A Day in the Snow

Autumn Leaves

More pumpkin Patch!

Alexandra now 13 in 8th grade! She is taller than her mom now!

Autumn's favorite saying is now "look at me, look at me"

Caley Kids at the Pumpkin Patch Oct 2008

Mom took the kids to the Pumpkin Patch!! It was a beautiful day. Autumn enjoyed her first ever visit picking a pumpkin.

Anna now almost 11 in 5th grade!

Alexandra helps Autumn pick a white pumpkin! She and Anna both are very wonderful big sisters!

Aaron now 9 in 3rd grade! He has grown up so much.

We took a ride on a trailor to pick our pumpkins.

Say Cheese!

We actually accomplished everyone looking forward and smiling at the same time. Autumn is growing up so fast. She prances around here like she owns the place. She loves to get dressed everyday and look at herself in the mirror. She is starting to talk quite a bit. Some things we understand and some we don't. The kids are in school and doing well. Guy has begun yet another remodelling project--the upstairs bathroom.

At the Beach in Delaware

Guy showing his "rebirth" mark--some of you know he had a very large birthmark on his arm. He and I have both joined the ranks of those with tattoos--I, Kathleen however will refrain from posting mine. (ha!) The tattoo artist did a great job covering it up-- My second beauty, Anna!
Some of you know we did a complete kitchen remodel---Guy is so talented and did all of the work from the drywall, electric, plumbing, installing cabinets, tile, and installing new floor. Saved us tons of money! I now enjoy walking into my kitchen.

Catchin' some tasty waves

Aaron on his board--the waves were awesome. Nice for him to get some of his energy out!
Guy found this horseshoe crab shell--the kids were excited and of course had to touch it. It stunk really bad. My beauty Alexandra!
Audi has taken a liking to the telephone! She will walk around the house with either the phone or the girls' mp player saying "ho" and then will hand it to you to talk.
This was Alexandra's baby doll stroller from Germany. Autumn is enjoying pushing it around.

The Caleys are still alive!!

Autumn in her usual sleeping place!

Aaron turned 8 August 16th! He got a Spongebob Squarepant TV for his room!
Audi (we have started calling her that) and her mommy!!!
We took a trip to the ocean in Delaware last week! Autumn loved great wide open space and of course the sand.
Just all of the girls in their inappropriate swimsuits (as Anna would say).

Alexandra is as tall as her mom now--no surprise to many of you I am sure. She is starting 7th grade on Monday. She has grown up into quite a beautiful young lady.

Autumn Eating

Initially Autumn would not eat any solid food at all. At the orphanage she had obviously only gotten a bottle. For quite awhile she would simply clench her mouth and turn away when offered any food item. That all changed with a Cheeto on our trip to see Aunt Chris & the boys in Ohio. Now she likes bread, breakfast cereal, goldfish crackers and has become an afficianado of fries of all kinds--McDonalds being the clear winner.

The First Pic of the Caley6

Can you believe it? We just hadn't gotten around to a whole family pic. Well actually we had at the Teen Challenge graduation, but then the camera (theirs, not ours) turned up missing. So this one was taken for our church photo directory.

The Sweet Pool Life

Here are the promised pool pics. Alexandra wasn't swimming this day. The pool has been lots of fun and so far maintenance hasn't been that hard. Aaron has a friend in the neighborhood who's been coming over alot and Kathleen has bought a home-only sunbathing suit. When she first modeled it Anna's response was, "Number one that suit is inappropriate. Number two you were supposed to let me help you bake the pie."

Autumn Takes Her Stand

Sorry it's been awhile since our last post. We had forgotten how hectic life can be with a one year old.

Autumn wanted to demonstrate her newfound ability to stand unassisted. Walking and running soon to follow.

Today we'll have a family cookout. Daddy got the pool running and we've been enjoying that. Swimming photos to follow.

A New Name for the Blog

Now that we're home and Autumn is truly a part of our family, it seems appropriate that the Blog no longer be just about her, but about the family as a whole.

We'll post about family trips and adventures, fun photos and great exploits of each of the Caley kids. Anyway, China won't let us adopt again until Alexandra grows up and leaves home (as of next month the family size limit is 4 children). Hmmmm. Maybe Viet Nam next.

Homecoming Video

With apologies to those who expect to see Bill Gaither and Friends when they hear that title.

More homecoming Pictures!

Anna and her baby sister Autumn! She does great with her--her only complaint is it's not enough time!
Alexandra--a very sweet big sister!
Aaron has always wanted to be a big brother!
My four babies!
Autumn didn't even get to enjoy a little Chick-fil-A for Alexandra's birthday!

Home Again!!

Autumn with Cousin Rachel (we met them in Detroit on our way home)
Autumn in the carseat for the first time.
Playing with Daddy!
Aaron and Anna like to push her around in the stroller before heading to school!
Autumn modeling a hat that was Alexandra's when she was a baby!

Sorry that it has taken this long to get an update from us. We arrived home on Saturday evening at 6:15. We survived the flights--a four hour, a 12 hour, and finally a one hour. Autumn was a bit restless on the long flight. However, Daddy walked her around for a bit to help.

Our kids were in great hands while we were away with Grandma. She took them places and told me while I was away that they were now "on a schedule." I just hope that I will be able to keep them on it. -:)

Autumn has adjusted well. She is sleeping good--going to sleep in the early evening (as early as

5:00 pm) and waking up around 3:30 or 4:00 for a bottle and going back to sleep with Mom and Dad in our bed. She has taken to her brother and sisters pretty well. She will let Alexandra walk around with her. Anna and Aaron push her around in the stroller before going to school. We took her to the park yesterday afternoon. She seemed to like the swing. She is finally today warming up to Grandma and Grandpa ( they are heading home tommorrow). It just takes her some time to adjust to new faces. There have obviously been many changes in her life. I am proud to say that she loves Mommy best!! She likes Watson (our dog). She will watch him and has pet him a few times. He is a bit jealous at times, but overall doing well.

Guy will be posting the homecoming video. For now here are some pictures of Autumn and family here at home! Today she is 13 months old!!