At the Park

We took a family trip to the park last weekend.  The weather was glorious and it was nice to all get out for some play and a walk around.

I met some nice people on the playground too, which is always a bonus.  It was an African American family and so I'm always asking for advice on hair products and especially if there is a hair salon semi-close that they would recommend.  The mom had very nice hair so I thought she might be a good resource and she was.

Yep, there's a picture of me too - surprise!  No make-up and all.  Keepin' it real.  Actually that's me most days, running out the door and realizing I have no make-up and I haven't done Etame's hair.  I should probably keep an emergency hair care kit in the car.  Have a great week friends!

A Quilt for My Niece

As I posted earlier, we have a new niece!  She seems to be adjusting well so far and I'm sure they are all anxious to get back home and get settled.

It has been really fun to follow along with them through my sister's emails and blog posts.  She seems like such a special girl and I can't wait to meet her.  Unfortunately that won't be until August when we head out to Oregon to visit family.

Until then, I'm working on a quilt for her.  It's my way of connecting.  The anticipation of her seeing this quilt for the first time just makes me smile as I work on it.

Here's a little preview.  I'm nearly done with the quilt top and will start soon on the back and quilting it all together.  I used all fabrics that I had in my stash, which was challenging yet very satisfying.  I designed it on paper myself and I'll explain the significance of it all later (although those of you who follow her blog can probably guess it).

3 Years!

Etame's Birthday was a couple weeks ago too.  We decided, whether good or bad, to have her party the day after Landon's party.

We invited all of her preschool class plus a couple good friends.  It was her first party and she had fun being the center of attention.

It was only one hour but perfect for kids her age.  Just enough time to talk and play and eat cake.

We played the simple game of drop the clothespin into the jar.  A classic that seems to be a hit at this age.  I remember playing it when I was little.

We are so blessed to be surrounded by nice friends for our children.  It's a treat to watch them grow their friendships with one another.

 

Sometime this week I will write a letter to her birth mother as I do every year close to her birthday.  I'm sure she thinks of Etame on her birthday and hopes that somehow she is safe and happy in the world.

5 Months

Tosca is now 5 months old.  She is rolling around, trying to crawl.  She does this move where she pretends she is an airplane and is really just high-centered on the ground.  It's quite funny, and cute.

She still our super happy girl, smiling at people and curious about her siblings.  Love.

Journey Across the World to Meet Your New Daughter

This is what my sister and family are doing this week!  They are going to pick up their new daughter whom they are adopting from China.  I am going to help her out with posts from China so that she can keep us all informed of their happenings.  She is a hilarious, enjoyable writer and has a way of connecting you to their story full of busy children and household.

Almost all of their children (6 of them in a foreign country!) are traveling together to go pick up my soon-to-be niece who is 11 years old.  What joy these next two weeks will bring!

Visit her blog to follow their adventure >> Crazy For Kids