family pictures

My in-laws wanted family pictures of everyone done so we went to the Stockyard's one Saturday. My friend Jessica did a BEAUTIFUL job - I love them!!!

My three blessings all together at last!!!

 My fun & spunky five year old!

 My stud-muffin amazing nine year old!

 And my beautiful outgoing one year old!

 

I don't remember the last time just Jason and I had our pictures made together!

 Nana and Grangoat with their four grandkids.

Cousins

The whole family - one more coming in December!!!

fun with water

We've been doing the typical summertime thing here in Texas. Spending a lot of time in the water because it's so stinkin' HOT!!! Evie has yet to get all the way in a big pool but so far has enjoyed her water experiences. She doesn't seem afraid of much!

We went to Gainesville one day and got to spend some time with Lauren & Matt, which doesn't happen too often since they live in Austin.

Our church had its annual VBS called Summer Spectacular. It's amazing with a full Broadway-style play. This year was about Joseph and sadly this is the only picture I have. Jason took it because I was sick and missed the whole 3 day event. :-( I was so bummed but the boys enjoyed it!

Judah and I took Evie to the spray park near our house. They both had a blast!

And how cute is she in her little swim suit?!?!

While we were at the spray park, Elijah was spending a few days with my mom and his cousins down at Camp of the Hills - his home away from home and absolute favorite place to be.

He's cleaning his plate "Camp of the Hills style" - you have to lick it of course!

We also went to Amanda's birthday party. Evie was the center of attention and again, loved the water! At one point she fell backwards and Jason had to rescue her, but she didn't seem too upset.

And lastly, our caseworker Lindsay came on Tuesday and conducted our first post-placement visit to send over to Ethiopia. It lets them know how she's doing.

She is doing extremely well and seems very attached to Jason and I. She's not reaching for strangers anymore and cries when I leave the room. Things are not perfect and we have hard days but overall, we could not have asked for a smoother transition.

it's summertime!!!

School is OUT and it's summertime!!! We have had a busy week so get ready for a hodge podge of photos!

One day Judah decided he wanted to have a beard and mustache like Daddy but he didn't want both on at the same time!

 

We are an Aggie family so we have to raise this little girl right! Gig 'em!!!

Little Miss also turned 13 months old this week! Is she not the cutest thing ever?!?!?

Elijah finished up 3rd grade with an awards program. We watched a slide show, they sang a song, his name was called, he shook the principal's hand and then got his awards from his teacher, Mrs. Briese.

We are SO proud of him! He got A/B honor roll, citizenship award, President Obama awards for the STAAR tests and several others. He had a GREAT year and we are so thankful for his great school and great teacher!

Elijah with some of his sweet school friends.

Ice cream party!!!

I think Evie enjoyed her first taste of ice cream! She kept coming back for more!

Last day of 3rd grade.

Also this week, Jason had a birthday! He loves carrot cake and mangoes so I found a yummy mango carrot cake recipe that I made from scratch. It's not pretty but it tasted good! He chose Flying Fish for dinner and then we enjoyed the cake!

Even Evie enjoyed singing Happy Birthday to Daddy!

Happy Birthday Jason!!! We are all so thankful for you and love you!