Happy Gotcha Day!

Two and half years ago, your little face reached into our hearts. We flew across the world to find you...because we already loved you.

Two years ago TODAY we met you for the very first time.

You were so scared and unsure.

But it wasn't long before you found your smile and it's so beautiful!

Just look at you now, growing more confident and sure of yourself each day.

And while you still need extra love and hugs

That's ok with all of us.

Happy Gotcha Day, M! You're in our family forever!

First Day of Preschool

Because I just adore the look on her face...

A trip down memory lane...Last year's picture

This year's picture. Does she REALLY have to grow up this fast?

Sometimes People Ask

Sometimes people ask how our boys feel about their sister. Need I say more?

Hooray!

I'm thinking we should've posted MONTHS ago. After one day of asking for prayer, we actually slept six straight hours last night! Dare we hope we get to sleep again tonight? Oh for eight hours! Can't even remember what that feels like!

Prayers for Sleep

We're believers in prayer. Even for small stuff. We could use some prayer for sleep.

It's been well over a year since I (J) slept through the night. And for the past six months, R and I have been up between 3-4 times almost every night helping a child. Usually, it's M. We have no idea why. Sometimes she's crying. Sometimes she needs the bathroom. And sometimes she just wanders next to my bed and says, "I awake."(To which I am tempted to reply, "No kidding.")

We are so dreadfully EXHAUSTED and will ourselves through many parts of the day. Not a fun way to live.

If you've got a second, please offer a little prayer for us. Thanks.

Labor Day Getaway

One last summer hurrah...some time in VT!

The gorgeous barn with studio loft apartment inside. The kids love exploring the dozens of acres that surround it, hunting for bear and moose!

We visited the birthplace of President Calvin Coolidge. A for ambiance!


Pancake breakfast with VT maple syrup OF COURSE...on the porch...perfect.


Cheese-making farm tour. J tries to convince M that the calf is sweet. M's not buying it.
End of day #1. The barn contains a secret door with a hidden staircase up to the cupola. Tucked into the top are two little rooms for playing and sleeping for kids just our size! Never had kids so excited to go to bed before!

Day #2. Kayaking, of course! Picnic lunch by the water. Life is good.


The only thing better than a sasparilla from the country store is morphing into G, the Great Tadpole Hunter and using the bottle as a secret agent weapon!

We actually did WEAR THEM OUT. And you should've seen their parents!