The Bininger Harrell Family Happenings!

Kadzis Family "Extreme Makeover" Home

2009-03-06T03:20:00.006-05:00

Lovely and deserving friends from Tallahassee were nominated and chosen to receive an Extreme Makeover on their 3 bedroom, 1 bath home that housed 2 parents and 6 children. 5 of these children were adopted from China through CCAI, the adoption agency we used to adopt our 4 daughters. (this is the finished product - AWESOME, huh?!)

Husband and father George Kadzis bravely battled cancer until the day before the show producers knocked on their door. George remained hospitalized throughout the community remodeling initiative and lost his battle with cancer 2 days after the home was completed. We know that Barbara, her 3 grown sons, Christopher, Aileen, Melody, Julia, Martin, Phoenix and Celeste will cherish precious George's memory and treasure their new home together as a family. And George's presence will remain with them in all they do. The show should air on the ABC television network in late April 2009.

Mr. Michael - MaryAudrey's Special Foot Doctor!

2009-03-02T20:37:00.003-05:00

Mr. Michael always gives MaryAudrey a new tape measure to play with. She loves him, especially the handmade and custom fit bootie that allows MaryAudrey the chance to wear shoes to run, play and dress - just like all little girls her age!

A student teacher for her coursework, observed MaryAudrey. We are delighted to help so that other children with disabilities will have the same chances through prosthetics.

Mr. Michael & MaryAudrey = LOVE!

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for allowing our child a normal foot and shoes!

Specialty Brace & Limb - Mr. Micheal & Jewitt Orthopedics ROCK!

Snagglicious!

2009-03-02T20:09:00.002-05:00

Emily - notice the missing left gap! MaryAudrey on Emily's lap.

Charlotte's first lost tooth - 1 week after turning 6 years old!

Maddie - fired up after having the dentist pull the dead tooth that stuck out of her mouth!

More of Charlotte . $10 from the Tooth Fairy!

"See - I am COOL!"

Marble Slab Creamery At The Winter Park Village - NOT SO MUCH!

2009-02-22T10:29:00.005-05:00

I ordered a custom ice cream cake fit for a gaggle of rockstars. The cake was a special order of birthday cake flavored ice cream mixed with muti-colored & flavored sprinkles and gummie bears. Topped with hot pink and lime green icing and Charlotte's special Happy Birthday message. Seems like all the details were perfectly arranged for a yummy-licious girlie ice cream cake, right? WRONG. Imagine a parade of 5&6 year old rockstars down the sidewalks at Winter Park Village from the Justice For Girls store where the birthday party was held, to the Marble Slab Creamery. OK, the non-English speaking owner hands me the cake which was nice until I was denied plates and/or a knife to cut the cake? Are you kidding me? So, my husband asks the owner if we could use the clear plastic banana boat holders for the cake, and you guessed it, the answer was the universal sign language for no - a firm head shaking. Soooo, in the moment, we ordered custom ice cream cones for each child and parent. $80 later, we left with full bellies and smiles on everyones' faces, except mine. I have contacted the corporate headquarters to file a complaint. I have also sent a letter to the Editor at the Orlando Sentinel newspaper.

Big sisters Emily & Madeline join in for the fun.

Charlotte sits at the head of the table with an ice cream cone as big as her face!

Rockin' Rockstar Photo Gallery

2009-02-22T09:42:00.006-05:00

Ciera's Too Cool To Smile

Jazzlyn & Helen Grace Strike A Pose

Helen Grace 's Red Hair Bow - Pre Rockstar

MaryAudrey says, "Mom, can't you see I'm busy?'

Rockstar Dance Instructions

Charlotte & Giggle Girls Gettin' Down!

MaryAudrey is considering a career as a Make-Up Artist. Check out her LOVELY cheeks!

Rockstars In The Making...

Rockin' Rockstars At Charlotte Whatley's 6 Year Old Birthday Party

2009-02-22T09:19:00.004-05:00

MaryAudrey RUNS down the catwalk

Charlotte was BORN a rockstar!

Jazzlyn wins the BIG HAIR contest for sure!

Helen Grace attempts the rockstar pose WITHOUT her big red hairbow Grandma MIMI placed in her hair for the party!

Move over Cindy Crawford - here comes Nikita..

Charlotte Whatley's 6 Year Old "Rockstar" Birthday Party

2009-02-22T07:47:00.008-05:00

Helen Grace
Nikita
Charlotte & Ciera

Group Photo Including Jazzlyn

The Bininger Harrell DS Girls

2008-12-28T10:39:00.002-05:00

What is DS? It is double screen on the old Nintendo Game Boy! Our girls just love their new DS's. Red for Charlotte; Silver for Emily and Pink for Madeline. Mary Audrey is thrilled with her new com-pa'-two-er (as she pronounces it AND corrects you IF and WHEN you pronounce it WRONG)

A New Nintendo DS Equals A Happy Charlotte

2008-12-28T10:36:00.000-05:00

MaryAudrey Ponders Which New Lip Gloss To Use

2008-12-28T10:33:00.000-05:00

Christmas Princesses Compliments Of The Davis Family

2008-12-28T10:27:00.002-05:00

Christmas Cousins - The Camera Is This Way Yall

2008-12-28T10:25:00.001-05:00

Can't Always Get 11 Cousins To Smile

2008-12-28T10:23:00.001-05:00

Christmas Eve At Scott And Buffy's

2008-12-28T10:19:00.000-05:00

MyMy And Maddie Boo

2008-12-28T09:57:00.000-05:00

Piper, MyMy & Maddie Boo

2008-12-28T09:56:00.000-05:00

MaryAudrey Is A STINKER

2008-12-28T09:54:00.000-05:00

Bennett Gets A Flashlight

2008-12-28T09:52:00.000-05:00

MyMy Weston And Parker

2008-12-28T09:49:00.002-05:00

Becky & Prescott

2008-12-28T09:49:00.001-05:00

11 Cousins At Christmas

2008-12-28T09:44:00.002-05:00

Back Left To Right:

Bronson & Lawton

Bennett & Parker With Piper

Emily With Prescott, Weston

Charlotte, Maddie & MaryAudrey

Precious Piper & Prescott

2008-12-28T09:42:00.001-05:00

Daddy And Daughters At Christmas

2008-12-27T18:36:00.003-05:00

Emily (10), Daddy, Madeline (7) Charlotte (5) and MaryAudrey (3 )

Baxter - Strikes A Pose

2008-12-22T20:28:00.002-05:00

Our beloved Westie - Baxter Bininger Harrell will be leaving our family home to join his new family home. After 3 years of trying to accomodate Baxter's needs ; we have decided that it is best to find him a family where he can proudly be the Alpha Male. He needs to be the only child which is a cool thing!

We love Baxter and pray for that we can find him a perfect new family.

Baxter And Emily Under The Christmas Tree

2008-12-22T20:16:00.001-05:00

Baxter - We will ALWAYS adore you. We hope to visit you soon and see your awesome new family!

Baxter - So Cute

2008-12-22T20:13:00.001-05:00

Baxter Perplexed

2008-12-22T20:11:00.001-05:00

Emily's Holiday Kookie Cookie Sleepover Party

2008-12-20T08:42:00.002-05:00

Decorating The Christmas Tree '08

2008-12-20T08:15:00.004-05:00

Charlotte's Christmas Program '08

2008-12-20T08:01:00.001-05:00

Emily's Holiday Program '08

2008-12-20T07:47:00.003-05:00

MaryAudrey's Special Day!

2008-12-15T20:36:00.005-05:00

Imagine if your day was deemed special because you had 2 feet with 10 toes? Well, MaryAudrey realized a dream today. To me it was monumental. A day she could wear 2 shoes confidently. Possibly sandals, or toe nail polish?

I promise to count my blessings when I complain about stress and all the things I lack, Today my 3 year old daughter taught me a valuable lesson. Count your blessings for what you HAVE - even if it is NO TOES - her preference, and what she has become proud of for the first 3 years of her life. These new TOES are not nearly as important to her as they are to me. WOW, I am impressed. God sent MaryAudrey to me for a reason, and I LOVE this child.

"Toes... No Toes"......... NO LONGER!

2008-12-15T20:17:00.005-05:00

Wow, what a day! MaryAudrey, for the first time has TOES on both feet - thanks to Mr. Michael, the man who has designed all her prosthetic shoes/feet that have enabled her to wear shoes and get around like all children at school and at play. Mom aka Belinda - has always encouraged honesty about all our uniquenesses - to the point of absurdity! So, today when MaryAudrey received her first prosthetic foot WITH TOES, she emphatically REJECTED it! She cried and mourned her "NO TOES" prosthetic that replaced " NO PROSTHETIC ". This proves the human spirit of acceptance. WOW.. I can't imagine what will happen when we enter high school with high heels???

OH MY!

2008-11-08T20:09:00.000-05:00

Joyful Memories To Treasure Forever

2008-11-08T19:48:00.004-05:00

Barbara & Julia Kadzis - This photo is dedicated to Anne Elizabeth Hall. We know how much you LOVE Julia. Plus, we talked about how you taught Julia to knit!

Ryan Fontaine, Nancy's wonderful daughter who was in charge of all the kid's activities today! Emily is in the background (and by the way kicked BUTT in the hulla hoop competition - 1st PLACE, WOO HOO!)

Phoenix & Celeste Kadzis - beautiful sisters!

Martin Kadzis, a 1st Place winner of the 3-Legged Race. Martin, Mary Audrey & Julia are all Nanjing kiddo's!

Maddie & Charlotte having fun with the 3 legged race!

2008-11-08T19:38:00.000-05:00

An Ancient Chinese Proverb Says There Is An Invisible Red Thread That Connects Us......

2008-11-08T18:53:00.007-05:00

This IS Family - Our Chinese Family, comprised of families built through Chinese adoption.

Kadzis family from Tallahassee They are so special with 6 adopted Chinese children - Phoenix & Celeste (Cleft Palate), Julia (Deaf) , Aileen (Older Healthy Child), Melody (Blind) & Martin (Congenital Missing Fingers) - along with their wonderful biological sons ( 3 grown ) plus Christopher who is a teenager living at home

Joshua Zhoung & Lily Nie - A LOVELY Couple Indeed. The Miracle Founders of CCAI. We love you Josh & Lily. Xie Xie - (Thank you in Chinese)

My Girls Chillin' In Their Chairs At The CCAI Florida-Georgia Reunion!

CCAI'S Florida-Georgia Reunion - Proud Of Our Provinces Parade!

2008-11-08T18:26:00.005-05:00

Emily was born in Xianning, Hubei Province, June 12, 1998

Maddie was born in Yang Jiang, Guangdong Province, April 9, 2001

Charlotte was the ONLY child at this event born in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, February 21, 2003

Mary Audrey was born in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, March 28, 2005

The Man Responsible For Our Family!

2008-11-08T17:31:00.009-05:00

Joshua Zhoung founder of CCAI takes time to pose for a photo with our girls adopted from China, through CCAI.

A Gouling Good Time At The Dowdell's

2008-11-02T08:54:00.005-05:00

"My My The Good Witch" surprised all the children when she appeared on the scene with a basketfull of eyeball candy! She was bewitching in her costume complete with a witches laugh like no other.

Swarming around "My My The Good Witch" include Bumble Bee Bininger-Harrell Girls who buzzed around Aunt Lizzie's neighborhood. Trick Or Treating is so much fun in Kings Row, with an annual hayride and street party!

Typical Bininger-Harrell Girls Photo Checklist

2008-10-29T21:44:00.010-04:00

Charlotte With Jon Bennet pose - Check!

MaryAudrey PWT Baby in diaper - Check!

Maddie FUNNY- Check!

Emily - Always the big sister - Check!

Maddie Cat & Princess Emily Strike An After-Party Pose

2008-10-29T21:28:00.004-04:00

Isabella's birthday party was quite the shindig! Emily (10), Madeline (7) and Charlotte (5) were invited to enjoy Isabella's 8th birthday celebration by attending the newest High School The Musical Movie, followed by a wonderful party at their home (next door) with play, friendship, cake & ice cream, presents, goodie bags and face painting compliments of Ms Rebecca the artist!

Lovely Face Painting On A Lovely Palate...

2008-10-29T21:22:00.003-04:00

Emily Annabeth, after Ms. Rebecca, next door painted Emily's face at Isabella 's birthday party.

Such a treat!

National Enquirer Investigates - 3 Headed Balloon Man

2008-10-18T17:13:00.003-04:00

3 Headed Balloon Man - Half Face Daddy Poses With Charlotte & Emily At Lawton 's Birthday Party

Goggles Anyone?

2008-10-18T17:04:00.004-04:00

Emily Annabeth sports her blue goggles at Lawton 's birthday party!

Spiderman Bouncehouse Party

2008-10-18T16:52:00.002-04:00

This is a photo of the full bouncehouse in the backyard at Lawton 's house.

Lawton The Birthday Boy Hangin ' Out In His Bouncehouse

2008-10-18T16:44:00.006-04:00

Such A Big Boy -

Happy Birthday Lawton!

JUMP Maddie Boo JUMP!

2008-10-18T16:22:00.003-04:00

Maddie jumping, Charlotte walking & Emily wading, all having a blast at cousin Lawton's 5 -year old birthday party!

MaryAudrey At Aunt Lizzie's Pool

2008-10-16T17:34:00.004-04:00

WOW - it's hard to believe it has been one full year since Mary Audrey has been with our family! She has blossomed so much.

She says the funniest words, like "Mom, I wanna go to Lizzie's Pools" Everything is plural :-)

She's A Mess For Sure!

Happy 1st Birthday Cake ALL TO YOURSELF - Piper And Prescott!

2008-10-05T20:20:00.004-04:00

Big Brother Parker Licks His Lips As Twin Sisters Piper & Prescott, Literally DIG In. Piper Slowly Approaches This Rite Of Passage While Prescott Has No Fear! Notice Cousin Beetle In The Background Trying to Figure Out How To Score A Quick Finger Through The Icing On The Fly!

Piper & Prescott - We Love You!
Piper Says Yall Need To Chill Out, I don't like loud noises.

Prescott Chooses To Wear Her Cake! Soooo sweet.

Guess Whose Birthday It Is?

2008-10-05T20:08:00.005-04:00

Becky (Mom) - Yes

Piper - (Twin Daughter ) - Yes

Prescott - (Twin Daughter ) Yes

Dad Jeff - (Blue Shirt)

Parker - (Big Brother, In Green Shirt & Under Pink & Green Balloons)

Bennett - (Middle Brother, In Between Big Brother Parker & Standing Under Dad's Arm)

A Future VISION-ARY - Ms. Charlotte Whatley

2008-09-19T17:08:00.011-04:00

Kindergarten offers Charlotte many new challenges, including the opportunity to see out of both eyes. Yep, Ms. Charlotte, apparently was born with virtually NO vision in her right eye. Dr. Gold, her new eye doctor says it is a genetic issue and a shame that Charlotte did not have help sooner, as treatment is more difficult as a child learns to shut down their Lazy Eye.

Have you ever heard of Lazy Eye? That is when one eye is strong and capable while the other is not. Charlotte's left eye does all the work while her right eye is virtually shut down. Treatment starts with "Patching" the good eye, 2-6 hours a day after school, weekends, with the hope that her vision will improve in the right/lazy eye. It will NOT be fun and Dr. Gold says we have to encourage this treatment in order for her vision to improve.

Charlotte is a BEAUTIFUL child inside and out.

Remember when glasses, braces, bra 's and all were super cool? We'll let's just say Charlotte tops the COOL chart in our house tonight!

Red Satin Spa Ladies

2008-09-19T17:08:00.004-04:00

Emily Annabeth & MaryAudrey model their nighttime eyewear. Certainly ALL proper ladies use eye covers, except what is the deal with MaryAudrey, The Nudist? Oh well, at least one sister has a chance at the PROPER deal.

Big sister Emily just got her 4th Grade Progress Report - Straight A's in regular and gifted classes.

And for Mary Audrey's Report Card - she FINALLY tinkled a drop in the potty - (even though just a teenie tiny drop). Woo Hoo!

Budding Ballerina's

2008-09-13T19:00:00.007-04:00

MaryAudrey & Charlotte, Madeline & Emily prepare for Ballet at Harwood-Watson Studios.

Before we leave the house for Ballet at Harwood Watson Dance, MOM insists on taking our pictures. JEEZ Momma!
Daddy tries his best to calm baby sister (mei mei) MaryAudrey showing how big sisters (jie jie's) practice ballet.

Wow - check out the girls in the Johnny Holloway Dance Studios. Johnny and his family are huge supporters of THE ARTS, and donated the light and staging for our studios. The Holloway family started ABC Liquors. Thank you Holloway Family!

BIG KIDS Have Fun At Parker's Birthday Party Too!

2008-09-13T18:31:00.014-04:00

Daddy Jeff & Piper, Uncle John & Prescott

Good practice for soon-to-be-married Uncle John. Aunt Lizzie holds SOO big Piper as Weston & Lawton chill out for a second before going back to play with the family.

Heather is a cool chick on the razor scooter. You Go Girl!

Double Delight - Prescott & Piper Junod!

2008-09-13T18:24:00.005-04:00

"Hey guys come back. Can't you see we are still eating our green beans?" It's really rude to leave the table/s before everyone is finished. Just wait 'til we 're bigger you big buggers you!"

Check Out "Beetle Bug" Bronson riding his razor scooter in the background.

Piper Is SOOOOOOOOO Big!

2008-09-13T18:18:00.002-04:00

How Big Is Piper?

This Big?
Whatcha Think About This?

SO SO BIG Aunt Lizzie!

The Birthday Boy Surrounded By His Cuzs'

2008-09-13T17:31:00.003-04:00

Bininger-Harrell Girls Can HANG!

2008-09-13T17:12:00.004-04:00

Sizzlin' Sisters At Blue Jacket Park

2008-09-13T16:49:00.004-04:00

We had SO much fun at cousin Parker's 8-year old birthday party at Blue Jacket Park in Baldwin Park, where we live! All of the Bininger-Junod & Bininger-Dowdell cousins brought their super cool scooters , bikes and big wheels and we rode 'til our "tails" hurt!

Thanks Parker - WE HAD A BLAST!

Parker's Twin Sisters Prepare For His 8 Year Old Birthday Party!

2008-08-31T20:50:00.004-04:00

Check Out these little barefoot beauties - pointed and ready to party down at Baldwin Park 's Blue Jacket Park for big brother Parker's 8 year old birthday party! All the cousins were there and excited to be a part of this joyous ocassion!

The Junod Family

Parker - Check
Bennett - Check
Piper & Prescott - Check

The Dowdell Family

Westin - Check

Lawton - Check

Bronson - Check

The Bininger-Harrell Family

Emily - Check

Madeline - Check

Charlotte - Check

MaryAudrey - Check

KIRIN JOHNSIE FARRELL

2008-08-30T18:58:00.004-04:00

The Farrell Family's New Addition & Baby Girl!

Soooooooo beautiful.

Big Brother Austin, Little Sister Kirin & Mack Daddy Jimmy!

2008-08-30T18:38:00.005-04:00

Get Ready Austin

Sister Kirin's Gonna

"Rock Your Only Child World"!

Daddy, Can You Say 2 College Educations? I sure hope radio advertising will be around for a long, long time......OR we are in BIG trouble!

BABY KIRIN...Up Close & Personal!

2008-08-30T18:25:00.003-04:00

Look how small she is next to daddy's hands.
Wow, what a darling little angel, huh!

Jimmy & Lisa Farrell's New Baby Girl!

2008-08-30T18:03:00.009-04:00

Kirin Johnsie Farrell
is a beautiful addition to the Farrell family.

It's hard to imagine that only 3 days ago, mother Lisa was still carrying this precious baby. A miracle indeed! Isn't Lisa sooooo beautiful?!

Welcome Kirin!

Big Sister Emily - NOW IN 4TH GRADE...IN ALL HER GLORY.

2008-08-18T20:10:00.003-04:00

Emily is SO very excited to join her new classroom with new teacher, Ms. Lee. In the new 4th Grade Class , we are all blessed with long time, best-buddie classmates Gabby Hammond; Cameron Watson; Melany Cleves ; Lindsey Fortin; & Grace Dinkins! There are MANY more friends that are not listed that we love and adore. Stay tuned throughout the year for our progress.

Madeline Clementine Starts 2nd Grade!

2008-08-18T19:56:00.006-04:00

Madeline Clementine aka Maddie Boo excitedly starts 2nd grade with family friend Ellis Fleming. His mom 's Aunt Ashley grew up with Maddie's Aunt Becky Bininger Junod and Aunt Liz Bininger Dowdell! It's a small world afterall!

Go Falcons!

The First Day Of School At Audubon Park Elementary For Charlotte - A Kindergartener At Large!

2008-08-18T19:02:00.005-04:00

Charlotte Whatley Enjoys Her 1st Day Of Elementary School @ Audubon Park Elementary With New Teacher Ms. Blackstone. I have always thought that Kindergarten teachers are as close to saints as can be. REPORT - Charlotte completed her 1st day by staying on green - which is a good thing. *In the early years of school, children's learning and grades are marked by GREEN = good; YELLOW = Warning, need to do better and RED = Bad Day - Need total improvement! Pray For Charlotte & Ms. Blackstone!

Summertime Sweeties!

2008-07-20T21:17:00.002-04:00

Emily- poolside in Austin. We LOVE Austin , Texas and wish we were closer to our BFF's! Cameron - shows NO signs of missing out on family swim time. She has a mean stroke with her floaties on. YOU GO GIRL!
Orlando girls hangin' out on the porch - tryin' to catch a breeze - Charlotte; Madeline; MaryAudrey and Emily - pose as perfect sisters. Well - sort of!

Carson's -6-Year Old Birthday Rock Star Party At Justice - WAY COOL

2008-07-20T21:00:00.007-04:00

Emily, Carson, Peyton, Madeline & Isabella PUSH the limits with their GROWN UP style and sophistication at Carson's special JUSTICE Rock Star Birthday Party.

Peyton 's Pool Is OH SO COOL

2008-07-20T20:49:00.002-04:00

Peyton & Emily under the waterfall. We love you soooooooooo much Peyton and miss you each and every day!

Isabella, Madeline & Carson - Hangin' At The Pool In Austin

2008-07-20T20:36:00.001-04:00

Surprise Surprise - Ear Piercing With BFF's!

2008-07-20T19:09:00.010-04:00

Turning 10 in Texas with BFF Peyton offers a surprise - of ear piercing. The surprise was on all of us as Emily was in a state of panic. In the process of recovering from Swimmer's Ear, Emily was NOT COOL with the uncertainty of ear piercing - regardless of the peer-pressure of best friend Peyton and this major milestone. Nevertheless, these priceless photos will document this terrific time and major milestone WITH best friends Peyton and Carson.

MORE...Precious In Pillowcase Dresses In Austin, Texas!

2008-07-20T16:35:00.018-04:00

Pillowcase Dresses By Grammie NaNa!

2008-07-20T16:24:00.004-04:00

Peyton, Cameron, Madeline, Carson & Emily model their new, custom-designed and handmade with love from Grammie Linda Dowdell!

Thank you Grammie. We look precious indeed!

Do You Believe In Miracles? You Should Because...

2008-07-14T20:46:00.002-04:00

this cat is living proof of miracles. Remi is his name. He lived through miraculous conditions. He, when nobody was looking jumped into a dryer that he was later confronted with as it tossled and tumbled him through heat cycles that SHOULD have taken his life.

Long story short - Remi lived, lost his tail and contunues to be a fabulous pet/member of the Hall family.

Praise God for miracles.

PS - Yes Remi drinks water from the faucet, and I actually took this picture of the crazy cat drinking from the faucet!

Carson & Maddie - Best Friends 4 Ever - Too!

2008-07-14T20:39:00.003-04:00

Little sisters Carson and Madeline - do not miss a beat with the opportunity to bond as little sisters.

Carson, turned 6 years old on June 12th, 2008 as Emily turned 10. What a special occassion to be together for such wonderful celebrations.

We love you Carson, Peyton and NOW Cameron :-)

Miss Boo, Mr. O
Emily, Madeline, Charlotte & Mary Audrey
Your Orlando Family - WE MISS YOU!

The "DARING Book For GIRLS"

2008-07-14T20:33:00.002-04:00

BFF's FOREVER - Peyton & Emily pick right up where they left off! Peyton, outgoing and highly sensitive and responsible, takes care of very shy best friend Emily.

This friendship WILL last a lifetime. These girls are bonded for life. Very precious and REAL.

Peyton Marie + Emily Annabeth = BFF's 4 EVR

Daddy's Darlings!

2008-07-14T20:18:00.001-04:00

Hey there Daddy!

We love you!

Mary Audrey, Charlotte, Maddie and Emily

(left to right - front to back!)

The Pillowcase Girls @ Grandma Agnes's "Mother's Day Soire"

2008-05-31T18:31:00.002-04:00

OK - Check Out How Precious We Are In Our Pillowcase Dresses Made With Love By Grammy Linda AKA NaNa for the girls! Yep, Linda Dowdell made these exquisite dresses for us to take our pictures with Grandma Agnes for Mothers Day! We are SO proud of how cute we look. Thank you Grammy Linda AKA NaNA.

We are the cutest things ever to hit Fort White for sure!

Hugs & Kisses!

Grandma Agnes With Eldest Son Orbra, AKA "BUBBA"

2008-05-31T18:23:00.002-04:00

This Mother's Day was a very special celebration for Orbra Jr. This was a time where he could recognize his mother of 64 years. He also celebrated the mother (Belinda) of his 4 adopted Chinese American daughters over the past 10 years. Emily Annabeth will be 10 on June 12th, and was adopted in March of 1999. Since then, we have welcomed Madeline Clementine (7) adopted at 10 months; Charlotte Whatley (5) adopted at almost 3; and Mary Audrey (3) adopted at 2 1/2.

Mother's Day Is A Sacred Day Indeed -

I LOVE YOU ALL -

"BUBBA"

Grandma Agnes - Happy Mother's Day!

2008-05-31T18:00:00.003-04:00

The Bininger-Harrell Family traveled from Orlando to Fort White to celebrate Mother's Day with Grandma Agnes and Aunt Denise. It was wonderful celebrating with our family matriarch on daddy's side. 2 of our daughters are named after Grandma Agnes - Charlotte WHATLEY, (Whatley came from Grandma Agnes's side of the family - her mother's, mother's maiden name. )

MARY Audrey, of course, gets her name from MARY Agnes. We are thrilled to continue the family name and heritage with our precious daughters.

It's Hard To Believe Mary Audrey Has ONLY Been With Us 9 Months!

2008-05-31T17:39:00.003-04:00

On August 6th, 2008 - Cao, YiFang AKA Little Miss Mary Audrey joined the Bininger-Harrell family. She has been such a blessing to our family. She completes our family of Orbra's 6 children including his 2 biological kids - Liz and Brian of Tallahassee; and our 4 adopted daughters Emily, Madeline, Charlotte and Mary Audrey of Orlando. While most of our friends our age (47 - 64) are retired and enjoying retirement - not us! We enjoy the day-to-day hustle bustle of children, homework and all of their special needs. Yes, we are OLD, but we are WISE. I repeat that often when my OLD tired nerves tend to give out after a long day at the office. Orbra, never gets a break. He is a FULL TIME daddy, a challenging task for a young man, no doubt. But at the end of each day, we count our blessings - these children - Liz & Brian, plus the Chinese American gang - for allowing our life to be so RICH.

A Sunset Celebration With Mary Audrey & Daddy

2008-05-31T17:14:00.005-04:00

Every minute at the beach is a celebration, but sunsets are extra special for our family. It is so very sweet to watch Mary Audrey holding hands with her daddy as the twosome enjoy a lovely ending to a long day of fun in the sun.

In the background, Tammie (or TIMMIE as Mary Audrey says) HANGS with her children, Brooke and Brandon. Blake must be hangin' out with Mr. Kelly...WISH YOU GUYS WERE IN THE PICTURE TOO!

WE LOVE THE BEACH!

Nite Nite Termite @ The Beach -

2008-05-29T19:27:00.004-04:00

Emily - surrounded by plaid, looking lovely in her sleeping state!

Maddie Boo, pink-ilicious & sprawled out! Notice how relaxed our precious Maddie Boo is @ the beach!

New Smyrna Beach With Friends

2008-05-29T19:00:00.005-04:00

Emily, Ms. Tammie, Mary Audrey, Brooke & Maddie - Girls Rule, Yeah Baby!

Ms. Tammie, Brandon & Mr. Kelly

Maddie & Brooke - BFF's!

Maddie & Charlotte......"We Love Ms. Tammie!"

WHEN LOVE TAKES YOU IN

2008-05-23T06:43:00.005-04:00

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A Favorite Time Of day - Bathtime :-)

2008-05-21T20:32:00.003-04:00

Emily, 9 (almost 10) Mary Audrey 3, Charlotte 5. and Madeline 7 all enjoy sister bathtime together.

This is also a favorite mommy time, seeing my girls together!

"I Love Uncle Lee"!

2008-05-21T20:27:00.002-04:00

Mary Audrey loves her Uncle Lee, Daddy's brother. Thanks Uncle Lee for making my visit so memorable.

Hugs & Kisses!

Mary Audrey

My Girls Are Growing Up Entirely TOO Fast!

2008-05-04T21:11:00.016-04:00

Charlotte Hugs Mei Mei (little sister) Mary Audrey - a sweet moment with no arguing!

Maddie Boo After Bath!
Emily Annabeth & All Her Glory In Mom's Bathtub - With Special Bubble Bath - ONLY For Us Big Girls!

Check out my Slide Show!

2008-04-27T19:59:00.001-04:00

Aunt Boo & Aunt Lizzie Lovin' On The Twins!

2008-04-13T17:49:00.003-04:00

Aunt Boo kisses Ms. Prescott while Aunt Lizzie and Ms. Piper strategize their next activity at New Smyrna Beach after a full day in the sun with the cousins. These little fair babies have sooooooooooooooo much to look forward to with the WOOLEY BOOGER COUSINS, in a few years!

KISS KISS!

Imagine The Possibilities.....

2008-04-05T18:56:00.002-04:00

Emily Annabeth, Mary Audrey, Charlotte Whatley & Madeline Clementine face the massive Atlantic Ocean. The possibilities for these special girls are unlimited indeed.

The Answer My Friend Is Blowin' In The Wind..

2008-04-05T18:41:00.002-04:00

Fast forward and imagine what "sisterhood" will mean to these girls?! Now it is simply an excuse to quarrel over toys, time on the laptops, or who spends more time with mom or dad. Soon enough these sisters will have a deeper connection about how life has brought them together through international adoption, specifically Chinese adoption. Our family is forever richer in so many ways.

One Should ALWAYS Accessorize!

2008-04-05T17:33:00.002-04:00

Mary Audrey has a knack for finding the special Nick Knacks that add SPICE to one's life! These special goggles belong to the Stewarts. Initially the goggles started as eye covers. Later they became a headdress as seen in other photos on the blog! Is that fog in her left goggle eyeglass? If you could see her feet, I bet you'd see her cousin Weston's crocks on her feet. Yep, the girl LOVES shoes. She has no idea she is missing toes and 3/4 of her left foot. We will have her hooked up with whatever prosthetics she can have that will enable her to have as many shoes as her heart desires! Smile baby girl!

New BFF's - Maddie & Betsy!

2008-04-05T17:23:00.002-04:00

Maddie meets a new friend - Betsy Stewart. Betsy's mom and dad, Liz and Shawn have been connected to our family for years! Liz Bininger Dowdell (my baby sister) and Liz Freedly (sp?) Stewart have known each other since Jr. High School - AND better yet - Liz Bininger Dowdell and Shawn Stewart have known each other since college. The Stewarts were introduced by my sister Liz Bininger Dowdell! Very cool. PLUS our godfather Dann Pottinger is related to the Stewarts as well. We love this very very small world in which we live. WE CAN'T WAIT for Betsy to have a sleepover with us!

Charlotte Plays The Air Flute!

2008-04-05T17:14:00.002-04:00

What else should one do at the beach, at a deck party, when your fingernails are freshly painted red, and the breeze is blowing through your hair, BUT the party needs some entertainment that matches the mood? Charlotte to the rescue as she automatically decides to play the air flute.

Pachabels Canon maybe?

Emily Sports A New "DO", "HairDO" That Is!

2008-04-05T17:04:00.003-04:00

At 9, almost 10 years old; Emily is quite sure about a few things. Friends, hair, clothing and computer games are at the top of the list of priorities. As you will notice, Emily pulled her hair back in ponytails for our cookout party on Friday night with the Dowdell cousins and the Stewarts. The "DO" was instantly acknowledged by fashion diva Aunt Lizzie! YOU GO EMILY!

Last Hooray At The Beach!

2008-04-05T16:23:00.003-04:00

Friday, April 4th was our last night at New Smyrna Beach celebrating the girls' Spring Break vacation. This week was one of the best times we have ever enjoyed as a complete family with all our children home from China! There is NO place in the world that is more peaceful than the beach - especially New Smyrna. My fondest memories as a child were spent on the beach with my family at New Smyrna Beach and Longboat Key! I cannot express the joy I felt watching the girls building sand castles; chasing seagulls; swimming in the condo pool; playing with their cousins; spending quality time with their aunts, uncles and godmother My My - and NOT being on a schedule. Emily really wants to go on the Disney Cruise next year for Spring Break? I am sure it would be wonderful, but nothing is as relaxing as hangin' out oceanside for a full week. Amazing time together.

Marvelous Madeline!

2008-04-02T09:56:00.000-04:00