Halloween fun - a little late on the post!

We had tons of fun on Halloween and both The Little Asian Mermaid

and Minnie Mouse (missing her ears) figured out the deal! And pretty quickly at that!

Mae would shout at the top of her lungs

"Trick and Treatin' y'all"

Yep, she used y'all all night!

Maybe that should be The Southern Little Asian Mermaid!

And while Jane Harris would have nothing to do with the "minnie ears", Mae LOVED the mermaid wig. She begged me for it one day in early October while we were shopping at Target. I was hesitant because I figured it would be "itchy" and she would not want to wear it. Well, I was soooooooooooo wrong. She is still wearing the long day-glo red wig. If I would let her she would wear it all the time. But it is sort of disturbing to turn around and see it on her so we just wear it for dress up!

Mae and our neighbor, Super-girl
The princesses.

Notice the orange frosting on Jane's mouth.

We had the neighborhood pre-trick or treat party at our house.

The girls went "trick and treatin' y'all" at our former nanny's house.

We really miss Miss Casey. She was the BEST!!!

A Halloween warm-up party held the weekend before Halloween
Grumpy Minnie Mouse
Mae and her school friends!
Mae's class
Mae and her 2 best school friends, Lucas and Sarah.

Lucas is her "boyfriend" and she loves him but she is still going to marry her daddy.

At least that is what she is telling us these days!

Tripp couldn't be any happier!

Congrats to "La-La Fabulous"

I am REALLY BEHIND on posting. One of the many reasons why is that we have been out of town every weekend for nearly 6 weeks! One of those out of town trips was to our very own "La-La Fabulous's" wedding.

"La-La Fabulous" is one of my best friends and sorority sisters from college. She is a precious and wonderful friend and I love her dearly. One thing that makes her so great is that my girls LOVE her! Mae started calling her "La-La Fabulous" and it has stuck.

Congrats and we LOVE YOU!!

"You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep

because reality is finally better than your dreams"

-- Dr Seuss

Ride'em Cowgirl!!

One of Mary Austin's classmates recently had a fabulous birthday party at a petting farm where she not only got to pet donkeys, goats and pigs but she got to ride a horse for the very first time! At first, she was not very sure about getting on "Spencer" but in the end she was very glad she did!

Friends old and new

Above is a picture of the princesses and friends at a birthday party. All of the children are either children of my very dearest friends or related to them (niece/nephew). A group of us went out to dinner last week and the next day my stomach was sore from laughing so much! We have all been friends since college and although we may be in different places in our lives we still get together as much as we can. I find this so important to do and encourage everyone to take a "girl's night out" when you can!

We have also decided to go on a "girl's only" trip to celebrate 40th birthdays. I am super excited and now we just have to decide wear to go! So far we have talked about the south of France, Italy, somewhere very lavish in the Caribbean or perhaps even Brazil. Any suggestions?

Mommy's helper

Last weekend Mae called me into my room to show me her accomplishment;

she had made our bed all by herself! We were so proud that I had to take a picture.

Many thanks to my "big girl"! I guess the next time I turn around she will be off to school! This thought makes me more than a little sad!

Sisters can be so sweet

Please vote!!!!

Jenny Bowen, Executive Director, of Half the Sky is in a contest to run with the Olympic torch. If she wins she will run along with 8 children from 8 different SWI in China. What a wonderful thing for nor only all of our Chinese daughters and sons but for those who are left behind.

Please take a moment to read the message below from her, vote and visit Half the Sky to see all the amazing things they do for our Chinese children!! Also, pass this on to everyone you know so that we can make a difference!

Thanks and with love,

Tripp, Julie, Mary Austin & Jane Harris

From Jenny:

Hello again-

Our volunteers in Wuhan had a great idea. It may be possible for some

of our Half the Sky children to carry the Olympic torch next year. I've entered a contest sponsored by the China Daily Newspaper and, if

I can get enough votes from citizens all over the world, I may be able to have that honor. If it happens, I will run with 8 children from 8 orphanages in China. Believe me, I am no runner. But I would dearly love to give the children a place at the party.

Please take a moment and vote for me right now

http://pub1.chinadaily.com.cn/olympics/torch/members.shtml?mid=212

We need a LOT of votes. Please pass this on to your friends and family.

Thanks and love,

Jenny

Jenny Bowen

Executive Director

Half the Sky Foundation

www.halfthesky.org

Half the Sky was created in order to enrich the lives and enhance the prospects for orphaned children in China. We establish and operate infant nurture and preschool programs, provide personalized learning for older children and establish loving permanent family care and guidance for children with disabilities. It is our goal to ensure that every orphaned child has a caring adult in her life and a chance at a bright future.

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