Cousins

Cousin Paige gives CaraBeth a kiss!

Family 'cation Part III

Next year there will be one more in the pool!
The wind was cool so when CaraBeth got out of the water she was "sugaring" (shivering)
Connor shot this photo
and I shot this one

Family 'cation Part II

I'm sure Madison and Eric are up to something here
Connor
CaraBeth loved it when Meghan took her to the deep side of the pool
When we put CaraBeth in the baby pool, she threw herself into the water and started swimming! She was like a little fish from then on.
She looks a bit worried in this picture, but she laughed hysterically when they got to the side!

Our family 'cation Part I

This is typical for our family when we travel. We were only to be away 2.5 days, but we packed all of our food too because we were going to stay in a suite with a full kitchen.
Connor's favorite part of the resort was the slide pool
Duck faces
CaraBeth made herself "glasses" with the bagels we were taking to the geese on the lake

CaraBeth offers a flower

JUDO

Connor throws Eric
Madison's turn
Eric began coaching a Judo class a couple of weeks ago. Connor and Madison are both in the class and really enjoying it! Meghan has gone to observe a couple of times and now thinks she'd like to give it a try. I'm not really sure if I'm ready to go watch my girls get thrown around on a mat!

Bicycle Built For Two

CaraBeth is ready to go on a bike ride now! Well, first we have to find her a helmet small enough for her head and then we can go on a ride. This new seat is a fun way for her to get to take in the views and not feel like all is can see is the back of Daddy's t-shirt.

ADOPTION

I copied this from a friend's blog www.k6comehome.blogspot.com

YOU KNOW YOU'RE AN ADOPTIVE PARENT IF ...
1. The fact that there are 143 million children without a parent to kiss them goodnight has made you lose sleep.
2. You realize DNA has nothing to do with love & family.
3. You can't watch Adoption Stories on TLC without sobbing.
4. The fact that, if 7% of Christians adopted 1 child there would be no orphans in the world, is convicting to you.
5. You spend free time surfing blogs about families who've experienced the blessing of adoption.
6. It drives you crazy when people ask you about adopted child's "real" parents.
7. You've been "pregnant" with your adopted child longer than it takes an elephant to give birth.(2 years!)
8. You had no idea how you'd afford to adopt, but stepped out in faith anyway, knowing He'd provide. (& He does!)
9. You've taken an airplane half-way around the world with a child you just met.
10. You believe God's heart's for adoption.
11. You realize that welcoming a child into your heart & family is one of the most important legacies you could ever leave on this earth.
12. You know what the word "Dossier" means & you can actually pronounce it correctly!
13. You've welcomed a social worker into the most private parts of your life.
14. You shudder when people say your child's so lucky that you adopted them, knowing full well you're the blessed one to have him or her in your life.