MCGINNESS MEMORIES

Christmas Day 2011

2012-01-14T19:51:00.000-08:00

Santa came to visit! We were up bright and early ready to see

what the BIG MAN delivered!

There is nothing like waking up on Christmas morning!

Santa came!

Daddy and Bell checking out the stockings

Cali, Cader, and Grandma Taylor at Pop and Boca's

Cali got an American Girl doll, Ivy!

Pop made Cade a beautiful shelf for his trophies and pictures!

Cade got his 1st drum set!

Pop, Cade, Cali, Boca, and Grandma Taylor

Cali and Ivy

Cader, Adam, and Cali Liu

Lindsay and Austin

Grandma awaiting the gifts

Bell hanging out with Cody during unwrapping

Grandpa's treasures

Enjoying a little down time

Cali listening to Grandpa's I-touch

Mom, Dad, and Troy

We celebrated Christmas with Marcie, Kyle, and Taylor on the 26th.

Cali, Cader, and Bell

Another great family Christmas...we are so happy that we get to enjoy 2 full days of family!

The day after...pajamas and fun!

Let the Celebrations Begin!

2012-01-14T12:05:00.000-08:00

We begin our Christmas celebrations with the four of us having our own family Christmas on Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve evening we attend Adam's parents (Pop & Boca) for a celebration with Boca's side. We return home to prepare for Santa's arrival then off to bed. Christmas morning we check to see what Santa delivered then we go to Pop and Boca's for breakfast and time with them. The afternoon is spent celebrating with my side of the family. Good times & good food is had by all! We feel so blessed to be able to spend the holidays with both families each year.

Our family Christmas (Christmas Eve)

Cade & Cali await their presents...

Adam and Breck taking it all in

Cali and Cade gave each other Wii dance games; what fun!

The "smallest" yet most exciting gift yet to be opened..

saving the best for last!!!

We were shocked with Cade's excitement! Cali's comment, "OMG!"

Our new addition Bell...H-A-P-P-Y!

Bell "chill'n" with Daddy!

Cali wanting to hear her new story

Little Liu with little Bell

Bell resting on Bubby

Cousins: Ryan, Cali, Anna, & Cheyanna on Christmas Eve

Trey, Caron, Grandma Taylor and Cali

Monica, Anna, and Todd

Mike, aunt Cathy and uncle Ron

Cader and Adam

Boca and Pop

Adam and Pop

Cookies are out!

(S-Santa and r-reindeer)

Ready for Santa...

Happy Holidays!

2012-01-13T22:37:00.000-08:00

What a FUN, BUSY time of the year! December was full of activities from church, school, dance, and misc. holiday preparations! The anticipation of the holidays brings about so much "busy work" and the list of
never-ending to-dos. Before we know it, the holidays are here and gone! Enjoy our great memories as we celebrate traditions and prepare for the holidays!

Cali was an Angel in the children's Christmas program.

Now she can say she really is an angel!

She was very "into" singing the songs! Our little girl loves music and performing!

Grandpa & Grandma were able to attend the performance. We had a chili supper

and special visitor to add to the excitement...

Cali's 1st pose with Santa & Mrs. Claus

Cali and her friends Caroline & Claire at her dance recital

Happy 17th Birthday, Austin! We are so proud of you!

Decorating the tree at Pop and Boca's house

Pausing for a family pic!

My eyes were filled with happy tears...Cali praying next to the nativity scene!

Cali put a bow on EVERY present!

Break time! Too cute!

Christmas in Branson with the McGinness Crew...

Pop and Boca invited us to their lodge for the weekend!

We enjoyed a Christmas show, Silver Dollar City, and RELAXING! Good times...

Cali Liu & Taylor "hanging out" at the Christmas show!

One of our favorite floats in the SDC parade!

Snapshot with my sweetie!

Cade & Cali anxiously waiting for the parade to begin!

View of SDC...

Taylor & Cader checking out the sights!

Taking a break from the SDC fun!

The BIG SDC tree (displays lights to the sounds of Christmas songs)

Back home & working away...
Day of baking/decorating cookies for Santa & making a Gingerbread house...

Putting up lights, decorations outside...

Adam & I took a road trip to pick up our "little" package for the kids this Christmas. After a 24hr. round-trip road trip, this is what we got... our little Bell...

The kids had no clue! They stayed with Grandpa and Grandma while Bell

stayed with Boca & Pop til Christmas Eve.

Topping off the holidays with a Christmas Tree pizza!

I think we are ready for the BIG man to visit!

November News...

2011-11-26T10:46:00.000-08:00

November was a month of nice weather and fun! It is amazing that we are already to the end of November, another month gone. We had a great month, lots of good times!

Yea! We put our Christmas tree up the first weekend in November, McGinness tradition!

Cade puts the Santa topper on...

Adam pauses for a pic!

My three loves...

Posing with my peeps!

Job well done!

We celebrated Lindsay's 14th birthday! Happy Birthday, Lindsay (Lou)!

Cade & Cali made puppets and put on a show!

Mom's little helpers making Apple Crisp!

We used a favorite tool of theirs, apple peeler...

Check out my new outfit! Looks like a return to Flashdance!

Middle, high school youth went on a can drive around Platte City.

This was our crew we took around town! Cade is second from left.

Youth members fill their time (Farkle) as they wait for the Rock & Worship Concert

at Sprint Center! Adam and I went as well. What an awesome experience!

Adam even stayed for the lock-in...all-nighter! What a trooper!

Cali made her list to Santa!

This is so precious to me. Cali sounded out each item on her list..Makes me proud!

Can't believe she is old enough to do a list on her own!

Cali putting kisses in the Advent Countdown! The kids have been ready

to start this for about a month now!

Christmas in Platte City Celebration

Beautiful night to kick-off the holidays!

Cade & Cali watch the reindeer on display..Dasher & Rudolph

Cali was excited to see the Snow Princess!

We saw Cali's friend from Tammy's, Olivia!

Pop & Boca fixed up Adam's 4-wheeler!

Cade is in heaven...

Cade helps grandpa transport Christmas boxes from the shop...

Helping decorate grandma & grandpa's house is a tradition each year.

Decorations galore! We even had Lindsay's help!

Day of decorating=Christmas ready!

"The Elf on the Shelf" is ours!

We got ourselves a "girl" elf! Ready to go home, name her,

and have her report to Santa each night.

Cool night at Zona Rosa with Elf in tote!

Zona Rosa's beautiful tree lit in the center square of the shopping area.

I read the story, tradition to the kids. The kids named her "Peppermint".

With Cali's assistance, Cade places "Peppermint" in a special spot.

We are so excited to start this new family tradition!

As you can imagine, Cali is super-excited and Cade is going-with-the-flow! He is such a trooper!

October, Oh My!

2011-11-20T12:46:00.000-08:00

October brings us to a month full of celebrations...Cade's 12 birthday, cheerleading clinic, Branson Fall Fest, and Halloween! What a "spook-tacular" month it was!

Our young man is 12 years old! What a handsome dude!

You are such a blessing, Cader! WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!

You bring everyone you know love, friendship, and happiness!

Cade & Cali pose with Cader's birthday treasures!

Cader practicing his new mirimba! It plays such a beautiful sound!

We love to hear him practice!

Forever buddies...

Noah & Cade celebrate 12th birthday together...Birthday Bash!

Night of fun...AirSoft Wars, football, trampoline, campfire, lots of food & stories!

Parker, Devin, Miles, and Noah loving the campfire!

Cali performed prior to high school football game...Cheerleading performance!

Lily, Cali, Olivia, Meredith and Caroline pose after performance!

We're so proud of you, Cali!

Ready to go to Cheerleading Camp...

Right up front..strutt'n her stuff!

Fall Fest at Silver Dollar City

Breaking while mom shops!

Watching a Waterlogging contest...

Merry-Go-Round is for me!

Cali's favorite ride, High Swings!

Watching Waterlogging from a distance.

Cade and Pop find the best seat...on a fence!

Daddy, I need to be higher so I can see! That girl has needs to be met!

Smiling BIG at the Christmas Store!

Our little DOROTHY....notice the pose!

Halloween stops...

Pop, Cali, Taylor, and Boca

Bubby's missing..out with buddies!

Grandpa, Cali, and Grandma...

Tammy's last stop...Cali wasn't feeling great!

She got plenty of candy just from three stops!

Halloween School Party

Super September!!!!!

2011-11-20T11:23:00.000-08:00

September was a month full of schedules: school, baseball, dance, drums/guitar lessons, Homecoming, our 20 year Class Reunion and so much more! It amazes me each month just flies by... Good times!

Adam and I are ready to spend time with classmates and reminensce...20 year reunion!

Cali's smile says it all...more than ready for dance!!!

Cali started her first real scheduled activity, tap and ballet! SHE LOVES IT! She smiles from beginning to end! We will have her first recital in December, can't wait! She is such a performer!

Oh yeah, I love dance and dance loves me!

Homecoming Parade...Adam was a trooper! He rode on Cali's Dance float!

Caroline (Cali's longtime buddy from Tammy's), Cali and Adam strike a pose!

We did it, Daddy!

Cade walked in the parade with the Middle School Ambassadors...

Cade is in the black shirt, middle.

Middle School Tailgate Party...

Noah, Devin, Miles, Cader, and Parker hav'n a good 'ol time!

Austin with Homecoming sweetie, Miranda!

Austin was asked to Platte City's Homecoming.

What a CUTE couple! I love their smiles!

An Awesome August!!!!!!!!

2011-11-05T08:43:00.000-07:00

August was a month of getting back into schedules and routines! Summers are busy but in a different way! It's all about summer baseball, pools, guitar/drum lessons, Branson, trips, and entertainment. We have a different kind of schedule but it is SO MUCH FUN! Once August comes around, we are back into a school schedule, daily routines, work for me, and what we call our "normal" schedule. It's all good!!!!!!!!

Cali and I enjoy dancing at a wedding of a co-worker!

Go, girl!

Weddings are so much fun!

Cali stops for a pic with her KINDERGARTEN teacher, Mrs. Moses!

Mrs. Moses is an amazing teacher! So much fun! I call her an adult-sized Cali, very enthusiastic, entertaining, high energy, sings all day long. with high expectations!!! We couldn't ask for more...We are SO happy!

Breck and Kodi love their time outside!

Breck is 10 and Kodi 14...

Cali learns how to swim!

Miss Jordan teaches Cali all the skills needed for swimming!

Posing before seeing Cali's favorite musical, Mama Mia!

All smiles with Daddy for Mama Mia!

Boca joined us...

Cali performs for her Barbies!

Daddy and Cade on Cade's 1st day of MIDDLE school

My little guy is growing TOO fast!

Our 6th grader, Mr. Cade!

Cali Liu is more than ready for KINDERGARTEN!

I think she is excited!!!!!!

Bubby and Liu after their 1st day of school is done!

Noah, Miles, and Cade enjoying middle school events

Cader, Parker, and Noah take in a T-Bones game!

Cali is "lov'n" the game as she breaks for a pose with Sizzler!

Pam, Cali, and Abby laughing and hav'n a great time at the ballgame!

What a fun month it was!

Happy Anniversary!!!

2011-11-05T08:21:00.000-07:00

Adam and I celebrated our 15th year anniversary (August 10th) with a nice dinner out and going to the Sugarland/Sara Bareilles concert at Sprint Center. It was a WONDERFUL night spending quality time together! Adam, you mean the world to me! I look forward to our future and all that life brings us!
FAITH, HOPE, & LOVE!!!!

This is a verse from the bible that I LOVE: Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12 (Advantages of Companship)

I LOVE YOU, Adam!!!!!!!!

Amazing Alaska x2!

2011-08-04T18:44:00.000-07:00

Adam took his 2nd trip to Alaska! However, this time around he took his Dad with him on an AMAZING 13 day tour of the amazing land which Adam refers to as "God's country"! We missed him so, so much but it was a once-in-a-lifetime trip for he and his dad. I am so happy that they were able to spend time learning about Alaska's history, the land itself, and enjoying time together, father and son. After 13 days away, we are SO HAPPY to have Adam back home!

Back to Branson!

2011-08-02T13:19:00.000-07:00

While Adam and Mike traveled to Alaska, the kids and I loaded up the van, took a couple of Cade's friends, and went to the lodge at Branson with Cheryl/Boca and Marcie's family! The girls had a great time away mostly relaxing, going to Silver Dollar City (SDC), and spending time at the pool. The boys, on the otherhand, went canoeing, fishing, swimming, crawdad hunting, had airsoft wars, to the waterslide, enjoyed SDC, and all the things guys can do! Many thanks went to Kyle, Marcie's husband, for entertaining the boys. Not sure who had more fun, the boys or Kyle. What a great time for all!!!!!!!!

Cali and Taylor enjoying their bath

Boca and the girls at the Butterfly Palace!

This picture just makes me laugh!

Do you think she can see the butterflies?

Fun at the pool!

Wiped out after a day of canoeing!

Fishing at the lake

We love the ladybugs!

Yummy, Raspberry Tea!

Taking a break...

The three amigos... Parker, Devin, and Cade

Cali, Cader, and Parker watching Devin on a ride!

WE LOVE BRANSON!!!!!

Entertaining on the steps...

Singing and dancing for all!

What a trio!

Love this pic!

Wall Challenge..

Taylor and Momma Marcie

Building the biggest castle EVER!

Even big boys like the swings!

Loving the infamous waterslide!

Sampling crawdads!

Parker sucking the "best" part (the head)!

Sampling...Cader would rather catch than eat!

Boca's first time taste-test!

Fun with friends!

Resting after a big day!

End of Baseball Season!

2011-07-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

The Pirates Spring/Summer season is over! It has been the best season yet! We have the best group of boys and families! The boys and families alike enjoy our baseball games, tournaments, and just being together. It is hard to see the season end. Cade received a "Cy Young Pitcher of the Year" award from the coach. It was quite a compliment to Cader and us! We are always so proud of him but when others notice it too, it means just that much more. Cade has really developed a love for the game! He has chosen to play fall ball this fall season. Let's hope for another great season!

Coach Kevin and his wife Diane invited all families over for an end-of-the-season pool party! A great time was had by all!

Coach Kevin, Cade, and Coach Brad...teammates looking on.

We are so proud of you, Cader!

Presenting Coach Kevin and Diane (our valued scorekeeper) a gift for their time and effforts to our boys!
Special thanks goes to all coaches!

Cali's favorite spot in the pool!

Cade pitching the final game!

Cade getting ready to steal a base..

Face of determination...

Hit it, Bubby!

Branson Fun!

2011-07-15T08:39:00.000-07:00

We headed to Branson for a few days for Adam to do some business and have some time away as well. Our days and nights were full but so much fun! We went to 2 shows, Silver Dollar City, and Branson Landing. We made time for the pool, cooked out, and enjoyed Pop and Boca's lodge. Thanks to Pop and Boca for giving us the opportunity to stay at their lodge. Cade brought a friend (Noah) with him to add to the fun!

Cade, Cali and Noah enjoying an icee in the heat!

The bathing beauty is ready to swim!

The Hughes Brothers show- The WHOLE family performs...

Adam is working with them on a "Cruise with the Hughes" performance cruise.

Carousal at Silver Dollar City (SDC)- all smiles!

Cali LOVED the Shoji show! All smiles!

Posing with Santa at the Christmas store @ SDC.

Check out that smile!

Cali's princess-like pose... need I say more?

Eating at a favorite pizza place in Branson- Pizza by the Chef

Resting after a long day at SDC

YUMMY, PIZZA!

So sweet!

The boys were amazed by a pool table in the bathroom at the Shoji show!

Pool time!

Ice cream after the show! YEA!

Celebrating the 4th!

2011-07-15T07:52:00.000-07:00

We go to Mike and Cheryl's (Pop and Boca's) every 4th of July for an annual celebration with food, fireworks and fun! It was a great turnout this year! I captured some moments of fun on the 4th!
We ended our evening with ice cream and watching the Platte City Fireworks display on the school campus!

Cali and Cade enjoying fireworks at home

Cali loved dancing in the smoke!

Cade is our little pyromaniac!

Daddy & Cali preparing for Cade's next display!

Ryan, Todd, and Anna watching fireworks!

Trey and Cheyanna putting on their own show!

Cade, Adam, and Pop stopping for a pic!

Adam and Cali enjoying the 4th!

Taylor and Kyle enjoying their fireworks!

Taylor and Cali held hands the whole time!

Fun for all!

My little man, Cader!

Taking a break from the heat!

Aunt Glenda, Great-Grandma Taylor, Marcie, Geri, and Boca

watching fireworks from a distance.

Cali eating a cherry and singing Katy Perry's song "Firework" at the Platte City Display!

Catching up!

2011-07-05T08:13:00.000-07:00

WOW! We have a lot of catching up to do! With the end of a school year, summer school, and all of Cader's activities, we have been busier than ever! Cali and I are officially Cade's taxi service this summer! Each day is full with multiple activities between baseball, guitar, drums, golf, hitting instruction, running him to friend's homes, and fishing/frog gigging with his uncle Kyle. In the summer we never have a schedule to follow. That's the beauty of summer! However, this summer has been an exception. These days I have to look at my daily schedule. I wouldn't change it for the world! Take a look at our lives in May and June!

Eleemosonary Ball

Adult night of good times, good food, and even some dancing with my hubby!

What a fun night it was!!!

Cade's big Catfish! He caught two this size!

Uncle Kyle and Cade showing off their Catfish!

Cali loves to swing!

Daddy, Cali and Cader having a swing'n good time!

Ice cream after Cade's 5th grade concert

Cali and Mommy on our LAST day of preschool

Our little preschool princess...

"Tammy Days" are over. WE LOVE YOU, Tammy!
Thanks for 10+ GREAT years!!!

Cali helping plant flowers

Washing the BIG V takes teamwork!

Cader getting ready for golf!

Loving the slip-n-slide!

Breck and Cali are buddies!

Oh yeah, this is yummy!!!

Cade, Devin, and Parker...Baseball buds and great friends!

Sizzler Championship

Cade's "pitcher-perfect"

Cade and Noah looking on...

Cade and Parker

Sizzler Tournament- Champions!

So proud of the boys- Attitude & Effort

EASTER 2011

2011-04-25T09:54:00.000-07:00

Our Easter celebrations started with Tammy's Annual Easter Egg Hunt! The weather wasn't the greatest but we were able to have the hunt and feast! It is always fun to chat with other families. Some families we only see at the annual hunt due to different pick-up times. This was Cali's LAST Easter hunt at Tammy's. It was bittersweet! With her going to kindergarten next year, she will no longer attend Tammy's. That's for another blog entry! Enjoy the pics!

What a great Easter we had! We started our day waking up to the goodies the Easter bunny had left! After our Easter fun at home we headed church for a FABULOUS service then to Pop and Boca's for an Easter lunch and hunt! After that, off to Grandpa and Grandma's for dinner and a hunt! WOW! We had a FULL day! It is such a blessing that we are able to spend our holidays with both families! We are blessed! The weather turned out beautiful so we were also able to spend time outside! God is good!

Cali and Daddy waiting for the hunt to begin!

Excited for the hunt!

Let's go get some candy!

Fun with the Easter Bunny!

Cali posing as we decorate for Easter

Coloring Easter Eggs

Two of a kind

Easter fun!

Check out our favorite eggs!

The finished product!

Happy Easter to me!

On the hunt...

Check'n out my eggs!

It's fun to see how they organize their goodies...

Love to see the pattern (AB pattern as Cali says, teacher in me)

Pirate Bunny

Easter beauty (Taylor and Cali Liu)

Cader and Uncle Kyle playing some basketball

Gator Girls!

Love my daddy

Pop & the girls riding up & down the driveway @ 25 times...

Cade enjoying the swing with his own style of swinging!

Fun on the tire swing...

McGinness Crew

Chill'n with Austin and Lindsay

Daddy helping Cali get some eggs up high

Cader found an egg!

On the search...

The Johnson crew... Lindsay & Austin

THE BIG 5!!!

2011-04-25T08:53:00.000-07:00

We just can't believe that Cali is the BIG 5! It just seems like she came home to us as a baby and now she is already 5 years old! Where do the years go? Our little girl is definitely changing in so many ways! She is growing taller yet so petite BUT has a big mind! Some of Cali's favorite things are dressing up, dancing, singing, hanging out with Bubby, loving Lucy (lamb), arts/crafts, using her imagination, and reading books! She is such a joy to us! She brightens our days and makes us laugh! She is just perfect for us! We even love her little attitude! She is a spicy one! We thank God every day for placing her in our lives!

Cali at 1 year...

Cali making a special entrance for her birthday party!

My buddies!

Cali showing off her Rapunzel dress (party dress)

Decorating cupcakes! She wanted to do cupcakes instead of a cake!

That's Cali Liu!

Yea! I got the movie, "Tangled!"

Taylor, Bubby, and me!

I like GREEN!

A new dress-up chest!!!!!!

Amazing April!

2011-04-06T19:47:00.000-07:00

We are off to a great start in April with baseball, birthdays, and much more!

Cade ready for his 1st game of the season! GO PIRATES!

Happy Birthday to Grandma! 67 years and counting...

Make your wish, Grandma!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CALI LIU!!! The BIG 5!!!

It was a day full of preschool (chocolate donuts), Tammy's (ice cream),

and Bubby's baseball (Frosty afterwards)! Lots of yummy treats!

We'll be partying over the weekend, Cali style!

Cali's birthday crown from preschool!

Cali smiling from ear to ear after Cader's baseball game. She heard "Happy Birthday" from many!

Cade's team after their win! Cade had a great game of pitching and hitting!

Cade with his buddy Devin!

Good job, Bubby! Let's go get ice cream from Wendy's (for my BIRTHDAY)!

Oh yeah! This is what I call a birthday treat!

Cade with his tasty treat!

Cali's birthday ended with Cade's special HAPPY BIRTHDAY song on guitar!

I LOVE Cali's smile in this picture! Happy Birthday, little Liu! We are so proud of you!

You have blessed us in so many ways! We hope you continue to be yourself and love life!

March Madness!

2011-04-06T19:16:00.000-07:00

March was such a FULL month! It went in like a lamb and out like a lion! Each month is getting busier and busier! I have selected many pics of things we've done throughout the month of March! What a great month!

Writer's Night @ Paxton... SO PROUD of Cade's writing skills!

Need I explain? Cali LOVES to read and wear her glasses (fake)!

Presenting Cali Liu... Gotta love the outfit!

Another lovely outfit...

What Cali calls her TEENAGE outfit!

Changing her earrings for the 1st time..

See my new earrings! They are butterflies that Bubby gave me!

Best buddies!!!

Packing for a trip to Cabo with Pop and Boca! Notice that BIG smile!

Love my little man! Trying to get all the XO's that I could before he left for a week!

Cade reading "Silverlicious" to little Liu!

Let's make Grandpa some Peanut Butter cookies!

I am all dressed up for cooking!

Special birthday card from Cali! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Grandpa!

Make a wish, Grandpa! 67 years and counting... one candle will do!

Computer time with Daddy, the best!

Cali all smiles before surgery...

Not a worry on her mind! Last time with all four teeth on top!

Even Lucy went into surgery with her! Lucy is always at her side!

Certificate for Tooth Fairy to explain the missing teeth...

Cade told her she "should" get at least $2 per tooth! Thanks, Cade!

Trip to Grandma and Grandpa's...

Cali's request: Grandpa's FAMOUS milkshake!

Off to Branson for a few days... while Bubby was in Cabo with Pop and Boca! We spent time at Silver Dollar City, Hughes Brothers show, Neal McCoy show and down time at Pop & Boca's lodge!

We were there for some family time and business meetings for Adam.

Lov'n Branson...

Riding the Merry-Go-Round with Daddy...

Have you ever seen a Chinese Leprechaun? She is a proud one!

Cali is quite the photographer! I love you, Adam!

We had fun but sure missed Bubby!

Good times at "The City"!

Daddy and his princess!

Cali asked us to take this picture! She loves to pose!

Cali LOVES the rides! BIG rides are the best in her eyes!

She has her size going against her.. They measure her every time!

Backstage with Neal McCoy! What a NICE GUY!!! He put on a GREAT show!

Bubby's HOME! Notice the tanned face! LUCKY!

Off to a wedding reception...

What a fun night! Love our time together!

Cali's Valentine's Day Box

2011-04-06T18:07:00.000-07:00

I love ladybugs!

Check it out! Ladybug LOVE!

Celebrating the Chinese New Year

2011-02-25T07:05:00.000-08:00

What a special time of the year it is for us! The Chinese New Year is something that we love to celebrate! We have learned so much about the Chinese culture and enjoy sharing this special time of the year with Cali Liu! Prior to the new year, we decorated our house with lanterns, decorated a very special tree with Chinese ornaments that a past student of mine painted, baked "fortune" cookies, read lots of books about the CNY, and put up Cali's Kai-Lan tent! Sounds like a fun time, huh? On the first day of the new year (it lasts 2 weeks), we went out for Chinese and Cali received a red envelope with a real dollar (Chinese tradition). She thought she was rich! We also attended a Chinese NY celebration in Kansas City. The fun began prior to the new year but the memories we made will last a lifetime! Thanks to little Liu, we celebrate her heritage and learn more about another culture. It's all good!

Time to decorate!

Celebrating with Kai-Lan
Cader is such a good sport!

A VERY special CNY tree!

I love my homeys!

Yummy Chinese!

Check out our "fortune" cookies on our special red plate!

Look what I got!

I thought this was SO cool- a heart-shaped piece of chicken

at the Chinese restaurant!

Performer at CNY celebration

Cali LOVED watching the performances!

Performer

Performers getting trophies (I loved the little ones most!)

The little girl in yellow brought tears to my eyes! She

reminded me of my little Liu!

What a fun event!

We love you, Cali Liu!

Check out the mask I made!

Cali's name in Chinese! You're our special girl, Cali!

GOTCHA DAY #4!!!

2011-01-30T14:36:00.000-08:00

Jan. 29th was Cali's 4th GOTCHA DAY!!! This is the special day when the Chinese people placed Cali in our arms forever!!! We will never forget that day!!! Lots of happy tears were shed! Each year we celebrate with something special! This year Cali wanted to get her ears pierced and go to Bo Lings, Chinese restaurant! Her final request was to watch Secretariat and have Red Velvet cake. We had such a fun day! Cali, you have added so much "spice" to our family! Thank you for always being yourself and making our lives brighter! You'll forever be our little LIU!

LOTS of HAPPY TEARS!!!

We have our little girl!!!

Sleeping peacefully... within 20 min. of being placed in my arms!

Back at the hotel getting-to-know each other!

4 years later, she's a BIG girl!

Cali, the brave!

"Oh yeah, I like!"

"These are my piercing friends!"

Chinese at Bo Lings!

The boys

The girls

"I am so proud of myself!"

Check me out!

Cali 4 years later in her GOTCHA DAY outfit! My she's grown!

Forever buddies...so glad we "gotcha" both!

FOUR blessed years!

A special day...WE LOVE YOU, CALI LIU!

38 is Great!

2011-01-30T14:02:00.000-08:00

For my birthday I got the greatest gift, a SNOW DAY, which means a day at home with the kids and pjs all day!!!! What a beautiful sight it was! The kids and I spent time outside in the snow! Cade and Cali made me "breakfast for dinner". Cader played Happy Birthday to me on the guitar while Cali played her own version on her xylophone! It was the PERFECT birthday! You sure know how to make me feel special!

What a beautiful sight to see, especially on my birthday! SNOW DAY!

Happy Birthday to me!

I am blessed, pride and joy!

Sledding fun!

Best buddies!

If you fall off the sled, you might as well make a snow angel!

Our little old man, Kodi (almost 14)! He still loves the snow!

Let's play a game on the computer, Daddy!

Making my special birthday dinner!

Professional Flipper

singing Happy Birthday in their own way

Adam's Birthday/Snow Day/Sickness...

2011-01-11T09:52:00.000-08:00

The McGinness household has been very busy! We celebrated January birthdays with Adam's parents on Adam's birthday, January 9th! Marcie's birthday is coming up on the 12th and mine the 20th! It's nice to have one big celebration for all of us.

We celebrated Adam's 38th birthday on Sunday, January 9th! It was a special day for him! It's amazing to think that Adam and I have celebrated 20 years of birthdays together! Where does the time go? I love you Adam! You are a VERY special person in so many ways!

The best part of Adam's birthday was when Cade played Happy Birthday for him on his guitar! It was a complete surprise for Adam and definitely brought tears to everyone's eyes! The look on Adam's face was priceless when Cade started playing the song. What a great memory! We are so proud of Cader's hard work!

The past two days we've had snow days! I will never complain of a snow day! I have no desire to be out in the bad weather! I still get the excitement (as I remember as a child) when the phone rings, tv displays our district, and now when I receive a text. To me, it is special time for me to put other things aside and spend quality time with the kiddos! However, these past 2 days haven't been what they usually are. Cali came down with a fever and cough Sunday night. It has been great that I have been able to be with her and not worry about work. Cade, on the other hand, went sledding with uncle Kyle and cousin Taylor at a Platte City favorite place! Cali is better today! I hope to make some cookies with the kiddos!

Cali made Adam his favorite cake for his birthday- Angel food cake with pink icing!

She was so proud of her baking ability!

January birthday celebration at Mike/Cheryl's (Pop and Boca's)!

Cali Liu, BIRTHDAY BOY, and Taylor

Pop, BIRTHDAY BOY, and Cader

Cali Liu and Cader are so proud of the birthday cards they made Daddy!

The McGinness Crew

I love my Homeys!!!

Cade playing HAPPY BIRTHDAY for Adam! Lots of happy tears...

"Check out the card I made you, Daddy!"

Cade sporting his sledding gear! What a cool dude!

Nothing says "Snow Day" like hot chocolate!

Sick little Liu watching Bubby leave for sledding...

Playing a game of Picutreka as a family! What a fun, new game we've discovered!

Daddy's specialty- making popcorn the good 'ol fashion way!

Notice his helper, little Liu!!!

Making sure there are few kernels...and lots of butter! Mmm! Tasty!

End of 2010/Happy New Year!!!

2011-01-02T17:26:00.000-08:00

What great after-Christmas activities and New Year's fun! Our week was full of so much fun! We spent most of our days at home then our nights were full! The week went by so fast as it usually does. We had guitar lessons, soccer for Cader (4 games) including a soccer game on the professional Comets soccer field which was so cool! Cali had a playdate with her little Chinese friend, Bella. We made a Build-a-Bear bear that Cali received as a gift. The weather was even nice enough for the kids to be outside. We ended our break with Cader having some buddies over to bring in the new year (after a New Year's Eve soccer game)!
Our family wishes you the very best in 2011!

Cali making her bear! What a neat gift!!!

Giving a "forever" kiss to my bear's heart!

"My bear is my best friend and it's name is Christmas!"

Cali's buddy, Bella!

Cade's team playing at the soccer dome prior to Comet's game!

Parker, Cader, and Gavin taking in the Comet's game!

Cade and Cali made arrows for daddy coming down the driveway...

This is what Adam saw as he pulled in... SO SWEET and their own idea!

Cade and Cali enjoying time outside! We love our cul-de-sac!

Cali dressing her part as she plays a role in the movie Mama Mia!

Parker, Cade, and Noah playing games at dinner!

Bring out the "kids" wine (grape juice) for the new year!

The countdown...

Happy New Year!!!

Adam and little Liu celebrating... Nice hat, Cali!

Let's celebrate a new year! May you be blessed in 2011!

(Cali's quite the photographer!)

Christmas Celebrations!

2010-12-27T09:58:00.000-08:00

Our family traditions are... Christmas Eve open family gifts (just the 4 of us), Christmas Eve night we celebrate with the Taylor side (Cheryl's side), Christmas morning Santa arrives, breakfast at Pop and Boca's, lunch at Grandpa and Grandma's house. It is 2 full days of celebrating with our family! I just wish the days were longer. The time flies by and in the blink of an eye it is all over! What a special time of the year!

Chef Adam as he makes his granola for the gift exchange!

Perfect sight to see on Christmas Eve!

The completed project- They were YUMMY!

Glenda, Grandma Taylor, and Audrey

Cali and Taylor were amazed with Kelly's baby belly! They asked lots of questions!

Still questioning Kelly... Now an audience!

Cheyanna, Ryan, and Anna downstairs

Trey and Emily visiting

Cade and Joel playing a game of pool, one of many games!

Audrey and Joel's 1st Christmas!

Uncle Ron and Cathy, Pop, Monica, Todd and Ryan

Caron and Boca

Miss Taylor and little Liu!

Marcie, Kelly, and Liu

Soon-to-be daddy Vance, and Adam

Christmas Eve- Family

Oh yeah!!! Bring on the dance moves!

Daddy and his little girl!

My favorite movie, MAMA MIA!

Check me out!

Get your groove on...

Just dance...Move it!!

Oh yeah!

Cookies for Santa!

Food for the reindeer...

Santa came!!!!!!!!

Christmas morning...

Always time for snuggles...

Cali's words, "GO PIRATES!"

Big surprise for Cader from Pop and Boca!

What a pair!

Kyle, Marcie and Taylor

We love our Grandma Taylor!

Cody in angelic mode.. We don't see it that often!

Lindsay's not little anymore

Cade's new set of wheels!

Big smiles from Cali and Grandma!

Love you, Dad and Mom!

Dad and Austin playing Austin's new Chess game! Austin is teaching Grandpa...

Two very special guys in my life!

Another year and Christmas is over! THANKS to all of you for making this year so special! Each of you hold a special place in our hearts! Our family is stronger because of the love and support you give us! WE LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!

Tammy's Christmas Party

2010-12-27T08:52:00.000-08:00

We love each and every celebration that we have throughout the holidays!

We always start each Christmas with Tammy's annual Christmas party at her house. She is amazing as you have heard me say before. Her party consists of a children's gift exchange, a feast of food, family invitation and good times/laughs. This year was bittersweet! It is our last Christmas party at Tammy's. We have celebrated Christmas with her for 10 years! Cali will not be there next year b.c she'll be in kindergarten. The tears were in my eyes as we enjoyed the celebration!

Ms. Brooke, Cali Liu, and Tammy

Grandma Janet (Tammy's mom) and Cali Liu

Cali and Bubby showing off her kitty pillow that she received from Tammy

Most of Ms. Tammy and Ms. Brooke's crew!

Cutest little Rudolph ever!

The whole gang!

Waiting patiently for the gift exchange to begin!

Cade and Cali sitting with some of the big kids, Bailey and Paige

Cali LOVES her new kitty!

My Favorite Time of the Year- Christmas!!!

2010-12-27T08:26:00.000-08:00

To me, Christmas is the best time of the year! Through the years, my parents did such a great job showing me that Christmas means spending time with family, showing others you care, making time for each other and spending quality time as a family. It wasn't about the gifts under the tree but togetherness!

Making cookies/treats, decorating the house with decorations galore, and making sure every branch on the tree had an ornament no matter what the condition of it was b.c it had a memory.

My favorite Christmas' were the ones where we made things for each other. Another favorite was the year Troy and I each received our very own puppy (mine was Candy/Troy's was Clyde) and a pair of skates. That was it! It wasn't the amount of gifts but the meaning behind each gift that mattered.

Ever since Adam and I have been married, we have tried to continue traditions of both of our families and to make our own family traditions.

What a beautiful sight!

Little Miss Personality!!! She actually made Santa's nice list this year! We were a bit worried!

They are the best of buddies!!!

HAPPINESS!

My homeys!!! I love each of you with all my heart!

Our family tradition- PJs, hot chocolate and cruis'n around Platte City to check out neighborhood lights!

QT has the BEST hot chocolate! Now we're ready for the lights!

Cali chose a QT slush this year! It was in the teens, brrr! That's our girl! Loves to be different!

Acting silly while making our sugar cookies! Daddy kept us laughing the whole time!

Cader and Cali's hands- PRECIOUS!!!!!!!!

Love my kiddos!

Those little hands are God's gift!

Cade's 5th Grade Concert

2010-12-27T07:57:00.000-08:00

It's amazing to think that Cade is in 5th grade and soon to be in middle school! It's bittersweet! I thought we needed to make sure we captured just how handsome he looks when he does dress up! Cader we are so proud of you! You amaze us daily with your kindness, gentleness, and calmness! Notice how Cali insisted on being in the pic! Gotta love little Liu!

I LOVE this pic!

WE ARE THANKFUL!!!

2010-12-27T07:43:00.000-08:00

When I think of November, I think of what I am thankful for... GOD
                                                                                              FAMILY
                                                                                              FRIENDS
                                                                                              HEALTH
                                                                                              HAPPINESS
                                                                                              LOVE
WOW! God is amazing! He works within us in ways we didn't know were possible!

We were so fortunate to spend Thanksgiving with our family! We had a lunch with Pop/Boca (Mike/Cheryl) and dinner with Grandpa/Grandma (my dad/mom). We feel so blessed to be able to see both families on holidays. It was so nice to be with the ones we love!

Bubby and Cali Liu

Boca, Cade, Cali and Pop enjoying their new sun room!

Daddy and Cali hanging out at Grandpa/Grandma's

McGinness Crew!!!

Lindsay, Cali, Austin, G.pa, G.ma, Cader, and Cody (What a crew!)

Grandma Taylor, Joel and Audrey

Pure Happiness!

Geri, Boca (Cheryl), and Glenda

In love with the ALLURE!

2010-12-27T07:27:00.000-08:00

This month, thanks to Cruise Holidays, Adam and I were able to head to Ft. Lauderdale and take a trip on the biggest cruise ship in the world, Allure of the Seas! It was my 1st cruise and it was AMAZING! We were able to enjoy the sights and entertainment of Ft. Lauderdale prior to boarding the ship! Thanks Adam for making it a special time!

Yes, this is it! We stayed on the 7th floor with an ocean side deck view! Pure JOY!

Up on the top deck as we deported Ft. Lauderdale

Enjoying time together!

Captain Adam

It was like a city on the sea!!!!!

Taken just after a parade on the promenade (notice the Chinese dragon)!

Relaxing at Central Park

Looks like a lifeguard again!

I can't get enough of this ship! It's a beauty!

We hope to return with the kids soon!!! What a fun time!
THANKS for the memories, Adam!

What a "Spook-tacular" time!

2010-12-27T06:36:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween to all! Cali is the cutest witch ever! She called herself a PIRATE WITCH (note the orange and black). Cade is getting to the age where he just dug through his costumes of the past and found a little of this and that to make a great costume! Thanks for joining in on the funny, Cader!

Adam attended a Chamber Halloween gathering! He makes a great cowboy!

October Happenings

2010-10-22T09:07:00.000-07:00

WOW! October has been such a BUSY month! We want to show you all the fun things we have been doing throughout the month! Cali went to her 1st Cheerleading Clinic! You have to look closely to see her in some pics! Her ponytails helped spot her in the midst of the crowd. What a fun event for Cali Liu!

Cade turned 11 years old on October 6th! He amazes us each day! He is such a great little guy! He makes us proud! This year he celebrated his party with one of his best buddies, Noah, who turned 11 on October 5th! We had a "party divided", KU (Noah's team) and MU (Cade's team). It was hard letting the KU decor into our home! We had a great group of boys over for a party! I hate to admit it but there were more KU fans than MU! They even "tried" to coax Cali into turning into a jayhawk, ugh!

Platte County celebrated Pirate Homecoming. I have pics of Cade and some buddies! Of course, little Liu jumped in some pics too! She loves her Bubby and his friends!

Adam and the kids moved our firepit closer to the house! It is perfect for us to enjoy small fires and smores! Cade and his buddies enjoyed a campfire for his birthday!

Last weekend we went to Pumpkins Etc., our favorite pumpkin patch! The kids enjoyed the maze, jumping the hay, searching for kittens to hold, and picking pumpkins! What a fun time for the whole family! We will add pics soon!

HAPPY GRANDPARENTS DAY!!!!!!!!

2010-09-12T13:39:00.000-07:00

Today is Grandparents Day! We are so blessed to have the BEST grandparents in the world! THANKS TO Grandma Taylor, Grandpa/Grandma and Pop/Boca for providing us and the kids with so much LOVE and SUPPORT! WE LOVE YOU!

Pop and Boca's New Condo in Branson!

2010-09-12T13:23:00.000-07:00

Pop and Boca sold their condo in Breckenridge, Colorado and purchased a new one in Branson! It is more like a lodge! It is just outside of Branson with beautiful rolling hills, lake, and all the amenities you can imagine! We went over Labor Day weekend with Pop, Boca, Marcie, Kyle, Taylor, and the ever-so-loved family dog, Duke! Cade became a fisherman, thanks to uncle Kyle! Kyle served Cade's first trout for breakfast and it was YUMMY! We also went to see the Chinese Acrobats, ate out, and did some go-karts! Enjoy the pics of our time there! We had a blast!

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!!!

2010-08-28T08:25:00.000-07:00

We have a 5th grader and preschooler this year! It's so hard to believe the kids are getting so big!

Pirate Football

2010-08-28T08:10:00.000-07:00

Last night we attended the Pirates 1st football game of the season. It was a beautiful night for football! Cali really was into the cheerleaders this year! She yelled and cheered the whole game! The Pirates won 14-13. GO PIRATES!!!

We're Back!!

2010-08-22T12:53:00.000-07:00

SO SORRY for the delay!!! We have A LOT of catching up to do! We will do our very best to keep you updated in our lives! The kids have grown and we have done so much in the past 4 months! We will post pics of the past 4 months at another time. Today, we are sharing our newest addition to the McGinness family, Red-Clawed Crabs! We are still working on names and trying to find if they are boys/girls. Once we know, we will give them names.

Cali woke up declaring that today is "Crab Day". All of us colored our very own crabs and took pics for Little Liu. She has been in charge of our day! Enjoy the pics...

See you soon! Have a great week!

EASTER EVE

2010-04-03T20:26:00.000-07:00

It is the day before Easter! The kiddos are very excited for the Easter Bunny to visit. They just put out some celery and water for him/her. The past few days have been full of of Easter activities. Tammy held her famous hunt on Thursday afternoon. Cali wanted nothing to do with the Bunny this year. She did not even want to look at the Bunny! It freaked her out so much that she did not even want to participate in the big hunt. After picking up a couple of items she was done. Once the bunny was gone she was just fine! It must be an age thing.....she was scared to death of Santa too. Here are a few pics from Tammy's big event:

Today we woke up and went to a pancake breakfast prior to attending my bank's annual egg hunt. Cade helped put out over 5,000 eggs on the football field. After helping for a while Kim came by and picked him up for his first soccer game of the year (they lost). She dropped off Cali and she took part in the hunt. It was a beautiful day for an egg hunt! The sun was shining and everyone there had smiles on their faces! It was a great event. Here are some pics from the morning hunt:

This evening the kids colored their Easter Eggs. They both had a blast making their beautiful colored eggs! Cade made some of his famous brownies too. We have also been watching the Final Four games....go Butler! Tomorrow we have a relaxing morning and then head to Boca and Pop's for lunch. We are going to come back home in the afternoon and host Easter Dinner for Grandma and Grandpa and the kids.

Tomorrow is the big day. Check back soon for more pictures. Happy Easter....or should I say "Hoppy Easter"!! Good night.....

FINALLY A BLOG POST!!

2010-03-13T16:55:00.000-08:00

Greetings everyone! Yes, we are all alive and well here in the McGinness household. I have had a serious blog drought. I do apologize for the long break between posts. It has just been very busy. I think I mentioned it before, but I am running for school board. I have literally spent most of my nights working on campaign odds and ends. We are also busy with Cade and his soccer and baseball practices (games start soon for both sports), as well as his nightly homework. Cali still takes gymnastics and there is always a school activity mixed in there as well. Here are a few pictures from the past couple of weeks:

Maybe this blog post will get me "back on track". I will try my best to keep you all updated. Please check back soon. Good night.

Happy Valentine's Day/Happy Chinese New Year!

2010-02-15T07:32:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we celebrated Valentine's Day and the Chinese New Year......the Year of the Tiger. It was a big day for our family. We woke up and exchanged our Valentine's gifts and cards with one another. We then decorated the house with red lanterns and red streamers, then we decorated our Chinese New Year's tree with special ornaments. All of the red colors fit in perfectly with V-Day! We broke out our modified chopsticks and had a tasty lunch. The kids ate Ramen Noodles and did very well with the chopsticks! I even used mine with Tostitos and dip! It worked like a charm!

We headed to Kansas City and walked around the KC Home Remodeling show for a few hours. The kids were perfect as always. There was a lot to see and a lot to do. Cade was put in the back of an Ambulance, and the kids both visited a crafts area where they made cool bracelets and Cali made a special crown. We really enjoyed it. After the show we headed up to Zona Rosa and ate dinner at Bo Lings, a nice Chinese restaurant. The kids used some chopsticks again and that made the meal even more fun for all! It was a great meal and a great way to help celebrate the New Year.

We came home where we enjoyed an evening watching the Olympics and eating red Chinese New Year cupcakes. The last two pics show you how much little Liu enjoyed her cupcake!

The day was a great one for the McGinness crew. We enjoyed celebrating both important holidays. It was so nice that the day fell on a Sunday. Today is President's Day so we are all home from school and work. I apologize for the long break in between posts.......I was out of town for a while at bank compliance training so that put me behind the 8 ball a bit. I am back and promise more posts.......keep checking in!

GOTCHA DAY!!

2010-01-29T19:51:00.000-08:00

Three years ago today our lives were forever changed........after a long, two year, roller coaster of a wait, we finally met our little Cali Liu!! Today is what they refer to in the adoption world as "Gotcha Day". It is amazing to think that three whole years have passed by since that remarkable day. We remember the day like it was yesterday. This entire week we have been looking back at our old blog site (http://www.crazyaboutcali.blog.com/) reliving those precious memories. If you would like to go back and look at those same memories, go to that site and on the right hand side of the blog, click on January 2007. Here are some pictures of the day that we finally met our Cali Liu:

We have always said that we want to make Gotcha Day a very special day for our entire family. When you think about it, Gotcha Day is more like her birthday to us. This is the day that we first held our little bundle of joy! Today she wore a special Gotcha Day dress to Tammy's. She also took some pink Gotcha Day cookies to share with her buddies. We allowed her to pick out a special dinner and cake. She chose spaghetti and angel food cake with pink icing! She has great taste! We also allowed her to pick a movie to watch......she chose "Paul Blart, Mall Cop"! Once again, she has great taste! We watched our movie, and then sang "Happy Gotcha Day" to her and she blew out a #3 candle (for her 3rd Gotcha Day). After the cake, Cade took her upstairs to find the outfit that she had on when they handed her to us back in China. Believe it or not, she can still fit into the outfit (it is a bit snug)! It was so cute. She has had it on now for over 2 hours....even the socks! We broke out the picture albums from the China Journey and she was infatuated....she looked through the albums over and over, soaking it all in and asking question after question.

As you can tell, we had a great Gotcha Day celebration! As I finish this up, Cali is down here still wearing her original Gotcha Day outift! She loves it. We always talk about how God had a plan for our family and had a plan for Cali Liu. He definitely knew what he was doing! Think about all that had to happen in order for Cali to join our family. It is truly a miracle. We cannot imagine our lives with out Miss Liu. She is full of orneryness and we love every bit of it! We have truly been blessed with both Cali Liu and Cade Michael. We give thanks every day for the both of them. Our big Gotcha Day celebration is coming to an end.........Cali's 4th birthday will be here before we know it (April 5th). Another celebration will take place for that big day! Check back soon for more updates from the McGinness crew. Good night.

Three years ago today...........

2010-01-24T17:48:00.000-08:00

Three years ago today Kim and I were on a plane to China to meet our Jiang Cheng Liu (Cali's given name). It is amazing to think that three years ago our wonderful journey to China had just began! We have been looking back at our old blog (http://www.crazyaboutcali.blog.com/) and reliving all of the wonderful memories. We have shed many happy tears the past 48 hours!

Cali's referral picture

This weekend was kind of a wild one.......especially Friday night and Saturday. Friday night Kim had a lia sophia party so I was in charge of the kiddos (and Cade's buddy Parker). Saturday morning Cade attended a paintball birthday party for his buddy Devin and I worked at the bank. Cade has numerous bruises on his body from the paintball experience! Saturday afternoon Cade had a baseball hitting league game. The boys won again (they are now 3-0) and Cade had his best outing yet! We rushed home and then rushed right back out the door. That evening Kim and I attended the Northland Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet with our friends Brad and Kim. The dinner was at Harrah's Casino. It was a very nice event and we really enjoyed ourselves.

Today we actually had NOTHING on our schedule. The day still ended up flying right by just like every other day does. The NFL playoffs have been on today so we have tried to keep our eyes on the games. Cade and I were cheering for the Jets and they lost. We are also cheering for the Vikings and they are in a battle with the Saints as I create this blog. Here are a few more pics from the weekend..............

Kim recieved this plate for her birthday....Cade used it tonight. It is a Fred Head plate. You can put your food all over his face/head to make him look funny. The kids love it!

The week ahead is going to be a busy one. The weekend will be here again before we know it! I hope all of you have a great week ahead!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMY!!

2010-01-20T19:01:00.000-08:00

Today we celebrated mommy's birthday. The morning began with the opening of her cards and gifts before we took off to school and Tammy's.

Naturally with today being a regular day during the work week, it was a bit hectic. Kim ran Cali to gymnastics early in the evening and then we all met up at home for some tasty Casey's pizza. After the pizza was devoured, the kids made mommy some chewy fudge brownies!! We sang to her and she (plus two helpers) blew out the candles.

The night has flown right by. They are all upstairs right now messing with one of her birthday gifts. I hope that Kim had a wonderful birthday. It is always crazy having it on a weekday like this. Here are two more pics from the evening.........Mommy reading a birthday message with Cali Liu and Cali performing to the American Idol Wii game. Have a great night!