Oops, She Did It Again

The youngest is getting blamed for much these days, and rightfully so.  She's hidden the remote, my book, along with other toys that we know about.  "Sarah had it" is the phrase often heard around the house.  My cousin posted on Facebook about her misplaced keys found in her son's toy schoolbus.  I topped her story by telling how Sarah hid my wedding ring and my watch in Addy's toybin.

Come bathtime, she begins her crying episodes because she knows bedtime is soon to come.  However, when she has played her heart out at the pool, belly-flopping back and forth, she's been known to fall asleep at dinner.

Tonight, we went for a walk after dinner.  Addy rode her bike, and Austin pushed Sarah (a mere few feet and then he got tired).

Once in the woods, Austin and I had some fun, while the others walked on.

 

 I love it when he'll reach for my hand to hold as we walk.  I took the picture with my camera and my mind to remember these moments.

 He loves cheesing it up for the cameras, with his two thumbs up.

Our latest "family" pastime is the playing of Angry Birds.  Yes, it's true.  Addicting:)

Next week will be more "Firsts" for Sarah.  Vacation Bible School, pediatrician appointment (we've gone to an adoption clinic thus far), and a hometown family cookout.

I will be working on my new computer.  This computer has been on life support since we were in Ukraine.  Last week, I thought it took its final breath, but Andy worked his engineer magic and had it working so I could check email, internet, and blog.  But, my new computer arrived today. 

I am so excited.

My dear friend, Jenni, came over brought me this topper.  She saw it and knew it was all about me.

It says it all, doesn't it?

 

Embrace Life,

Give Thanks,

Be Amazed.

Happy Weekend!

Summer Lovin

I was listening to Frank Sinatra's "Come Fly With Me" and "Summer Wind" this morning. (Can I say how much I love Pandora Music!!!)  While we aren't flying on a jet plane, and a summer breeze may flow by in the twilight hours,  the blue skies and billowy clouds were calling for a mid-morning outdoor celebration.  So, we obliged with a bike ride to the park, which was perfect.  Minus the sidewalk construction and the humidity which hit fast and hard.  But, we pressed on, amidst the trickling sweat beads and sunscreen dripping in our eyes.

  I looked over and there was Austin, swinging from one bar to the other, like he had monkey genes.  I remember when he couldn't hang from one bar. 

Addy was enjoying her own climbing adventures, but kept coming back to the tire swing.

Sarah had to join her whenever she was on the swing.

The sisters make the perfect summer frame.

My heart would go pitter patter, whenever Sarah would "step" her foot into the open air to "pretend" like she was going to jump.  She's like that, you know.  Let's see how freaked out my mama can get.

 We topped off the day with outdoor dining for dinner.

Addy taught Sarah the fistbump handshake with a pizzaz ending.

Sometimes she'll be very demonstrative in telling you her opinion, in her toddler language.  I may not understand, but I know she means business!

A day isn't complete without some outdoor playset time, and capturing these simple moments of love.

Then, Andy took the kids on a walk around the neighborhood, and I stayed behind with my comforts.

Yes, I know what they say about Diet Coke, but some vices are hard to give up.  There's nothing like a good book and a drink, outside while the sun is saying goodnight.

 Having fun in the summer.  It doesn't get much better.

What's your perfect summer song?

I'm an American

Growing up, this holiday meant a patriotic concert in the park, watching fireworks in our pajamas, and cookouts at my grandparents.  It was another Welcome, Summer holiday and another family event.  As I grew older, July 4th continued to have similar memories, but I appreciated the sacrifices of our armed forces, and get teary-eyed when we salute our veterans during the songs.

After spending over a month and a half in Ukraine, without our children, working to bring an abandoned child home to our family, this holiday has greater symbolism than ever before.

And when we gave Sarah an American flag to wave, it hit me.  She's an American.
She's been given opportunities, rights, and privileges here.

She's been given a family, who loves and embraces who she is.  Her inquisitive nature, and her orneriness.

She is able to go out in society, to parks, to church, and to Target.  She's not hidden away because she looks different.

She will be able to go to school alongside her sister and brother.

 And when we lit our sparklers and watched the fireworks from our patio, we are thankful that Sarah is an American, and living in the greatest land of all. 

I'm seeing everything through new eyes, and it's an Amazing Journey I'm Embracing.

Happy Birthday, America.