25th Anniversary Trip ~ Day 5 (Video!)

Pictures taken June 14 ~
On day five of our anniversary trip, we took a boat tour on the bay at Acadia National Park in Maine!

Some views of Acadia National Park.

Getting ready to take the boat tour on the bay!

Maine, known as The Lighthouse State, has many pretty lighthouses along the coastline.

Seals up on the land.

Northeast Harbor.

<3

We had a tour stop and could view some of the traps used for lobster fishing.

Elli holding a rubber lobster and learning about lobsters and lobster fishing and traps.

Our boat for the tour.

Walking down on the beautiful coastline.

Love all the lighthouses! 

We went to Sand Beach in Bar Harbor which is known for its loud crashing waves.

Video ~ The kids playing "Wave Chicken". Haha!

A rainbow peaking through the clouds.

We ate at Side Street Cafe in Bar Harbor.

I had a grilled stuffed avocado with corn chips and tried some hot buttered lobster meat.  I didn't really like the lobster, but I am glad I tried it while we were in Maine!

Looking forward to viewing more of Acadia National Park tomorrow!

Music Festival ~ 2016

Pictures taken July 29-31 ~
Elli performed in her first music festival this summer!  She received a Superior rating from the judge and got a trophy!

When we arrived at the hotel, there was a little mixup and our room wasn't ready.  While we waited, a cleaning lady opened up the judging room for Elli to practice where she would be performing the next morning!

After warming up on a keyboard in our hotel room the next morning, Elli was nervous but ready to perform for the judge!

Kaitlyn listening to Elli perform through the door.  Like mother, like daughter.  ;)

Elli sounded great and the judge complimented her on her steady beat!  We were all so proud of her!

JieJie and GeGe gave MeiMei kisses when we got back to our hotel room.  They have a lot of memories of performing in the music festival too!

We tried to re-create the picture from the morning after "Gotcha Day" in China...

Picture taken July 12, 2011.  <3

This year was the 60th "Diamond" anniversary of the music festival!  "Music makes you shine bright like a diamond".

Restaurant treat!

Our hotel had pretty Japanese gardens.

The hotel had outdoor pools overlooking the lake and indoor pools.

Eating breakfast the next morning on the balcony.

Elli getting her trophy at the awards ceremony!

We got Elli some little music note cards.  She quickly wrote a note to Grandma.  :)

And a note to Mom.  <3

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Elli's Family Poem

Picture taken July 29 ~
Sometimes Elli draws me pictures or writes notes on my music board in the studio.  I loved this family poem that she wrote.  <3

Poem
We love each other to our hearts
We will never miss be united
from each and other.  You will always
be in my heart.  We are family.
<3 Family  <3 Us

1st Grade School Supplies

Picture taken July 27 ~
Elli was excited to go shopping for her 1st grade school supplies!  JieJie and GeGe went with us!

Take Me Out to the Ballgame! (Video!)

Pictures taken July 26 ~
We went to a Royals baseball game!  They didn't win, but it was fun.  Elli is still all about the snacks!  Haha!!

Blue cotton candy...

Popcorn...

Hot dog...

And nachos!  Can't believe we didn't get peanuts this time!

Video ~ Elli doing the dance break with a little air guitar!  ;)

Elli's Swimming Lessons ~ July 26 (Video!)

Video ~ Going down the water slide at the end of the lesson!

Piano Recital ~ July 2016 (Video!)

Pictures taken July 24 ~
Elliana performed in my piano studio's recital!  She did so good!

She performed "Five-Note Sonatina" and "Take Me Out to the Ball Game".

Video ~

So beautiful. <3

Elliana and her friend, who also performed in the recital.

Eating at 54th Street after the recital!

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