Regarding Ava - Things We Thought We'd Never Say

Since having Ava over the last 10+ months, we've heard ourselves saying some things we thought we would never say. You know, things that come out of our mouth when we're telling her not to do something. Then when you hear it, you're like "I can't believe I would ever have to say that."

Here's a few:

Don't put cheese on the dishwasher.

Don't put nails on the door step.

Don't eat the dog's treat.

Stop trying to put ice in my computer.

Don't eat ice off the floor with your mouth.

Don't step on the doggy's head.

Don't push the shopping cart down the stairs.

Don't slurp snot out of your nose - that's gross.

Don't stick that toy in the electric socket.

Stop unbuckling your car seat while we're driving down the road.

Don't let the dog drink out of your juice cup.

Don't put the cookie in the DVD player.

Stop eating candy with wrappers still on them.

These are as of July 21, 2011, she's 2 yrs & 1 month. I'm sure we will be adding to this list.

Bethany in a Beijing art factory / gallery where we bought jewelry & stuff. Bethany was still getting over jet-lag.











Barry & Bethany at The Great Wall, pouring rain, freezing cold, soaking wet.












The Great Wall of China is just outside of Beijing. It's a stair-master of a workout.












Rickshaw rides through the streets of Beijing. YES, this was shot from inside the rickshaw. It's all about the experience.












Barry & Bethany in a Beijing City Village













Barry with our Beijing guide Joy. We are pretty sure that is not her Chinese name : )

Sept 15, 2010

Getting ready to take off from Atlanta Airport to Seattle, then to Beijing.

Day 1 of Travel

The Britts are writing this from the plane between ATL and Seattle. Bethany was SO excited when we arrived at the Atlanta airport - we think it REALLY hit her at a new level - in a good way.

I could see her face was just beaming. I've had this feeling that she's in for more joy than she can possibly imagine. I think she's starting to experience that now.

We have a long way to go - another 15 hours until we reach Beijing. It's gonna be a Long Hard Ride, but, the family is together - well, almost, we're on our way to get the new 4th member now.

That feeling

You know that feeling you get when you first fall in love? Well, not that one, but the one you get when you realize, oh my gosh, I'm now falling DEEPER in love. And, your body is like warm and tingly and there's just this Light of Joy above you....??

I entered that JUST now when I put the high chair together : ) ~ Tell me there is no GOD, I DARE you ~

We're ecstatic, 2 days till departure.

Sisters

Bethany and Ava,
The two of you have never met, but I've seen the Love you will share - in my thoughts,
prayers and dreams.
And, it is amazing. So awesome, that there are no words from any language that can explain
the joy that awaits you both.

It's so big, it's a journey -
as far as eternity.

So, I can't wait for the first step, when the two of you meet.

Sisters you are, Sisters you will be -
Forever now, no matter what,
for eternity.

Love,
daddy

Nursery Before and AFTER!! ~ Tree painted by Margaret Livingston