Aug & Sept snapshots

Our baby girl turned three.

We did an awesome fun photo shoot, and I ordered her...her own little Shutterfly book (of all the pics taken from her special day and our shoot) of her day turning three!

Daddy ran 34 miles for his 34th birthday...the kids always enjoy the post race yummies. I truly appreciate the race sponsors sharing with the kids...very nice...and nice of the runners too ofcourse.

Way to go Brett...I'm so proud of you!

Eli took a one month break from Karate to try Soccer. What can I say about soccer?....

Eli watches his shadow when he runs...that is what he (and me) loves about soccer!

We enjoyed our annual Labor Day Campout. In the above pic, which I grabbed and LOVE IT! She got her stroller down into the barn and its stuck...so KaKa is coming to the rescue to go help her get it back out! LOVE IT!

She takes her babies on an adventure. Daddy took her and some of the other kids out on an adventure in the woods...they had a blast!

Some of the gang.

Micayla and Alex camped with us this year!

Smores boys.

My Dad and his Aunt.

My brother being a show off to the little kids.

Asa and Tin infront of their tent.

I LOVE THIS PICTURE...Daddy teaching his son how to set up camp. Way to go!

Eli's first ever field trip! We went to Okay Valley Apple Orchard...it was great!

I was lucky to spend a day with Eli...and I got to be the Mystery Reader. Eli said it was his favorite part of the day!!!!

And today I visited my High School...they will tear it down soon...so I grabbed some photos. Its sad, but its time.

Each year...A birthday...A photo shoot!

If you want to see the photos...find them on facebook. Sorry, it takes way to long to upload them to both!
:)

Zahavah's First Tea Party!

Her little friend Madaline (I know I spelled that wrong, sorry Meg) turned 3 yrs old and her Mommy threw her a beautiful birthday tea party!!!

Here she is waiting patiently!

Her little friend admires her necklace.

Maddy's candles.

And she blows them out! Hope she made a wish!

Z's enjoys not one cupcake, but two! The icing anyway!

And her yellow "tea".

The party crew...sorry I cannot remember all their names.

A little dark, but I like this shot.

She opens her present from Z. We had a blast...thanks for inviting us Maddy!!!! Happy 3 yrs of being friends!!!!

What have we been up to in July?

Eli and Daddy playing bad guys!

The 4th of July Parade. Loved it...it was nice in the shade.

I want that car!

4th of July Party at our friend Karen Sutliff's house. And Sophia joined us...my kids love her!

Fireworks ofcourse!

Eli tested and got his new Camo belt and man was he sooo happy!

Our Garden produced...cucs, bell pepper and hot peppers! Keep it coming!

My cousin Rachael got married...beautiful!

We got our dossier paperwork authenticated and mailed off!

I cooked for the first time ever...a whole chicken! Thanks Meg or the chicken and http://www.allrecipes.com/ for the recipe!

And we miss Sissy Kayya really bad as she is loving on the orphans in Zimbabwe. We can't wait to hear all about it.

The Joys of Spring!!!

Zahavah and Eli took my Africa Basket and dumped all their toys out and made it their hideaway....hiding from Mommy! I love it when they play well together. Zahavah thinks the dogs need to eat more, so she encourages them. It only works on Twink (this is Kelli in the photo). Twink was eating out of her hand, unfortunately my camera was still in the case. :( We have such great kids! Eli was having a grand ol' time outside when he decided it would be fun to play near the basement windows. And behold...he picked up a friend! He was NOT happy!

Another opportunity, Mothers Day Gift Basket Fundraiser!

We are selling raffle tickets for a Mothers Day Gift Basket. 100% of the profit will go towards our African Adoption expenses. Here are the contents.... -Image Maker Photography family portrait session (includes session, proofs and CD) -One hour professional therapeutic massage -Shaw hand knit by Shanan Strode and a homemade soap from her too -Victoria secrets mini perfume and a body lotion -$10 Daisylane gift card -A manicure or pedicure from First Impressions -Hair cut gift certificate from the Mangy Mousse -Necklace and matching earrings from "Beadtween you and me" and a bracelet -Tastefully Simple Margarita and Mojito drink mixers -A Close to my Heart scrapbooking stamp -Authentic African water bottle holder -$25 Gift Certificate to Georgie Boys -dressy scarf Approximately $500 value. Drawing with be May 1st. Tickets are $5.00 each or five for $20 Please contact me, Brett, Deb Drake or Tabitha Sill to purchase a ticket. PLEASE SHARE THIS ON YOUR FACEBOOK AND WITH YOUR FRIENDS. :)

We Won!!! We Won!!!

We won the Ordinary Hero grant! Thank you to Angie Eskew, my sister Felicia, Aunt Lesa and Mom for making purchases to help us achieve this grant. Super thanks to Kelly Putty...founder of OH for offering this grant. We are stoked to learn that we won today...and today was our last homestudy appointment! It feels great to be making progress!!!! Brett is estatic that our picture is posted on OH's blog...he says we are famous now. LOL. www.ordinaryheroblog.blogspot.com