Winter Wonderland

As most all of you know by now we have had the largest December snow storm in 40 years this week. It has slowed things down. Josiah got a whole week added on to his winter break. Vanessa has had fewer hours in the clinic, but thankfully, Jamie's clients are die-hard and his business has been all but unaffected. Thank goodness our old jalopy of a 4x4 gets around great in the snow! The Lord had his plan for not allowing us to sell this vehicle during the summer. So, here are a few photos of the boys enjoying the winter weather.

Christmas season is upon us

Getting in the Christmas spirit has been a bit tough this year. We had anticipated celebrating our first Christmas with Geslande and Joravena. Due to long delays in the handling of our paperwork we are frustrated and saddened they will not be here with us. We are attempting to find joy in the wonderful blessings we have. Our boys and their sweet smiles bring joy that help fill the void.





Elijah was a bit wet from helping choose our tree. We all decided it was worth it in the end.



This is my fabulous husband cutting down our little tree in the pouring rain. Way to take one for the team honey!!




Elijah being goofy at the tree farm.


On our way to find our triee this is Josiah hearing "All I want for Christmas is my two fron teeth" for the first time. He wouldn't let me take a picture of his awesome toothless grin. Maybe he's the grinch.

Elijah turns four!

What is a birthday party without a pinyata (or peeanta as Eli calls it)?



Eli and Miana and their birthday crowns!

Nana generously provided a copy of Peter Pan for Eli's birthday, feeding his new obsession!! At least he wants to be Peter Pan and not tinker bell...

Elijah got a whole bunch of new Rescue Heros for his birthday. He was so excited about the police car, little did he know at that time that the huge box beside him had many, many more! Thanks Denise. You saved the birthday!!

Happy Birthday Elijah. We love you!

Meet Brad

Some of you have met Brad, some of you have merely heard of our new addition. We have aquired a new roommate whome we have termed "The Brad." He is quite amazing and has quickly become a comfortable extension to our family. He helps with the kids and he even cleans bathrooms...but don't tell his mom! We are thankful the Lord has delivered a caregiver that gets along with the boys so well. He has a nice balance of authority and fun with them. Best of all, he plays Legos!!

Some Fall Photos Too!!

Halloween was a little crazy this year. Jamie and two other guys went as the blue man group. I'll try to get the pictures of all three of them up soon. I went as Rocker Chick complete with goth makeup and piercings! (Fishnets omitted from this page!)





Just a few pictures of the boys out in the cold fall air.




I can't get over how handsome my boys are!




This was our 10th anniversary. I think we look better now than we did then, right? We had a great weekend together. Jamie surprised me with a corvette ride into town and a posh hotel. We had dinner and a movie and a really fun time bumming around town together. We should have a 10th anniversary more often!





Overall, soccer season was fairly disappointing for everyone involved, however, we did have some fun.


He's got his foot near the ball!!!

I'm hopeless

I was instructed by a friend today to update our blog. The pictures I wanted to post aren't on this computer, but I'll put a few pictures of our summer on here.


Elijah is getting so big!


Notice toothless grin!

More boy stuff!!!

The whole "boys will be boys" addage is truly taking shape. Our boys have jumped on the silly train with a couple of their new buddies. Their dad also took them "tree frog hunting" the other night. They had a blast. Here is a sneak peek!

Boy stuff!!!

The boys spent the weekend with Nana and Opa at their homestead. They would have had a fabulous time if it were not for the upper 90 degree heat. Otherwise, they just had a great time! To beat the heat, Nana took the kids down to the local trout farm and they both caught their first fish! I was so sad to miss such a monumental event, but we were contacted by cell phone shortly after the catch and got the whole story. They had so much fun!!! Thanks Nana!

She is not so smiley!

This month Geslande's photo was rather forlorn looking. We are positive that she is happy and this is just a reflection of the culture of Haitians. It is more common for them not to smile in photos. We are so excited to see her growing and cannot wait to get our arms around her!!!

She smiles!!!

We received the updated pictures for the girls this month. Joravena blessed us with a beautiful, beaming smile and she is standing! These are firsts for us to see. We were certainly blessed by this photo and wanted to post it for you all to see...

Off to OMSI!!

Do you think he could put his mouth all the way around my head?


Little girls hoarding toys from little boys...


Upside down girls!




A little too cramped for four...


Is this magic?


Swarty dinos to the rescue!


Playing with air guns

Everyone say hi to dino!