A Boy and His Popsicle

Happy 50th Anniversary Nai Nai and Pop Pop

We went to Florida last weekend to celebrate Nick's mom and dad's 50th wedding anniversary. Our niece and nephew invited us over to their new home. We cooked out, rode the Rhino, and had good fellowship with everyone. The picture above is of Nick's family at the get together. Sam had fun riding (and driving) the Rhino. He also got some new toys and clothes for his birthday.

Backing up before the visit to Florida... Sam was sick last week. He had a virus that caused fever and a bad sore throat. Sam is not sick very often and, I guess as with all toddlers, he was quiet grumpy when he is not feeling good (grumpy is putting it lightly). Needless to say, we are very glad that he is doing better. I also think he may be getting ready to cut some of those two year molars.

After dealing with Sam's illness last week, it reminded me just how much I depend (and need) the Lord to comfort me and to make all things right in my world. Just as Sam wanted me to make it all better... I seek out the arms of my heavenly Father. Isn't it great to know that we have that comforting, unconditional and forgiving love of our Lord Jesus Christ? We can't forget His mercy and grace... Can I get an amen?? I realize now how important it is for parents to seek God on a daily basis because it is easy to get overwhelmed and stressed out. We are His children and He is there for us when we are sick, weary, and burdened. He also shares our laughter and joy in good times and is always there for us with guidance... all we have to do is ask.

My good friend Jo pointed me toward these verses and I feel they speak directly to those of us who need comfort and healing...

Psalm 33:20-22 "Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, Because we have trusted in His holy name. Let your mercy, O LORD, be upon us, Just as we hope in You."

Happy Birthday USA

We hope all of you had a safe and happy 4th of July. It was a special time at our home because it was Sam's first Independence Day as a U.S. Citizen. We went to the lake, ate good food, and watched fireworks. It seems that Sam is very patriotic.... he loves waving the American flag. He continues to grow physically and developmentally. Last week he started gymnastics on the Big Green Bus. He had such a good time that he did not want to leave.

China Beach Babies and Father's Day

Talk about a picture worth a thousand words!!

China travel families reunited

Renee gave them these cute t'shirts with their names

Happy Birthday Isabell, Cole, and Sam

It's not the red couch but it will do for an updated photo

Father and son enjoying the "ohsin" (Sam's version of ocean!)

My dad is the man!!

Happy Father's Day!

WOW! What a beach baby!!!

I tell you we cannot praise our Heavenly Father enough for children. They are amazing, wonderful, (exhausting), and a blessing. We got together with the families we traveled to China with (the Gallahue and Schmitt families) to celebrate our children's birthdays. All of them turn two almost within a month of each other. It has been over six months since Sam, Isabell, and Cole joined our families. They are all from the same region in China and we want to make sure they remain close because of this connection. We had a great time and all three of the tots seemed to enjoy the water and fun in the sun. We threw them a little birthday party with hot dogs, cake, and ice cream. The weekend was perfect to celebrate Nick's first father's day! Sam made him a necktie that he colored and put a sticker on it that reads "my dad is neat"! He also gave his daddy a picture of his footprints and it reads "Here is my little footprint. One day it will fit your shoe. I watch what you are doing because Daddy I want to be like you". Nick was thrilled. Sam even let Nick sleep to 8:30am!!!! Father and son had a fun time on the beach. Nick is a terrific father. He is so loving and patient with Sam. He is a wonderful teacher to Sam and takes pride in showing him how to do things. Sam just turned two... but Nick has already taught Sam wonderful habits... like wiping his feet before coming in the house, how to wash his hands, and to wipe his mouth when he eats. I love watching the two of them together and I am very lucky that Nick is the father of my son. I love my Honey and Sam loves his Daddy!!

Sam's 2nd Birthday Party!

We had a birthday party for Sam today. He turns two Monday and we celebrated with family and friends by having a party in our backyard. Sam had a great time playing in his swimming pool with his friends. He loved eating chicken nuggets, cheese puffs, and of course ice cream!! It was so much fun celebrating this day with everyone and thanking God for Sam. He has been home six months and has grown so much during that time. He talks more each day. It makes our head spin because he is learning so much so quickly. He loves the water... whether it is his backyard pool, Aunt Sherry and Uncle Pat's pool, the lake, the ocean, or the bathtub! He says "hold you" when he wants to be held. He also will say "open it", "I'll do it", I'll get it", "Nognan" (for Noggin), "outside" (which he loves to say since he wants to be outside all the time)!!

Congratulations Hunter!

Congrats Hunter!

Pat, Sherry, Hunter, and Josh

Panda Pals at the Zoo

Sam holding hands with Anna Lei

Hunter is the son of one of my dearest friends, Sherry. He graduated from High School last night and we are so proud of him! He is a wonderful young man with a bright future and we know he will do many good things. He was also a nominee for the Jimmy Hitchcock Award this year.

Changing subjects... we had a playdate with our Panda Pals at the Zoo. We had a great time and we love spending time with all our friends. Thanks Anna Lei for helping me with Sam... you are so sweet and a great babysitter (plus I think Sam has a crush on you!!)

May Happenings

One proud Aunt!

My two beautiful nieces!

Sam asleep on his new bed

Our first meal as a family of three at The Back Porch in Destin

Playing in the sand

Dipping his cute little feet into the ocean for the first time

Having lots of fun

Loving the "Oooh-sin " (and holding one of his cars in his hand!)

Busy building castles and burying mom and dad's feet

Totally exhausted!

We have so much to talk about in this post. First of all, let me say Congratulations to my niece Shannon (affectionally known as Prissy by me). My mom nicknamed her Prissy when she was just a baby and I have always known her as my little Prissy. Well, my little Prissy graduated from High School last Friday evening. We are so proud of her. It is a major milestone in everyone's life to finish High School and my little Prissy has grown into a beautiful, intelligent woman with a WONDERFUL sense of humor.

Now for an update on our little man. He is now sleeping in his own room on his big boy bed which happens to be a car! Tonight is his 3rd night sleeping by himself and he has done great so far. He wakes up happy... and makes a quick trot into our room... telling us "UP". Of course he did this at 4:30am Saturday morning!!!

Another milestone to mention... we took Sam to the beach for the first time.... and he LOVES it. He had so much fun... playing in the sand... running up to the waves in the ocean... and swimming in the pool. We discovered he loves to jump in... so you have to hold on to him every minute... and keep a life vest on him at ALL times! His new word is "ocean"... he is so cute when he pronouces it "Oooh-sin". He cried when he had to say goodbye to the ocean.

We are going back in June for a reunion with our China travel group. We are looking forward to seeing everyone and to let the kids play together now that they are 6 months older than when we got them. By the way, when you look at the pictures you may see a "boo-boo" on Sam's nose. He fell from the slide at daycare last week. He is okay but he loves to get sympathy!