!!!

2007-06-06T00:01:00.000-04:00

Emily is 2 today!!!! She is taking cupcakes to daycare to celebrate with her friends. Her birthday party will be shared with Kailee on the 16th. They are going to have a Dora the Explorer party with a few friends and family. Let's hope for sunshine.

Emily is growing up way too fast. She has changed so much in the past year. She is a ball of energy that doesn't sit still for a second. She isn't afraid of a thing except maybe the Easter bunny. She is very affectionate and full of laughter. She is stubborn as a mule but full of hugs and kisses. She loves to dance, jump, climb and hop like a rabbit. She keeps us on our feet 24/7. She is the most amazing and perfect little girl in the world. We love her soooo much!!!!!!!!

2 year Measurements:
weighs 26 lbs
34 3/4 inches tall.

Pictures from Memorial Day Weekend

2007-06-02T09:16:00.000-04:00

Emily anxious to meet Kailee & Amelia at Lake Allatoona.

Emily & Kailee playing at the picnic area.

Sharing watermelon after fun at the beach!!!

Our Silly Girl

2007-05-24T20:56:00.000-04:00

Emily loves to get in her toy box and throw all the toys out. She has to make room for her to climb in the box. Everyone knows it's more fun to play in the toy box instead of the playhouse. She never stops making us laugh!!

I love this commercial

2007-05-21T13:21:00.000-04:00

First Visit to the Ocean

2007-05-19T08:44:00.000-04:00

We decided to take Emily to Tybee Island for a day trip. She had never been to the ocean and we were anxious to see her reaction. She was amazed!! She didn't hesitate for a second about getting in the water. Greg took her in and she started jumping up and down and splashing. She had a great time playing and screamed when it was time to leave. She loved the water, playing in the sand, picking up shells- the girl just loves the ocean!!!! Now she keeps saying beach. I think she is ready to go again.

A Very Special Day

2007-04-29T20:18:00.000-04:00

Today Emily was dedicated to God. We are so very grateful to live in a country where we have the freedom to worship and serve God. It was a great day and we are so thankful to all the family & friends who attended. A special thank you to Nana for cooking all night long , to Jane (Lalo) for driving up from Florida, to Aunt Joanie & Joni for driving in from Nashville and to Pastor Chris Nichols for performing an awesome ceremony.

2007-04-28T22:29:00.000-04:00

Wayne Carter

4/28/47 - 1/1/99

Today would have been my dad's 60th birthday. I can't help but wonder what he would have thought about Emily. He has missed out on such much. I can't help but be angry at him sometimes. I know he had his own pain & sorrow to deal with but did he even give us a second thought. I ask myself did he even care how his children would feel without him. Did he know how deeply we would hurt? Did he know that we would relive that day forever? I love him so much and miss him more than words can describe but I am still angry, hurt, confused & sad at times. Today is just one of those days.

Emily Faith FuBo

2007-04-13T14:11:00.000-04:00

This is a video we have been working on for Emily. It is photos of her in the orphanage, in China and her first year at home. Watching it brings back so many memories. The past year has been amazing and such a blessing. We hope you enjoy the video.

Friends Forever

2007-04-09T16:34:00.000-04:00

Kailee (Emily calls her KK) & Emily all dolled up and ready to play. These girls are so cute together. They get along so well and never get tired of playing with each other. They have an amazing friendship that I am sure will last a lifetime.

HAPPY EASTER

2007-04-08T08:25:00.000-04:00

This is what Daddy found when he picked me up from daycare on Friday.

I am such a cute little bunny!!!

Counting my goodies with Lala. Thank you Lala for taking me egg hunting. I had fun and loved all the candy.

I had so much fun coloring eggs with Daddy & Mommy!!!!

Emily & Amelia go Easter egg hunting

2007-03-31T15:12:00.000-04:00

More Fun In The Sun

2007-03-25T18:59:00.000-04:00

Kailee, Emily & Amelia enjoying the sunshine!!

Fun in the Sun

2007-03-24T17:43:00.000-04:00

We bought Emily a sprinkler today. She was very hesitant to go near it at first. After about five minutes of standing in the heat and watching the water, she decided to give it a try. She ended up liking it a lot but still is a little unsure about running through it. She just stands near it and lets the water pour down. She doesn't like the water to sprinkle her face but she likes to get the water in her hands and put it on her face and head herself. Silly girl!!!

New Blog Design

2007-03-21T22:10:00.000-04:00

A BIG Thanks to Sara for blinging my blog. She took my boring blog and made it into everything I wanted it to be and then some. Check out her blog - she does great work. Thanks again Sara!!!!!!!!!!

Crazy About Elmo

2007-03-12T18:20:00.000-04:00

Emily's favorite person in the whole world is Elmo!!! I thought it would be fun to redecorate her room before we get Aubrey. So I started the process of painting a few characters on her walls. This is the very beginning stages of what is yet to come. It is going to be a fun and crazy room when I am finished. I will post photos as I get each section finished. I figure it will take a couple weeks to finish up. Emily already loves it because the first thing she sees is Elmo. You just gotta love children, they are so easily pleased.

Poor Baby

2007-02-28T17:47:00.000-05:00

Emily woke up this morning with her eye swollen shut. We didn't freak out quiet as bad this time. Just a couple of months ago this same thing happened to the other eye and we panicked and headed straight to the ER in the middle of the night.

Hopefully, she will be as good as new in 24 hrs. She went to see her doctor today and received two shots of antibiotics and is to follow up tomorrow.

Emmy's New Bikini

2007-02-26T15:07:00.000-05:00

I made the mistake of letting Miss Emily pick out her on bathing suit. She had to have the Strawbery Shortcake one. She held on to it the entire time in the buggy except when she was stuffing her face with fruit puffs that we hadn't paid for yet. I will do just about anything to keep her from screaming in the store.

Gangsta Emily

I think she likes it!!!

Emily & Kailee Play Dress Up

2007-02-24T21:45:00.000-05:00

Emily & Kailee really enjoy playing with each other. The girls are three weeks apart and get along great. Here are some photos of the two of them playing dress up with a little help from their mommies. I had to make Emily's photos black & white to hide her red eye. I think she is getting antoher eye infection. Poor baby!!!

We are ready for our picture to be taken!

Don't cry Kailee, we are almost done.

Hurry Up, Kailee doesn't want to do this anymore!!

We're outta here! Let's dress up in something more comfortable.

Happy Birthday Keely

2007-02-24T10:34:00.000-05:00

Me with my sisters (Keely & Erica) / Pikes Peak 2006

Happy 24th Birthday Keely!!

Our One Year Anniversary as A Family of Four

2007-02-20T15:53:00.000-05:00

2/20/2006

2/20/2007 wearing the same outfit.

One year ago today, Lai Fu Bo was placed in our arms for the very first time. In that very moment, our lives changed forever. This little angel has added so much love, joy & happiness to our family. She is more than we could have dreamed of and much more than we will ever deserve. She was and always will be the answer to our prayers. There couldn't have been a more perfect match. We thank God everyday for the precious gift that He has given us. We love you baby girl!!!!

Forever Our Love,

Daddy, Mommy & Erick

We witness a miracle every time a child enters into life. But those who make their journey home across time & miles, growing within the hearts of those who wait to love them, are carried on the wings of destiny and placed among us by God's very own hands.

Author Unknown

Year of the Pig Celebration

2007-02-19T09:50:00.000-05:00

Jimmy, Cindy & Amelia hosted the Year of the Pig Celebration. We had a great time and really appreciate the invite. Thanks Cindy for being a wonderful hostess!!

Emily

Amelia

Kacey

Maisie

Ansley

Chloe

Kailee

Evelyn

Amelia

Emily enjoying Amelia's toys

Kacey & Emily having fun in the ball pit.

2007-01-23T20:01:00.000-05:00

Blessings from China

2007-01-23T13:45:00.000-05:00

Just look at our girls!!! 2006 was a year of many blessings and much happiness.

bottom ( left to right): Maisie, Liza & Amelia
top (left to right): Chloe, Kacey, Emily & Kailee

Emily's Newest Friend

2006-12-31T09:54:00.000-05:00

Maisie Miao - Emily's new friend

Congrats Little Sister & Cuz

2006-12-28T20:50:00.000-05:00

A well deserved congratulations to my little sister (Erica) & cousin (Tiffany). They just graduated from the nursing program at Northwestern University, Louisiana.

Emily's First Christmas

2006-12-26T20:51:00.000-05:00

18 Month Photos

2006-12-24T20:56:00.000-05:00

Play Date with Kailee

2006-11-12T21:00:00.000-05:00

Oh So Cute!!!!

2006-11-03T19:54:00.000-05:00

Check out the newest Shanahan!!! She is so darn adorable. Congrats to Lisa & Eammon.

Maisie Miao Shanahan

Chinese name: Wan Chun Miao

DOB: 10/17/2005

She is in Chongquing, the city of Wanzhou at the Wanzhou Social Welfare Institute

Happy Halloween

2006-10-31T20:58:00.000-05:00

Daycare = Messy Baby

2006-10-31T16:42:00.000-05:00

Notice the dirt and food from head to toe? This is my messy baby after spending the day at daycare. It looks like she had a great time today.

Let's Party

2006-10-29T09:10:00.000-05:00

Emily attended her very first Halloween party.

All of her little friends were there and they were all ready to party.

Amelia, Liza (see picture below), Chloe, Kacey, Emily & Kailee

Baby Liza

Thank you Princess Kailee for hosting a fabulous party!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ERICA

2006-10-27T06:01:00.000-04:00

Just for giggles - here is a photo from Easter 1983. I am holding my brother (Clint) & sister (Erica). Erica turns 27 today. Have a great birthday little sister. I love you.

Cabbage Patch BabyLand General

2006-10-09T11:18:00.000-04:00

We took Emily to visit Cabbage Patch's BabyLand General located in Cleveland, Georgia. She really enjoyed looking at all the babies. She ran from baby to baby making sure not to miss a thing. She even enjoyed watching a cabbage patch baby being born under the cabbage tree (with the help of some imagicillan).

NEW DO

2006-10-03T16:54:00.000-04:00

Emily's bangs were overdue for a trim. Mommy got a little carried away. Poor Emily was scared and moving her head from side to side. So end result, her bangs are a little crooked but at least they are out of her eyes. She looks so toddlerish now - where has mommy's baby gone? She is growing up way too fast for Mommy & Daddy!!!

2006 CCAI Southeast Reunion

2006-09-30T15:13:00.000-04:00

Our local group picnicing together

Cindy & Amelia

Joanna & Ansley

Emily & Kailee checking out Emily's car

Emily telling Kailee that she can get a turn later

David & Keegan

Chloe & Stephanie

Emily enjoying another cookie

Sweet Kailee

Bashful Kailee

Silly Kailee

Hugh (Kailee's Proud Daddy)

Emily taking it easy

Emily's Trip to the North Georgia State Fair

2006-09-24T16:07:00.000-04:00

Emily loves to eat(everything)!!! She was enjoying some french fries on the way to the fair.

We couldn't resist letting Emily get her photo on the Giant Bull.

Emily on her way home from the fair with her new kitty.