Busy Day

Sarah went to her first Easter egg hunt yesterday.  She wasn't sure what was going on and looked apprehensive as we waited for it to begin, but she caught on quickly and gathered five eggs.  It was all over in about a minute.  She loved the Hershey's Kisses in the eggs, and she even found one with a slip of paper for a prize (one of five hidden!).  She came home with an electronic microphone that plays songs and records your voice (although not clearly).  Buttons and music are two of her favorite features in a toy, so it's a hit.

Last night, we visited a family nearby that has two daughters from China, ages 10 and 4.  We met them at the Chinese New Year celebration last month.  We weren't sure how Sarah would act, since she tends to hold back when she first meets people.  She did so well!  She was cautious at first, but the little four-year-old was very outgoing, and Sarah loved her.  It must be refreshing for Sarah to see someone who looks like her after spending so much time with pale Europeans. 

It wasn't long before Sarah was checking out the new toys and exploring different parts of the room.  She seemed quite at ease and self-confident but looked back to check in with us often, which is perfect!  By the time we left, she was even playing with the mom, while I played with the four-year-old alongside.  It was a relief to me that she was so relaxed, since she's been really clingy lately and asking to be carried a lot. 

We even got an invitation to leave her there while Don and I go out some time!  I've been strategizing about how to establish "date nights" for the last couple of months and trying to arrange for a teenage neighbor to come over to get to know Sarah.  The teen is busy, of course, and we've seen her only once. 

This new arrangement might be even better, though, since these folks live right on the way to town, and Sarah would have fun playing with the little girl.  Even Before Sarah, we were always home by 7:30 or so when we went out to a movie and dinner (wild couple that we are), so we could have her home in time for bed.  I'm excited about the prospect of going out again.  We'll have this family over to see the farm next month and hope that this relationship grows.

I'm closing with a shot of Sarah on our way out the door last night.  She's wearing an adorable furry coat that our former housesitter sent long before she even arrived.  I was afraid she wouldn't get to wear it, but it fits perfectly now.