Tea Time

It was almost three years ago today that these little girls had their very first adoption play date. We met again the following year and many more times at birthday parties, various play dates, and even did two years of preschool co-op together. Through it all, they have become great friends, and today, we celebrated their special bond with a lovely afternoon tea. 

*thank you judy for the group pic*

Though they may not grasp the gravity of their friendship just yet, their friendship is one that we mommies have been prayerful about, hoping that they will be a great source of encouragement and support to each other in the years to come. 

As for my fellow adoptive moms, I am so thankful for the many ways they have already been a blessing to me, and for the special bond we share as ones who have been adopted by God. Love you ladies!

Happy 4th Birthday! Part 2

A few weeks after Bethany's birthday, we had a very special joint celebration for Bethany and her good friend Hudson. This was our second year joining forces with their family, and once again, it was a wonderful time. (go here to see their first party together)

Coming up with a theme wasn't too difficult since both Bethany and Hudson are fans of the Power Rangers.

  

Bethany had a great time (i'm pretty sure Hudson did too), and I was especially relieved that Bethany was ready and willing to participate in all the activities. I'm sure it helped that the My Gym staff did an exceptional job, and that she's been going to My Gym classes for the past month and a half. In fact, My Gym has hands down become one of Bethany's favorite places.

I was a little unsure if the older kids would have as much fun, but as you can see by this big kid, the party was fun for kids of all ages. :)

A big thank you to each of these kids, and their moms and dads for coming out to celebrate with us. It wouldn't have been the same without you!

I am so thankful for these two amazing kids, and for the friendship our families share. 

Happy birthday Hudson and Bethany!

 

Best Vacation Ever!

August 2-13, 2012

What do you get when you have sixteen kids and twelve adults living in one house for nearly two weeks? No, not a new reality show, but a trip of a lifetime; and what Austin would describe as, "The best vacation ever!"☺

 We were the last family to leave for the east coast, so we were quite anxious to get there.

 Most of Bethany's time on the plane (on the way there and back) was spent doing this.

Big brother and Daddy busied themselves like this.

Once we arrived at Dulles International, we joined our friends in Virginia where the party had already begun. After a day of rest, catching up, and a mommies' night out, all twenty eight of us piled into four separate cars and made an early 4am departure to the Outer Banks in North Carolina.

Our caravan of cars made a few stops here and there, but considering how many little ones we had, the six plus hour drive wasn't bad at all. But then again, I can only speak for myself since it was just the four of us in our car.

Still, you can imagine our relief when we finally reached our destination.

Our home away from home.

Aside from a few touristy things, we pretty much stayed put the entire time. There really was no reason to venture out too often since we had a fully stocked kitchen, a swimming pool, and basically, the beach as our backyard. Needless to say, the kids were never at a loss for things to do. The moms and dads weren't complaining either since the dads squeezed in four rounds of golf, and the moms had some time to go out on our own.

This is basically what the kids did ALL DAY LONG. They had so much fun together, and it was beautiful to see how well they got along for the entire trip.

 

 

We ate well, played hard, and had an amazing time together. It was hard to say good bye, but by the time we left, plans for our next big trip were already in motion. :)

I love these people!

Preschool Co-op Graduation 2012

This past year, Bethany and I have had the privilege of being part of an amazing little co-op made up of an equally amazing group of moms and little girls. We met with the simple goal of preparing our little ones for school by teaching them the basics of the classroom, like raising your hand, taking turns, and standing in line. We also went through the ABC's, practiced fine motor skills, and did a lot of arts and crafts.

Most importantly, our goal throughout the year was to teach our girls about the precious love of God, and how He is a part of their everyday lives. We taught them Bible songs and stories, along with character lessons which they had many opportunities to put into practice during our weekly meetings.

I am so thankful to each of the moms and little girls who made Bethany's first school experience one we will always remember.

 July 13, 2012

Each of the girls received an award certificate highlighting their area of strength and a very official looking diploma, all made by mommy Judy.