Mother's Day Love

On our way home from a busy day, we stopped in Hudson at Birkmose Park overlooking the St. Croix river.

I don't know about photo composition, shadows across our faces, and catching the right light.

But smiles? Now there is something I love.

And when we're lucky, we can even catch some of those beautiful giggly, face-scrunching, eye-squinting moments with the camera.

The smile on this little girl's face brightens my days.

And, this man...husband, father, and best friend, who reminds me of the need for laughter, builds me up...not just on Mother's Day, but every day.

I am blessed.

Cute at the Park

Here are some favorites from a visit to the park a couple of weeks ago.

She is a climber! HOLY COW! The first time I saw her do that when we hit the park this spring I couldn't believe it. Nothing like giving your mother a heart attack. YIKES!

The swing is a definite favorite.



We don't go anywhere slowly any more.

Guess who...

...I got to meet on Monday! Nicole! Chandler's mama! You know those moments that you think will only happen in your dreams? Well, this was a dream come true. I "met" Nicole the day she received Chandler's referral. I happened to visit her site because her little girl is from the same SWI as our daughter. Anyway, a comment I left on her blog started a series of email messages about Yulin SWI, what to expect with travel, bonding, ...and all things adoption. Now, I'm blessed to call this special lady my friend. She was in town this week for work and found time for dinner with me! To say I was excited is an understatement. Thanks again for a fantastic evening. I can't wait for the next chance we can get together, next time with girls in tow. :)

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...