Friday, June 26, 2009

Favorite Foto Friday #96

So much sadness this week... hard to post a FFF with everything that is going on.

Please pray for beautiful little Aviana. She is battling for her life after a very serious accident where she and her beloved grandfather were hit by a car. Please stop by her blog and leave a message for her mommy and daddy who are steadfast in their vigil in praying for Aviana to recover from her injuries!

The world lost three icons... Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett and Ed McMahon... all in one week. Hard to wrap your mind around the fact that these people who were such an integral part of your childhood memories and even your adulthood are gone.

Missing my big girl... missing my boy...

But this face, this beautiful little girl... it has been four years since I first held her in my arms (on my visit trip to Guatemala)... she makes me smile... even when she is trying to make a grumpy face.

We are changing over to the new McLinky system this week developed by none other than our Brent Riggs (daddy to Abby). Please remember to link directly to your blog post and not just to your blog URL.



Next week, we are back to some themes... how about HOME!

post signature

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Way Back Wednesday

(June 2006)

Three years ago... we had Daniel and Sophie at the exact same lake together for their first photo shoot. Look at how tiny they were! Sophie had just turned 1 and Daniel turned 2.

(June 2009)

However, this year... Sophie is freaked out by the sight of ducks and would not sit in the grass anywhere near where they may happen to be! This year, Sophie had just turned 4 and Daniel turned 5.

Look forward to many repeat photo sessions like this in the future!

post signature

Sunday, June 21, 2009

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!!

post signature

Friday, June 19, 2009

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!


post signature

Friday, June 12, 2009

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!!

post signature