Glasses...

Esther has had her glasses now for about 3 weeks. By about 8pm she takes them off and hands them to us to let us know she is done. Right away there were certain things she examined very closely like she had not seen it to that level of detail before. She also had some tripping issues, as her depth perception was effected...but she adjusted quickly. A two year old in glasses is a little tricky in that any touch emits usually gooey finger prints that I don't always see and she doesn't tell me...probably reminds her of her old blurry world, so she doesn't complain. So, I thought I would share a few pics of our intellectual girl with her new look...pretty cute eh? Of course, I'm the biased mom who always thinks that;O)

No loose teeth yet!


I love to pretend I'm a doctor.


My new favorite veggie...buttery corn on the cob. We have since learned to remove glasses before eating!!

This one is for you Papaw!!

Papaw has asked for more baseball pictures since he can't be here in person. So, here are a few glimpses for you Papaw. These red and white are shots of the new legion ball team...the purple and white is the end of regular season...and the last time he'll wear those colors. We love you Papaw and Grandma!! Wish you could be here in person to watch this slugger;o) Scroll down to the end to see the other big and little people not wanting to be left out!!

You've come a long way baby!

Can I get a little sentimental with you here for moment? As we approach our 2 year date of Esther being part of our lives (June 25th)...we received a package yesterday with photos of Esther's hometown and 0-6 months digipics of her with her foster family. Although there were only about 15 pics of her before she came into our lives, I am so thankful for these! Because she lived with a foster family and they had to do quarterly reports...there were a handful of pictures taken every three months. It gives you just a glimpse into her beginnings. It brings both emotions of sadness that I didn't get to be part of those early days and joy to see how the Lord blessed her and took care of her!!

This would be Esther around 4 months old...about Christmas time there which would still be fairly warm by our standards...but they love to bundle the babies there! What a happy baby!!


This photo was dated in September, so Esther would be less than one month. The little white faded shirt is actually one of the clothing items she was found wrapped in when she was first found. We were given this clothing item as a keep sake when we first received her.


This picture is probably the youngest picture of her. It was dated Sept 16, so she was just over 2 weeks. WOW! So many changes in her life in almost 3 years!


This last picture is around the 4 month age again...winter time...like you know 60 degrees. I love this one because it reminds be of an expressions she still gets now...it just looks a little different now because she has lots of hair around that cute little face.

I am filled with gratitude for this sweet unexpected package that arrived. Proverbs 25:25 says, "Good news from afar is like cold water to the thirsty." Thank you Lord for your sweet report and blessings!!

Weekend Get Away

It is always nice to get away for the weekend. We had a super adventure getting away from our fair city. Esther had some chills being away from home...rather unsettling for her to be in a hotel room, I think. The first night she went around and checked everyone in their places in bed until about 11:30pm when I finally firmly placed her on her sleeping bag with some Mommy tone (you know the one) and told her not to move. The second night we had to move rooms due to air condition failure. In the process, we lost the famous Jingle Bear (Esther's side kick since she came home). It was a tragic event for her...so night two was plagued with some tears on and off during the night. Even with my less than desired amount of sleep...it was still great to get away with my Honey, I love, and my kiddos. Here are the highlights...


This overlook was a cool stop on our way home. Soft lighting at the end of the day...peaceful.


We had a fun rendezvous with my Cuz, her hubby, and new baby. What fun! We will get to see them again over the 4th.


This would be Evan attempting to ride the elephant tricycle at the zoo!


One flew over the cuckoo's nest? It feels that way sometimes...this is the average size of an eagle's nest...yipes!!

Esther's Last Day of School

So, every year must come to an end. This one has been a great school year for Esther. She has not only grown physically, but oh so much in character, security, & the love & affection quotient! I can hardly believe we are approaching the two year date of her "gotcha day" with our family! We are so blessed!

This is Esther's butterfly she made on her last day of class. It is really sweet to see how proud she is of her work. She always points it out when we hang it on the board near our dinner table.


This is Esther's best buddy and her teacher at preschool.


This is Ruthie dressing in her preschool shirt (that still fits somehow)in honor of Essie's last day of school. Esther just loved this that her Sissie had a matching shirt.

Spring Sports

This is to highlight the girls sports going on at our house. Ladies first I say...which is only fair since I am indeed a girl.


Don't you love the look of intensity?! What defensive form!!


This would indeed make Robert proud as the running form is picture perfect! Go Ruthie go!!


Swing batter, batter, batter...swing! No power yet...but we are oh so happy with contact:)


This may not be included in your list of spring sports...but pushing Sissie on the Barney mobile is definitely Esther's idea of a workout!

Fun with our Japanese Students

Well, our time came on Friday to say good-bye to our Japanese students. Boy did we have fun with them. The Lord knew the perfect two to send to our home:) Here are some highlights from their time here...

Cowboy shootem' up reenactment scenario...choreographed by CJ...I mean aren't all Americans cowboys?


Havin' some hang out crazy time on the guys last night with us...


Introducing the guys to candy necklaces and Sequence...a game that transcends language barriers. What fun!


This was by far one of the guys highlights. They spent a good part of a day on the boat with G-pa Bob. He let them steer, fish, and enjoy a scenic tour...they loved it!! They even had an adventure story with one of them getting a little crazy behind the wheel:) Thanks for your spirit of adventure Grampa!!