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Paradise Found

Every year we spend a week at our favorite vacation destination. It's a magical place, beautiful beyond words, a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and best of all, it's close to home. We've been vacationing there for the last 10 years. It's our children's favorite place to visit. They would choose it over Disneyland or Disneyworld...no joking. They love it that much! They even talk about bringing their own kids there when they grow up. It warms my heart to know that our time spent there is cherished by not only Andy and I, but our children as well.





Whether we were hiking or biking, Sophie spent most of her time sleeping. That's what clean mountain air will do to you.

Easier Said Than Done

This is Jake's first year in 4-H and I needed to get a picture of him with his sheep for the cover of his project book. I scoped out the area for the perfect spot, which was definitely not in the barn or the pasture. Our wildflowers had recently started to bloom and would make a nice backdrop for the picture. Or so I thought. After 30 minutes of pulling, pushing, dragging, chasing and pleading we finally were able to get one decent shot. What is not captured in the pictures is how dirty and sweaty we were at the end of the photo shoot or all the pretty wildflowers that darn sheep ate. A seemingly sweet sheep can sure turn a small task into a major ordeal.

When we were done I thanked Jake for being such a good sport. His reply, "No mom, thank you. I'm definitely not taking that sheep to the fair. She's too uncooperative." "What?! You mean we have to do this again with another sheep?" I gasped. "Yep mom," he stated with a big grin.

Sheesh, this country living is hard work!

Happy Father's Day Andy!

What Makes a Dad
God took the strength of a mountain,
The majesty of a tree,
The warmth of a summer sun,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The generous soul of nature,
The comforting arm of night,
The wisdom of the ages,
The power of the eagle's flight,
The joy of a morning in spring,
The faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it ... Dad
Author Unknown

To our amazing daddy and all the wonderful daddies out there HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!

She just keeps getting cuter!

Yesterday, Jake exclaimed "Mom, I think Sophie's the cutest little girl in the world! Her eyes are so dark that when I look in them I can't see myself. I get lost." Yep, me too Jake. Me too!! Her beautiful brown eyes that will someday break hearts, have captured ours FOREVER.

Summertime Fun

We just returned from a fun-filled four days on the Oregon Coast. The kids had a delightful time building sand castles, playing in the freezing water, catching hermit crabs, and lounging in the hot tub. Most of all, they enjoyed just hanging out with their cousins. 9 kids + 8 adults = Summertime Fun!!!

Sugar, Spice, and Everything Rice

She may be small in stature, but this little gal can put away the food. If rice is involved she's all over it. Yep, this girlie LOVES her sticky rice.

Crazy for Cade

Cade is quite and shy. Definitely the reserved one in the family. He prefers being the spectator over the participant. He worships his older brothers and his daddy is his hero. He is all boy, from the toy guns he likes to play with to the worms & rollie pollies he likes to collect. He is sweet, funny, and his momma is crazy about him!

Smitten

I have temporarily emerged from the craziness that has been surrounding us the last month to report that we are alive and well in our little neck of the woods. Health has finally triumphed over ear infections, sinus infections, chicken pox and giardia. We are all germ free...FINALLY!

It amazes me that Sophia has only been home a little over a month. At times it seems like she has been with us forever. She is definitely the missing piece of our family puzzle. To say she is the "baby" of the family would be an understatement. She is the "STAR" of the family. When she smiles, we smile. When she laughs, we laugh. When she wants to be carried, the boys argue over whose turn it is. Yes, we are all smitten with our brown-eyed beauty.

Our WACAP Travel Group

We feel so blessed to have met such wonderful families through WACAP. Surprisingly, we were the only family adopting for the first time. The other six families were on their second, third and fourth adoption. Amazing families...amazing children...an amazing experience. Of course, no adoption journey would be complete without the famous "red couch picture".

A Heart Full of Gratitude

Though we may never know the circumstances surrounding Sophia's abandonment.  This I believe to be true...that she was loved.  Her birth mother chose life for her.  There is love in that.  She was placed in a public place were she would definitely be found.  There is love in that.  Someone cared enough to write a note with her date of birth and the time she was born.  The note was written on beautiful red paper.  There is love in that.
 
Tonight as I hold Sophia, my heart is full of admiration and gratitude for her birth mother.  At the same time, my heart is heavy as I know her greatest heartbreak is our greatest joy.  I pray that God is able to fill her heart with peace and that somehow she knows that her daughter is safe.  She is healthy.  She is happy.  She is LOVED. 

Dinner anyone?

We definitely stepped out of our comfort zone.  Andy agreed to eat at this Chinese restaurant once, but made me promise that we would not go back.  Yes, it was very authentic and the food was interesting to say the least!  Note the propane tank under the table. 

Six Banyan Temple and Chen Clan Academy

Today our guide went to the American Consulate to complete paperwork on our behalf, as tomorrow is our oath ceremony.  While she was busy, we went with another guide to tour the Six Banyan Temple and Chen Clan Academy.  Pouring rain and a tired baby made for a quick trip.  Nonetheless, it is always nice to leave the hotel and explore for awhile.  Tonight we are going with another adoptive family to a traditional Chinese restaurant on Shamian Island.  Think turtles in a bucket and fish in a tank, all on display for your dinner consumption.  Yum! Yum!

A Little Pink In Our Blue World

Finally, I can put the plethora of hair ribbons I have made to good use. My little girlie is hair follicle challenged, so headbands are a must. Especially, since most of the Chinese think she is a boy. I guess the pink or red in her clothes don't signify GIRL.