MAKING A WAY IN THE WILDERNESS

To be a princess!

These sweeties warm my soul! I hope we will always remember this age! I'd like to store it in a bottle...the imagination, giggles, making everything a game, oh to be 4 and a princess!!

Oh to be a boy!

This stud got his first set of braces-he is such a cutie and I'm shocked at how his smile has already changed!

Some things I've learned:

Braces are expensive- I never had them!

Brushing braces is a hassle.

Brushing for a 7 year old is hard enough without gunk stuck everywhere- eww

Mom brushes teeth like a boss ;)

Braces break and wires bend when pulled on

Don't put your hands in your mouth- means it's more tempting to have your hands in your mouth!

Mom got a pat on the back for her boss brushing skills- who knew.

14 months just might feel like forever when your 7 and well when your 32 at this rate!

Gunnar brings spice to life! That I know full well!

Kai is flourishing and continues to surprise us with her blooming personality and array of facial expressions. She has been on two trips, an airplane, had more cake than one kid should eat, celebrated a birthday, become a little fish, and so much more! It feels like we've experienced a lifetime in such a short amount of time. God has been so good to us and we can't wait to see what all He has in store for this little spunky girl of ours!

Mom loves hand me downs! This was a fav for me and Derek so when a cool day moved in- I was thrilled it fit! Baby T playing the piano- I could eat her!!

Kai adores Gunnar. It's been so special to watch them bond! She lights up when he comes into a room. Answered prayers for sure!

A toddler isn't a fan of stickers or a mommy who takes pictures like a crazy person!

Kai wants to do everything the big girls do! So high heels even when they don't fit- are a must!

She loves bathtime and cupcakes ;) and can say cupcake clearly! Lol

Girl means business

In chin* Kai loved for us to stroke her legs and skin- they had rarely been touched under her ski attire. She still loves to have her feet tickled and this day she insisted Derek use a plastic spoon. Her expression is priceless- and her daddy is a sucker and smitten!

A little swim before bed!

Selfie Time- we can't get enough of her! Love her to the moon! And she has just come in and settled in as if she's always been here. It's too much to take in some days! We are so thankful she's home!!!

Church Camp Fun

T and Dad headed to camp soon after our return from vacation- her smile tells how excited she was. Derek was just as excited. They enjoyed some intentional time soaking up the Word and having wacky fun! They came home exhausted and ready for their own beds- but excited to return again! I'm so thankful T has a Dad that will take this time with her, it's priceless and precious for them both.

Key Biscayne

I love the beach, sand in my toes, waves crashing in, sunshine, sunshine, more sunshine. You get the idea. Our summers are fast and furious. This one has been no different with the exception of our pace. We've had to stick to nap times and meal times to keep Kai on a schedule and we've had to split up for big kids to enjoy certain activities while the little girls enjoyed routine. But it's worked and has been lots of fun. This year we were blessed to enjoy the beach in Key Biscayne outside of Miami. Kai's first flight since Chin*. And she was a trooper. 6 seats filled on a plane is a lot ;). 6am flights are for the birds- I don't recommend them with young children when you love 100 miles from the airport. But the chaos kept us all entertained. We did sit on the plane for an hour while a lightening storm passed over- all so we could roll 5 feet ahead and hop off the plane. We were thankful for snacks and diapers and iPads! Derek took the big kiddos to the Everglades and Tinlee held an alligator. That girl and reptiles I'll never understand! It was one fun super hot sweaty day. Kai had her first experience at the beach! Not sure about sand, but did love the water! Harper became a little fish all on her own, while making all sorts of friends poolside, one who didn't speak English. Miss Congeniality that crazy girl! And Gunnar loves the sunshine like his momma, he'd live in the pool if we'd let him. He and Tin buried me on the beach, he was more interested in destroying people's castles- he is a boy through and through. We survived and returned just in time to send Tinlee and Derek to camp!!

Meet Snappy!

9 & Fine

We celebrated this peach on July 13th! I can't even account for 9 years besides seeing her bloom before my eyes. Tinlee is kindhearted and gentle, she loves to serve others and she loves to read! She is such a helper and she's become a very responsible young lady. We are so thankful God chose us as her parents. All her goodness astounds us both. She's a good good girl and it's a pleasure being her mom! We can feel the double digits rushing towards us, but are enjoying the ride of watching God mold and change her little heart! We pray for deep roots and boldness in this young lady, and confidence in who God created her to be. She is our joy!!!