1st Family Camping Trip

Camping Glamour!

Last weekend (6/26-28/09) we had our first family camping adventures since Hope has joined our family. Aside from Friday night rains that continued through the morning on Saturday, I don't think we have any complaints. We had a great weekend! Hope had a blast! If you ask her, she'll tell you the marshmallows were her favorite part of the weekend. I would've guessed the countless bike rides looping the campground highlighted her first camping trip, but I guess it's hard to compare with the sticky, gooey, sweetness of a jet-puff. I'm so proud of our nature girl!

We're Here - Hope did a good job hanging up our reservation tag.


Hope stayed busy playing while we set up the tent. She was so wonderful!



Saturday Morning - Hope slept through ALL the storms during the night while I stared at the roof of the tent listening to the thunder wondering if it was safe or if we should go to the car. So, she woke early and well rested of course, while I was exhausted and prayed that she'd just continue to keep busy so I could catch a few more winks.

Alas, eventually a girl has got to hit the bathroom in the morning, so we suited up and away we went. When we were packing I realized that the only rain coat we have for Hope is a size (or two) too big, but hey...it kept her dry. :)


Saturday Morning Breakfast in the Rain - We drove to a picnic shelter rather than eating in the tent. You can see, we had the place to ourselves.




One Dry Swing - Blury Photos, But Fun.




Rain Stopped - Time for a bike ride and a fire!



Play Time!







A Ball and Chips...What more do we need?


Couple of Favorite Expressions



S'mores


Bye Bye Site #21

Birthday Beauty

Two years ago at Hope's birthday party Auntie Tu planned some fun things for all the Group 91 girls. In Chinese tradition, she placed a number of objects on the table, explained to each of the girls the significance of each item in Chinese. Maybe other group 91 members can help me out if I miss anything:

egg = will always be fed
lipstick = beauty
book = academic prowess
money = wealth
crayons = artistic ability

Each girl's choice is said to show a future characteristic of her life. When Hope chose the lipstick that day, we already knew she was a beautiful little girl. Her resilient spirit has inspired us so much over these past two years. We've grown to know a precious, kind, polite, and happy little lady whose beauty is much much deeper than skin deep.

6/13/07 Beauty

6/13/09 Beauty


Happy 3rd Birthday Hope!

3 Yr. Old Angel

Are my friends here?

Well...it's official. As of tomorrow we will be parents of a 3 yr. old. She is incredible and we are blessed beyond measure to be her Mommy and Daddy. We celebrated last weekend. Thanks to 50 degree weather and all day rain, our party was relocated from the neighborhood park to our garage. We had a very fun day inspite of the cold and confinement.

Getting Ready - Last Minute Table Wiping/Garage Decorating




Gifts






Cake





Friends and Family










Hope ~ It is hard to articulate how much love a heart can hold. We look in your beautiful eyes, see your smile, admire your laughter, watch in awe as you play, imagine, and entertain, listen as you tell stories about your "babies," say your bedtime prayers, and sing your favorite songs, and we can't believe the blessings of the orchestrated plan that brought you into our lives. You carry a special light with you, and wherever you go, people can't help but return your smile. We love you. God bless you in your 3rd year sweet daughter.

Gotcha 2009

Then - June 4, 2007

Now - June 4, 2009


Due to a last minute schedule change this afternoon, I was able to stop on the way home, pick up some flowers for our girl, and spend some quality family time tonight celebrating this special day. It is hard to believe that two years have flown by since we first had a very scared little Lin Ke Xuan placed into our arms. We are so blessed to have experienced the joy of that day, the journey of adoption, and the eye-opening surrender to God's plan for our family. If you'd like to read more in detail about our Gotcha moment visit this post I put together last year. After the formalities of that afternoon, we struggled to work through the fear and grief Hope was facing and the absolute overwhelming flood of joy in our hearts. It is amazing to see the miracles that have unfolded in just two years. We are in awe daily of the beautiful happy girl who is our daughter, our Hope. Family. *sigh* So wonderful!

Flowers "for me?" :)


Time to Stop and Smell the Flowers Outside


Fun trip to the Park Tonight



Tonight before dinner we were out on the deck talking about what this day means for our family. I asked Hope who Mommy and Daddy met two years ago and she answered, "Hope. But you were not my mommy and daddy? Were you there to pick me up? Were you married? I was scared for a little bit." She understands and feels so deeply. What a remarkable daughter we have. Happy Gotcha Day Sweet Hope.