Thursday, February 23, 2017

Snow Day!

We don't get a lot of snow here in Beijing, and this year there have only been a few flurries here and there. The other day snow was forecasted and we were all wishing and hoping for enough snow to play in. Luckily, our wishes were granted and a few inches covered the ground!


The kids were amazed to see two snowmen appear in the courtyard, complete with hats and scarves, but the real fun was still to come!


As you can imagine, it's a big ordeal getting the kids ready to go outside. Hats, gloves, and coats are pulled off the shelves until each kid is all bundled up.

James led the way as the kids explored the backyard.


Owen and Adia decided that a little snowball fight was a great idea! They ran around the yard picking up as much snow as possible to throw and unsuspecting targets!



Of course, this meant there was lots of laughter!


Some of the younger kids have never been out in the snow before, so we were excited to let them play and explore!




But, snow means it's cold outside, so after a little while it was time to go back in a get warm.


Now we can't wait until the next snow day!

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

Wordless Wednesday: So Much Love


Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Transformation Tuesday: Lukas

In January of 2014 a little boy arrived at New Day. Lukas (Robert at the time) was 9 months old and had a neurological disorder. He was an observant little boy with big beautiful eyes and a smile the could light up the room.



Shortly after arriving he was able to have the surgery he needed. After surgery he was able to focus on the important things, such as celebrating his first birthday!


As Lukas continued to grow he worked hard, both in therapy and in winning people's hearts!



He was a quiet boy who could easily entertain himself and those around him.



A volunteer at the time said, I loved spending time with Robert. He is one of the most easy-going and relaxed kids I've met! He loves going outside to the backyard, playing with toys, listening to music and crawling around. As the summer went on, he would babble more and more, and begin to imitate some sounds! I'm excited to now see what more progress he will make! 



Lukas continued to grow stronger and stronger and was able to move in with a local foster family!



When Lukas would come back for therapy and later preschool we saw his personality shine. The once quiet boy found his voice and made sure his presence was known!



Lukas continued to work hard in therapy and before long he was walking and running.




In preschool Lukas loved learning and playing. He loved to play outside and was able to experience so many new, exciting things!




We loved celebrating so many milestones with Lukas such as birthdays, holidays, his first steps.





Now, shortly before his 4th birthday, Lukas is going to join his forever family! We are thrilled that the rest of his milestones will be celebrated with a family of his very own!


Monday, February 20, 2017

Happy Valentine's Day!

Many years Valentine's Day falls during the Spring Festival so we don't have an opportunity to celebrate it in the foster home. This year Spring Festival was early we decided to have a little Valentine's Day party in preschool!

We made hearts with our hand and footprints


Made, decorated, and ate heart shaped sugar cookies



Did crafts and made Valentine's




And gave them to the people we love!



We had a very happy Valentine's Day and hope you did too!



Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Wordless Wednesday: Let's Read!


Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Dancing

Some days you just feel like dancing. For our preschoolers, today was one of those days. Here's a few pictures from our dance party!