The Brady Bunch

Yesterday I said goodbye to one of my besties, Sarah. They spent their last night having dinner with us...I felt special :) seriously. She and her family are a blessing to our family. Over the years we have been through many of life's big experiences together and it's been fun. I pulled up to their house and I got that nervous/butterfly feeling in my stomach just like I do when something big is happening with my family. The boys piled out of the car and played with the girls like it was no different from any other day. The car was packed, hugs were exchanged, goodbyes said and they got into the car. Tears fell and they were gone. I am sad and yet at the same time I am happy and excited for her to have this fun adventure with her family. I pray their time there is blessed and I hope business brings her to Houston a few times over the next 2 years!

Blake is 3

Time flies...my little boy is getting bigger each day, talking more and doing just about everything his big brothers do - or gets hurt trying. Blake still clings to his Mommy, and tells Dad when he's driving the van that it's mommy's car :) He tells me which way to turn when driving, to go faster or slow down....it's pretty funny. He's a lover of Thomas and Cars :) He's a sweet boy and has changed a LOT in the last 6 months and is truly fun to be around!
We had some family over for lunch and cookie cake to celebrate his birthday. We blew up the bounce house and Blake had fun just being at home :) Simple...enjoyable.

Christmas

We had a nice Christmas, we celebrated on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with family. This year we got a neat thing from church that had a few suggestions for how to celebrate Christmas morning. We did use it but chose one or two to incorporate into how we already "do" Christmas morning. This year Braden read :)

Tongue out...serious business. I have made blankets for each of my boys, this year Blake got his and it was Thomas. He LOVES thomas and was happy to have his own "special" blanket. Genuine excitement, love it!

Care Package

We sent Reese a care package last week. I made her a little blanket (very little, more like a "lovie"...she'll have the bigger version here when she gets home), a photo book and a set of blocks. Truitt helped me pick her toy, we chose the soft blocks so she could build with them, throw them, chew them and use the little bag they're in for a purse :) She should get them soon....I hope!

Thanksgiving - part 2

We left Pipe Creek and went to Kerrville to see Nana. We had a nice time visiting and one day we went out to Lost Maples park, the colors were so pretty with all the trees changing. The boys did well on the 5 mile hike, on the steep incline I had Blake on my back, Truitt was on Kurt's shoulders - talk about a workout! Blake walked much of it but both he and Truitt were hitching rides towards the end. It was great weather but when we had our picnic the wind picked up, clouds came out and it got really cold! Perfect timing on our part....needless to say Blake and Truitt slept on the way home :)

Thanksgiving - Part 1

We had a great Thanksgiving. We went to Pipe Creek first and met up with family. The boys had fun, it had been over a year since they'd seen each other - they played non stop! It was so nice to see everyone :)

Lots of sand and water...makes for hours in the sandbox!

SIX

This year Truitt wanted to celebrate his birthday at Chucky Cheese. I can't believe he is 5...time flies!

We started off the day with a birthday cinamon roll :)

Truitt really wanted to do the ticket blaster...it was so funny to watch him. He came out with about 4 tickets but also have 2 110 point tickets - score!

EIGHT

Braden had a few friends over for his birthday - we did nerf gun wars. Kurt and I were the Russians (not sure why but we were assigned) and they were the US Navy. It was fun, Kurt and I battled against 8 boys! We kept score with chalk on the fort and everyone had a turn being captain. I think all the boys had a great time - I KNOW Braden did! Nerf gun wars are a regular occurance in our house...fun times :) seriously, it IS really fun!

Blake just ran around and had fun...so cute.

Halloween

Fun times....the boys picked their costumes and between what we had and borrowed I didn't spend a penny on costumes! Blake LOVED the night - screaming "trick or treat", "thank you" and "bye" at just about every door, constantly trying to keep up with his brothers/cousins and dragging his HEAVY bag around (refusing to let me help - apparently I'm not to be trusted with his candy bag!).

My train conductor

Ferocious lion... "army man"

We went to Aunt Missy's this yearBlake ran around with is arm up to hold his bag, so funny! Sisters.....so thankful to have them both!

Update

We recieved an update from China on our little girl. This was great news as we were told that many times there is no response when requests are made. Not only did we get a response but it was within 2 weeks of requesting it. We were happy to see the photos and get the brief text document BUT I must say I also felt sad. I had a "vision" of what her foster home might be like and that didn't match up with our new photos. I want her home now more than ever....it's hard.