A Year of Memories - Part 2

May 2007

June 2007

If you click on this photo to enlarge it, you'll see why I love this picture!

A Year of Memories - Part 3

July 2007

The Kentucky Hengens Visit Saskatchewan!!

Girard's brother Dan, his wife LeighAnn and our nieces and nephew, Kirsten, Ramey and Brianna visited from Kentucky this summer. Our oldest nephew, Michael, wasn't able to come this year and we missed him a lot. Their visit was the highlight of July but for some reason I never got around to posting any of these photos (shame on me). Bryn was still pretty shy back then so there aren't many photos of her sitting with anyone but she really loved Brianna and Auntie LeighAnn scored big with her bubble blowing and endless supply of Cheerios.

The Hengen clan: Girard, Bryn, me, Kirsten, Michele, Ramey, Dave,

Dan, LeighAnn, Anna, Simone, Nicholas, Dave, Rita, Matthew,

Katja and Brianna.

Bryn's cousins wait patiently while we try to coax her to

stand still for the picture.

Brianna teaches Bryn her colors.

Ramey kickin' back. (No, that isn't his beer.)

A rare photo of the usually stoic brothers Dan and Girard.

Kirsten is still a proud Canadian at heart!

A high five from Auntie Simone.

Bryn and Brianna discuss shoe fashion.

Katja, Girard and Brianna.

Auntie LeighAnn (aka Auntie Bubbles) and Bryn share some Cheerios.

Bryn shows Brianna her books during a visit to our house.

A Year of Memories - Part 4

August 2007

She was so tired she didn't even have the energy to lay down.

Bryn's first merry-go-round ride with her Xinyu sister Caia.

September 2007

Bryn getting some loving from her cousin Jacey.

Helping Papa collect leaves.

October 2007

Kisses for Jessie.

A Year of Memories - Part 5

November 2007

December 2007

January 2008

February 2008

Bryn and Caia celebrate Chinese New Year together.

Shootin' hoops with Dad.

Say "cheese"!

There you have it. A few photos from our life over the past year. The time has flown by and as much as we miss the baby Bryn was, we treasure every moment with her now as a toddler and we're anxious to see what the future has in store for us.

Our days in China are etched in our memories and, much to our surprise, we miss it and can't wait to go back. As corny as it may sound China is the only place I've visited where I feel as though I left a piece of myself behind. Our emotional ties to our daughter's homeland and the incredible people who live there are much stronger than we ever thought they'd be.

A huge thank you to all our family and friends for your love and support over the past year and for welcoming Bryn into your lives. Her transformation since coming home is due in part to the love you've all shown her.

Happy 1st Anniversary of Forever Family Day to our extended family. I know we've said this countless times in the past year but we are so truly blessed to have all of you in our lives...again, it's so very hard to put into words. We miss you and look forward to a reunion of all the China sisters someday...Sarah, Bryn, Ashlee, Roshandra, Ava, Elizabeth, Maeve, Kennedy, Cassandra, Julie, Claire and Caia.

Behind the Scenes

Bryn isn't very co-operative when the camera comes out. This is why I don't post many videos...