School time!

On Monday night, we attended Open House at Harper's school.

She was a little shy at first, but quickly warmed up.

 

Harper wouldn't pose -- but I tried to sneak a quick picture with her teacher.

Today was Harper's first day of school.

She thought eating breakfast was more important than posing for pictures!

She was very giggly during breakfast.

Waiting for the bus, she looked so sad and scared.

But she was tough, and never shed a tear.

The teacher reported that she was very happy at school.

They sang songs, played with play-doh, and had pretzels for snack time.

Ms. Sara reported that Harper loved investigating in the science lab

and playing at the water table.

We celebrated her big day with dinner at her favorite restaurant-- Noodles & Co!

Two Years Together!

Exactly two years ago, Harper was placed in our arms.

She was so still and quiet.  She must have been so scared.

When I think back to the little girl in the Civil Affairs Office, I am awestruck at

the differences we see.  There are few quiet moments with Harper now.

She is constantly climbing, exploring, jumping, and giggling.

Over the past 2 years, Harper has blossomed into such a joyful little toddler who loves her family very much.  I cannot put into words how thrilled we are to have her in our family.  She has brought so much happiness, excitement, and spunk to our lives.

 To celebrate our 2 year Famliversary, we continued some traditions that

started on our first Gotcha Day anniversary.  We made a donation to

the children who remain at the Chao Zho City Children's Welfare Institute.

Clothes, toys, candy, and fruit were delivered on August 13.

We went to Build-A-Bear to adopt a new stuffed animal.

 Harper knew exactly which one she wanted.

 

She loved giving her new monkey a bath!

This year we went to Sky Zone, an indoor trampoline facility.

Harper jumped and jumped and jumped!

We ate Chinese food for lunch.

Later, we presented Harper with another charm for her Pandora bracelet.

It is a parents and child circle that symbolizes that our love is infinite

and our family will always be together.

Harper Grace, we love you more than words could ever say.

Our family is immeasurably blessed by you!

Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead

Today we had a play date with Harper's friend from school, Carder.

We met at Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead in Overland Park.

 

There were so many things to see and do!

Harper's favorite part was bottle feeding the baby goats.

She seemed a bit irritated when the goat decided to chew on her shirt.

Finally, she convinced the goat that the milk tasted better than her shirt.

Baby goats are so much fun!

There were several playgrounds

and tractors to drive!

Harper enjoyed throwing food to the fish

and posing by the waterfall.

During our trip, Carder exclaimed, "This is the best day ever!"

I think Harper feels the same way!

Braley Family Weekend

Aunt Christy and Cousin Lexi came to town for the weekend!

We celebrated Lexi's 10th birthday

and Ashley's 24th birthday!

We went to The Discovery Room and dug for fossils.

Harper loved looking at the rocks through the magnifying glass.

We shopped at Fat Brain Toys.

The weather was really nice, so we played on the swing set

and made giant bubbles!

We had a great Braley family weekend!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!

It's time for the Early Access Anniversary Sale at Nordstrom!

Ashley & I look forward to it every year, and Harper seemed to enjoy it too!

We found lots of great bargains and were excited to try on some clothes. Ashley and I were focused on the clothes, and weren't paying close attention to Harper.  We looked down and saw this.  Apparently, she figured out that when you get to the fitting rooms, you take your shoes off!

Harper did a great job on our shopping trip and found several ways to entertain herself.

Playing games on my phone

Climbing on the bench

and dancing in front of the mirrors

Since she was being so good, we ate lunch at her favorite place-- Noodles & Co.

She was too busy eating to pose for our selfie!

We had so much fun shopping!  We can't wait for the sale next year!

Independence Day 2014

Harper was supposed to stay out of the pool for 5 days after her ear tube surgery.

Today was the 5th day. It was July 4 and the weather was perfect, 

so we decided to let her get in the pool a bit early.  

I put a swim cap on her to remind her not to get her ears wet.  

 

The swim cap worked and she looked so totally cute!

Her nose is so tiny that she almost always wears her sunglasses upside down.

Harper had a blast playing with Ashley in the pool.

We got out her boat and pushed her around the pool.  

First we talked about being very careful not to tip the boat and get her ears wet.

After being cooped up in the house all week, she loved every second of it!

Daddy grilled some burgers and we ate dinner outside.

We had fun playing on the swing set

until this happened.

Happy July 4 everyone!