Birthday Bash for Daniel and Disney Cuteness

I think I am the worst blogger out there! I have not had one "real" post in forever! Things have been so busy but in a good way!

As you probably guessed, we were blessed to spend some time in Florida with Daniel and his family! The kids had such a good time and this was the first time we witnessed a true connection between the two of them. They began calling themselves each other's sister and brother and if you asked Sophie, she would say she has 3 brothers... Grant, Daniel and Joseph! I do believe this girl is on to something! Our families are forever connected because of these two precious miracles brought to us through adoption! The blood does not connect us, the love does!


We were able to celebrate Daniel's 5th Birthday in high style! We took the kids to the Magic Kingdom for the day! The kids (and adults) had a ball! We had to alternate attractions that were inside just for the A/C with standing in line outside in the sun! Sophie is still bewildered by the fact that we did not see Mickey the entire day we were there! It was blazing hot and we missed the parade, so I think it was more her mother's fault that she still can't get past that she did not see him!


Even made it to Mickey's house and he was not there (of course he was in the tent behind us with a 35 minute wait in line to see him).





We were also able to enjoy some time at the beach! It was absolutely a picture perfect day! Blue skies with the fluffiest of white clouds and a wonderful ocean breeze. The kids had so much fun boogey boarding, kite flying, building sand castles, swimming in the pool and throwing water balloons! It was one of those picture perfect days!

Look at this handsome little man... could you just eat him up?

We were even able to meet up with Alleen and Gabriella for a morning at the splash park. Unfortunately, Sophie was terrified of the water sprays and Gabriella was full steam forward having a blast! This is the only time we had the two of them together for a photo op! I don't think Alleen even managed to pull out her camera! Are they not two of the most precious little girls anywhere?

Sophie was more into her new goggles than playing in the water!

We did manage lunch at the golden arches before the kids melted into tired little puddles. It was great spending time with them! Maybe next time, we can meet where we can keep them contained, Alleen, so we can catch up more!!

It was a whirlwind of fun and the days passed much too quickly! But, we realize how blessed we are with this connection for our children. I will end with some wonderful images from their photo session together. Won't they love having these someday?






OK, hopefully I am out of the dog house with all of you who have patiently waited for a real post!!

Favorite Foto Friday #95 - A HELPING HAND

I chose A HELPING HAND as the theme this week for my FFF post as Sophie and I just returned from a fabulous trip to visit some wonderful friends in Delaware. We had such a great time and had no idea how beautiful it can be up there! I have heard it rumored but love that we were able to experience it with our great friends, T, G & E and A & N!

E's Poppy so graciously became Sophie's surrogate grandpa for our trip to the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk. I could not resist taking this picture of him holding Bug's hand. I literally got tears in my eyes seeing how sweet and gentle he was with her helping her onto the rides. Poppy is one of a kind!

Sophie was very out of sorts the entire visit, kept asking to go home and was rather crabby. It was wonderful to finally see her have some fun our last night there. Just look at that smile!

Because I did not ask permission to post pictures of E and N, I will post just a couple of these pictures of Sophie and E's budding little friendship!

Here, Sophie~Girl. Let me help you down that slide!

Everybody needs a helping hand up sometimes too! Thanks, E!

Love this...

And, not to be left out... here is little N's sweet hands and toes in the sand at the beach!! It was her very first time to be at the beach and she loved it!!

Finally, here is my amazing friend, G, taking all three girls over to play Ring Around the Rosie. Thanks G for a fabulous visit! You ROCK!

Mr. Linky is still not back up, so we will continue to use the Image Linkies for now. Here he is!!



Looking forward to seeing all your FFF pictures from the week! Hope you are enjoying your summer as much as we are enjoying ours!

Favorite Foto Friday #94 - PEEK A BOO!

No theme for this week's FFF... so I am choosing some favorite pics from the past week. We were able to spend time with Daniel and his family in Florida in honor of his 5th birthday. Sophie and Daniel had such a fun time together! Here are some fun pictures of them goofing off on the beach.

PEEK A BOO!!

WHERE ARE YOU??

WE SEE YOU!!

SIBLING LOVE

One of my favorites...

Tickle, Tickle!

Until we meet again...

Mr. Linky is still having some issues that they are trying to correct. The best thing we can do right now is use the linkies available. So, link away!!



And, a reminder that there is no theme for FFF this month... just post your favorite photo of the week and come back here to link up with your FFF friends!

Heading off for a few more days with family and friends... hope to catch up with everybody soon! The summer has started off fun but busy!!

Thankful Thursday

Sophie and Daniel

Favorite Foto Friday #93 - OUT!

OK, I have to deviate from the OUT theme this week and do OFF instead since that is about the only thing on my mind today. My oldest baby is OFF to Argentina and we had a send off at the airport Thursday afternoon. I cried like a baby... anybody see any tears in my girl's eyes? No... she was anxious but so excited about this opportunity to spend a month in Argentina as an exchange student.

Here is Morgan before we left for the airport. I was too soggy eyed to take many pictures after this.


But, I did manage one of the group before they went through security. What a powerful experience this will be for all of them! It is winter in Argentina and they are all sad about missing out on summer tanning time! LOL!


I even had all THREE of my kiddos together for a picture. That is "OUT" of the ordinary!

(Grant had to shave his head after a self haircut gone wrong - LOL! BOYS!!)

Mr Linky is still down for most of blogdom... we will have to use the Image Linkies widget until things get cleared up. Apparently, he has become too popular for their server and they are not sure when he will be back up for us to use! So, in the meantime, we will have to use the below Mr. Linky!



Since we all have so much going on at the beginning of summer, let's not have any themes for the month of June. But, please come back each Friday and post your Favorite Foto of the week and link up with all your FFF friends!

I appreciate all your wonderful comments! It is the highlight of my fridays!!

Wordless and Way Back Wednesday!

(June 2006)