Birth Family

Last evening Hannah and I took the babies to say good-bye to Rya and Roman's birth family. It was a fabulous evening that left me with so many emotions. I feel so blessed to know these people and to share the bond that we do.

During the visit the babies literally rolled around on the floor with their cousins playing and having a great time. Travis, the babies birth father played on the floor with the kids and I often heard him tell them that he loved them. I studied the faces and saw my children in each of them.

As we prepare to leave Indiana, I am sad that it will be fewer and farther between when we do get to see the family that entrusted Rya and Roman to us. They will forever be special to us and we will be back for visits.

* The photos above are of (top) Kera, Travis and Kyra with Roman and Rya (middle) Rya and Hope (who was also adopted) and (bottom) Roman and Hope

Moving Update

It's been a while since we updated the blog. Life is busy and honestly a bit stressful for us these days. Kevin is moving to MN in a few days and will be taking Spencer and Sterling with him. We are still working on selling our house. We purchased a home in Ramsey, MN, though it won't be available to move in until late August.

Kevin and I will be celebrating 18 years of marriage in a few days. I am thankful that through all of the curve balls life has thrown us, we have been together. Life is hard but life with Kevin is good!

We have exciting news! Chantel who was our babysitter since she was 12 and is now 21 is engaged to be married! She is truly part of our family and we are thrilled she found the man she wants to spend the rest of her life with. His name is Tom Excell and we think he's great. She will be getting married in August and has included all 6 kids in her wedding. Congratulations Chantel!

We'd love it if you would remember to pray for us in the weeks to come as our family is apart.

She has the keys and she knows how to use them!

We are celebrating with Hannah today because she got her drivers license! Yeah Hannah!

WOW!

Rya is trying to walk. She's really good at standing and keeping her balance. I know I've done this many times before but it never ceases to amaze me!

Sweet 16

Hannah is now 16 and I am amazed that the time has absolutely flown by! I am SO proud of the person that she is. She is compassionate and has an incredible love for children. I call her the Pied Piper because it seems that wherever we go, children are drawn to her, even in the grocery store! She is growing in her faith in Christ. She has even begun to call me out on things. Believe me that's convicting! I know I was nothing like her when I was her age. I call her our practice child and say that God knew she could handle it and that's why he made her our firstborn. She is a blessing and I cherish her! (Gina)