Apple Picking

Yesterday everyone got together for a trip to Henderson County North Carolina to go apple picking.  This is a yearly excursion for The O'Donnell Clan and it was a pleasure to get the chance to share it with Tisha's family.

Headed out with our baskets and wagon.

Ya admiring one of her picks.

Tisha giving Aidan a boost.

Ian sneaking a bite.

Mia reaching for a great looking apple.

President Tisha

During all the happenings this past month, Tisha also took some time out of her busy schedule to help put together the thank you gifts for all the ladies that attended Trinity's most recent WIC function.  WIC is short for Women on the Church, and on top of all of Tisha's other responsibilities, she is also the WIC President.  She is one busy lady!

Courtland and Ya's Wedding

A week ago this past weekend Tisha's brother Courtland West married Du Xiaoya.  Here are a few pictures.

Courtland and Ya

One of my favorite parts of the wedding was when Courtland and Ya sang a minority folk song from Sichuan, China that celebrates the courting ritual and match making of young men and women.

Ya's American family.

The happy couple head back to China this coming Sunday.  They'll also have a ceremony in China around December.

The Finished Wedding Cake

Sorry for the delay in sending this, but with Courtland and Ya here in the States we are trying to soak up as much time with them as we can.  They head back to China this coming Sunday. :(

As promised, here is the cake.  As you can see, Tisha is an artist.

We'll post about the wedding after Court and Ya head back to China.

The Making of Ya and Court's Wedding Cake

Tisha continues to amaze us with her incredible cake making talent.  She is once again hard at work, this time on a wedding cake for her brother Courtland and future sister-in-law Ya.  She's been at it for about 3 days now, and will finish the cake at the church tomorrow.  Here are some pictures of her progress...

Tisha using her favorite tool.  This Kitchen Aid Mixer is one of the best investments we've ever made.

Here is some of Tisha's homemade icing.  You would not believe the amount of butter and sugar that goes into this stuff.  It will absolutely put you into a sugar coma!

She is marbling chocolate and vanilla together for this cake.

Here is the rough up of the top piece.  The cake is going to look great.  I'll show you a picture of the finished cake after the wedding.

  

Court and Ya's Photo Shoot

Yesterday I went out with Court and Ya to do a photo shoot for Alyssa, our friend that is planning their wedding.  She wanted some nice pictures of the both of them to put out on the foyer table.  We got a number of good shots thanks to Chris Mackey's wonderful, illustrious, grand, super-duper camera.  Here are a few for you to enjoy, just click on the images to enlarge them... 

Courtland and Ya are Here!

It was a happy homecoming for both Courtland and welcome for Ya.  They flew in on seperate days and they're preparing to marry this Saturday; so as you can imagine, we've been pretty busy.  Here are a few pictures.

All the kids were so excited to see their Uncle.  He's been in China for a year now.

Tisha and Courtland have always been close.  The distance is hard on the both of them.

Not a bad looking guy for someone that has been traveling for 20 hours or so!

When we got back home, Courtland called Ya to let her know he made it safe and sound. We then called his sister who lives in Brazil on Skype.

We've know Ya for some time know, but here we are finally meeting her in person. She is everything we expected. Beautiful, sweet and a joy to be with.

Here the ladies are having a pow-wow as they discuss what the next week will entail as they get ready for the wedding.

Mia and Ya have become fast friends. Much to Mia's delight!

Our first meal together with Ya. We really missed Ginger and Chris.