We love the Juniper Tree!

Here is a family photo in front of the house we stayed in while on maternity leave in CM. This was a few days before Oak's arrival. We could have stayed in an apartment located on a crowded street for free but knowing our family and how much we all love to be outdoors we decided to pay the money ourselves and stay at the Juniper Tree. We are so thankful we did! Laundry and meals are included in the cost and the price is really quite reasonable. We figured it would have been the same amount we would have spent on groceries, eating out and a pool membership for the month. We had a nice big 3 bedroom/3 bathroom house with acres of grass for the kids to play in. Just up the sidewalk was the pool, play grounds, library etc! What more could you want. It was so easy and relaxing. The only down side is that the maids only clean once a week - bummer.
It is great having old friends around! We have known Chris and the Minicks since 2000 and always enjoy time together. Here we are having a picnic in front of our house while Oak naps in the baby swing.
Manon became quite a tree climber at the JT.
Monty worked with the kids on their soccer skills. They had a great time running around together in the sunshine!
Judah even joined the games and would always make sure he was dressed like daddy - barefoot and shirt off.

Here is Judah holding little brother who was just 4 days old! Judah really has a sweet, tender heart. He is great with Oak. He just sits and stares at him for hours a day. He also likes to sit with me when I nurse to make sure Oak gets enough milk and to remind me to burp him (which I can forget:). I am so thankful for big brother Judah!
Here are all the children together! Oak is about 1 week old in this photo - can you believe how big he is!!! Henna continues to hold the title as "Baby Mommy" but Manon has taken a more active role in caring for Oak than she did with the other little ones in our family. I really like the change I have seen in her and the love she pours on Oak.
Going out as a family! This was Oak's week old birthday and we decided to go out to the Shang-Ri-La Hotel in CM to celebrate! We love the buffet at this hotel - sushi, fondue, grilled steak, great salads, home made ice cream and kids eat free - what could be better especially with a family like ours!
Judah's special date with Daddy. Judah filled his sticker chart before leaving Thailand and chose to go go-cart riding and to buy a toy. The Something he bought was a stuffed monkey for him and one for Ezra and parasols for the girls - how kind! Monty and Judah had a great day just doing boy things together.
Henna also filled her sticker chart and wanted to go to the movies with Daddy. Unfortunately the movie that was supposed to be playing was cancelled, so they went for a foot massage instead. She had a great day out - getting to play "tap fish" on the iphone without big sister looking over her shoulder, eating Japanese noodles, and fondue for two at Swenson's.

I will say that travel back home was fast. Oak was born on Saturday so we sent off his passport application on Tuesday. We received the passport in only one week! I was amazed! We then processed the visa the next day and were on the plane back to china the day after. We have never been able to return home so quickly.