Family week in the Smokies!

Last week our family met up with Papa and Grandma (Hull), Matt and Connie at a wonderful cabin near the Smoky mountains.  It was a special time together of wading in the river, hiking up Clingman's Dome, cooking together and lots of playing pool (for the guys)!  I think it was just what our family needed...

Levi's favorite- rock throwing + splashing!

Having trouble sleeping... hmmm

Visit with Dad!

Last month we had a wonderful visit with "Pipai" from China!  We had a great time together catching up on this past year and discussing the possible future including more time together.  All the cousins enjoyed having Pipai nearby as they played together.  The kids each got their own turns riding in the Cobra!  Such fun.

Can't wait for our next visit from our China Granddad!

Norah Rose wearing her Chinese hat!

Waiting patiently for their turn...

Praying for Papa

I've gotten very behind in posting and have several "pending"... but this week our thoughts are with our Papa.  He continues fighting his cancer battle but has gotten some very difficult news this week.

Prayers for Papa and Grandma are peppered throughout our days and nights.  Josiah is starting to grasp the heaviness of our hearts.  He is so sensitive and able to detect our emotions in the absence of words.

We love you Papa!

Josiah Reading!

(pause ipod at bottom of page)

Yard Sale Fundraiser

A few weeks ago we had a HUGE yard sale!  Everything was donated for adoption fundraising, from clothes to toys to kitchen gadgets.  Thanks to the help of many friends and donations from family and even folks we don't know, it was a fun and successful day!

Most of my photos from the day are of friends helping out.  Since I don't have permission to place their beautiful faces here on the blog, these are all I have to share for now.  But, I think you can get the general idea!

We felt so blessed after that weekend was over!  The Lord is providing for our family in so many ways.  We are getting excited to meet our new munchkin!

letters to Abby

A few weeks ago Abby went to Sensory camp at UCP.  We really missed her here at home, and after the week was over Josiah wrote her a letter:

"Dear Abby, this is from Josiah.  I love you very much and I missed you while you were at camp.  And then I love you as much as the sun is high.

I’m glad I got to go to camp with you today Abby."

He has been "writing" us letters lately that are both hilarious and sweet.  I'll try to post more of them as they come.  One that he brought us the other day had a picture of "grumpy mommy" among the rest of the family, all smiling.  Hmmm.  I guess I need to work on that.

Conversation in the car--

Josiah:  "Abby needs to feel my legs when we get home."

me:  "Why's that honey?"

J:  "Because they are covered in ant bites and she would like to feel that.  She might think it's a braille book!"

How thoughtful!  Five year olds are so funny.

Announcement!

Another Munchkin will be joining our family... but not in 9 months!

More like 12 to 48 months. 

We are Adopting!

(more details to come...)