Wordless Wednesday

Apple orchard

Yesterday we went to an apple orchard just south of Madison. It was a perfect day though a little hot for this time of year. Grace and Will loved finding apples, picking them and of course eating some too! Now I have to get busy and figure out what to do with all the apples we picked (we went a little crazy). ;)

Seasons

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

To me when I read or say this verse outloud I think of the many seasons in my own life, but for some reason right now I think of all parents who wait for their children. Whether you are waiting for the first time, second or 6th, the wait for a child is agonizing. The wait to adopt from China has slowed to a crawl. I do get comfort from the fact that China is still matching babies to families and moving ahead though it is painfully and horribly slow. My heart is always with my friends and all those who wait, I believe very deeply your time or season will come. Someday (though I know it seems far away) this wait will be a distant memory, and a memory that will quickly leave the moment you see your child's face for the first time. The wait that you've all endured won't be any less but the child you've waited for will be worth it. Every day. Every minute. My prayers are with all of you that wait and especially for the children who wait for their forever families.

Friday Fotos

He runs to the pantry where I keep the swiffer and pretends to clean. Go little dude!

Miss Grace.

Will in our upstairs hallway, he was so proud of himself wearing a princess crown of Grace's.

Daddy and his little boy.

Some recent pictures that I love! Enjoy the weekend!

Wordless Wednesday

Busy weekend

William under bubble in the big water table.

One of the Daddys(Steve) with some of the girls. I love this!

We had a busy and very fun weekend. Friday we were invited to our Waiting Families group with our agency and were asked to be the 'featured guests'. They met Will for the first time, he went around the room and introduced himself to everyone. It was very cute! I had no idea what he'd do in that setting but he did great. Dan played with the 2 kids while I spoke about Will's transition to our family, attachment and our trip this time to China. I got asked some great questions and could have spoken for hours. I didn't sugar coat it, was honest about the first few weeks with him and even though it's hard at times for everyone, it's worth every single challenge. The group couldn't believe he's only been home with us 2 months and sometimes I can't either.

Saturday we had pictures taken of Grace and William and played at a new playground.

Sunday we took a little roadtrip to the Chicago area and met Grace's travel group at the Dupage Children's Museum. Originally we were going to the Brookfield zoo but because of rain, plan B was the museum. Our dear friends met William for the first time, many of the 11 families were there...mostly girls besides William and another William from Grace's group. We get together with these families probably 4-5 times a year and we all pick up where we left off. The kids adore each other. Will loved the giant water table, wind tunnel and playing with his new friends. :)

Favorite Foto Friday(taken in China)

Daddy's home!

Looks like Mr. Goat is going to take a bite out of Will's cookie.

Petting a cow.

Daddy's home! These 2 dearly love their Daddy.

Dr. Dan is one busy man in his professional life. He travels a great deal with his work to some amazing places and I wish I could accompany him but it's just not feasible at this time of our lives with 2 young children. When he's home he helps me all the time. I'm very fortunate. Anyway Dan has lots of vacation time accrued and needed to use some of it or he'd lose it by the end of the year, so he's been home with us for the last 2 weeks! What have we done? He's spent lots of time with William while Grace was at school, giving me some respite. Together we've taken him to a petting zoo, the Children's museum in Madison, a tumbling class and a sports class that Will attends. It's just been awesome to have him home with us and great for William and Dan to bond and attach. Also gives mommy some alone time to recharge her batteries. Mom's do need that now and then don't we? :)