Halloween 2010

It seems like the month of October came and went so quickly this year, but we did make time to have some fun in the fall weather. The kids loved playing in the leaves, going to a couple of pumpkin carnivals, carving our own pumpkin and trick-or-treating. Here are a few pictures.......

Here's how the boys described their costumes to anyone who asked: Connor is Spiderman, Spencer is Bumblebee the robot and Graycen is a bumblebee, too...but just the regular kind that flies around......

Here are a few random photos from the last month........Fall pictures coming soon!!

Soccer Season #3 came to an end.....

The boys and the coach

Spencer and his trophy

Connor

A visit from Papa and Nana

We took the kids to see Disney on Ice/Toy Story 3 and they had a blast!

While walking to the show, there happened to be a

motorcycle cop who let the boys sit on his bike......

Preschool Pals

First Day of Preschool!

I'm a little late posting these pictures, but Connor and Spencer started a preschool program in September. They go two days a week and are LOVING it! They have a music class once a week and they enjoy teaching us the songs they learn. Their most favorite thing so far has been the weekend that the class mascot, Monkey Maggie, got to spend the weekend at our house. I can't believe they are old enough for pre-k classes and I miss having them around on the two days they are in school, but I'm glad they are having so much fun. Graycen and I are really enjoying our mommy-daughter time on those days as well. She is loving the undivided attention and I am loving having her all to myself :)

I Need Africa More than Africa Needs Me

I just love this video and wanted to share it. One of the things that most surprised me during my trip to Nigeria was the people, and the joy that they exude in the midst of their circumstances. I was baffled by the faith and hope that they had and need to be reminded often that my hope and my joy are found in my Savior......not in the things I have, or the things I think I need to have.

Note: Some of the words are cut off in the video posted here, so check out the link below so that you can read everything:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAB-zJPsJjs&feature=player_embedded

Chihuly in the Park

About a month ago, we decided on a family outing to see an exhibit at the Botanical Gardens. The artist is a glass-blower and his exhibits were scattered throughout the gardens - really cool! The kiddos seemed to enjoy it, too! It was a really hot day but we had a great time. Here are some pictures.........

Quick Update

Regarding our adoption journey, we have completed our home study and submitted our application with US Immigration about a week ago! Right now, there is about an 8-9 week waiting period for approval on this application. In the meantime, we will be finishing up our dossier paperwork so that it is ready to go once we get our approval from US Immigration.

Goodbye, Tonsils!

The boys said goodbye to their tonsils on August 5th. After reading several children's books about surgery and going to the hospital, and after taking a virtual tour of the hospital, the boys were ready for their tonsillectomies. They were so brave and were excellent patients. They enjoyed playing video games in the waiting room, and driving toy cars back to the operating rooms. Both procedures went well, but we ended up spending two nights at the hospital. Due to swelling, Spencer was getting less oxygen than the doctors were comfortable with, so we stayed so that they could monitor him. The boys were in separate rooms down the hall from each other, so this was a bit of a dilemma for us but we survived. They ate lots of ice cream and jello, and even felt up to playing in the play room on Saturday morning. It took a full week to recover, but I am excited to say they are feeling much better. Thanks so much for your prayers and well wishes!! Here are a few pics of the world's cutest patients :)

Mimi made this cute sign for the boys to welcome them home...

checking in at the hospital.....

Spencer "driving" back for surgery

Connor in his cool car.....

Watching videos a few hours after surgery....

Day 2......not so great :(

Keeping close tabs to make sure they were eating and drinking enough

Ready to go home.......

Cousin Camp and Potty Training

We have completed all the necessary paperwork for our homestudy and are now waiting for our social worker to finish writing it up - should be done by Wednesday of this week! Yea!! Next step will be applying with US immigration and completion of our dossier paperwork. We are making progress. In the meantime, we have been busy with lots of fun stuff! Last week, the boys spent the week with their cousins, Nicholas and Kaitlyn, at their Mimi and Poppy's house for "Wild Mountain Safari Cousin Camp." They slept in tents and had bedtime stories by the campfire, along with many other cool activities; needless to say, they had a blast! While the boys were away, Graycen and I spent most of our time at home potty-training. She is doing great with it so far!

Here are the happy campers......

Graycen putting a sticker on her potting training chart.....

Finger painting

Hanging out the clothes with a lacing activity.....

Our Little Sweetie is Already 2!!

Happy Birthday, Graycen!

We had a Candyland birthday party for Graycen this year. Some other folks took pictures at the party, but here are a few that I have. The first one is Graycen on her actual birthday blowing out her birthday candles. I (with the help of my mom, Ryan's mom and my sister-in-law) made the cake this year (or most of it :) - I think Graycen really liked it!