Big Marine Park Reserve

Look at our girl! She's going to be three in a month!


Last Sunday (5/3/09) afternoon our wonderful group of MN Red Thread families converged on Big Marine Park Reserve. What a beautiful park! You'll see some of the playground in these pictures. Hope was in heaven! We had such an awesome afternoon. The weather was perfect and the company was fantastic! The children all played well together and the parents (well some, right Chris?) had a chance to catch up a bit. The photos below are some of my highlights. If you'd like to see more, please visit the MN RedThread group page for a link to our Flickr photos.

Our family stole a few geocaching minutes before meeting the group on the playground. Hope was torn. She loves geocaching, but once she caught sight of that playground that was all she wanted.





Play time!



Contemplating her next conquest...YES! She went down the slide behind her without ANY hesitation! 'Bout gave her mother a heart attack the first time.


This tunnel was a big hit with the girls!


A Few Really Great Dads!

Special Daughter

Easter in Pictures

Coloring Eggs with Uncle Brian & Aunt Tami (4/3/09)




Easter Egg Hunt (4/11/09) - The hunt wasn't much of a hunt...just pick up a few eggs off the ground and turn 'em in for a baggie of candy. Oh well. We enjoyed the animals, face painting, and a few snacks in the company of good friends.

This goat just sneezed on her. ICK!



I think this one is funny. :)


Hope was showing off the bunny on her cheek after we got home.

We love sidewalk chalk this spring. Last year Hope was pretty indifferent, but we're almost out of it already this season.


Easter Sunday Sunrise Church Service (4/12/09) - Yes. We were at church at 5:45 for this special service. Hope did great. I tried really hard to prepare her the night before. I talked with her about how I was going to be coming in to wake her up early. I just made sure that I had everything done and I saved enough time to wake her and get her in her dress and out the door. We had a wonderful morning.














Easter Sunday Afternoon








Our attempt at a photo of the kids together...

Shawn

Everybody, meet Shawn.


This handsome young man is coming home [SOON!] and his family could use our help. Click here, on the "button" above, or on the one in the sidebar to learn more about our friends and their journey. Adoption is a road full of endless prayers and ever challenged faith. Unfortunately, there is also a financial component and though it shouldn't, it sometimes gets in the way. So, my prayer tonight is that you'll take a moment to learn about our friends and Shawn, and if you are able, please consider gifting them with your prayers and whatever you feel you can share. Every, and I do mean every, penny helps.

Happy Referral Anniversary to CR Group 91!

Two years ago today...that's right...TWO years ago today we saw our precious daughter's pictures for the first time. Words can't express adequately the emotions we felt that day. There are also no words to describe the way this sweet girl has filled our hearts. His blessings are immeasurable!

I thought I'd just keep this post simple and let you gaze in wonder at these pictures of Hope KeXuan Charlotte, our two year old delight.


We decided to honor our day with a quick Chinese dinner before church. This short little video was taken on our way there.


Our Family at Dinner


Hope had her picture with her tonight before church and wanted to show it to everyone! It was very sweet.

Bye Bye Snow

In honor of what we hope will be our last snowfall of the season I thought I'd post a few pictures of Hope enjoying some of the snow earlier this winter. These were taken Feb. 26 after a big blizzard came through. Hope loved the snow this year. Even after yesterday's little dusting she found reason to get her shovel out. Just a note about her ensemble...Hope outgrew the red coat that matches these snowpants. This was the same snowsuit that she had last year, but she's been growing so much and we just couldn't stretch the sleeves any more. So...out came the blue coat. And, as for the pink boots and mittens...well, the girl likes pink. :) Maybe we have a trend setter on our hands.




Now...c'mon spring so all the little girls can wear their Easter sundresses next week!