Weekend Fun

My days are so FULL and BUSY that I forget to take pictures. I've got to get back in the habit.

We had a fun long weekend together doing lots of random things. The older 2 went to a college football game on Sat night with Uncle Alex. Aunt Lissa, Tripp and Grandma joined me and the younger 2 for dinner and gluten free sugar cookie making. It took her a little while, but she ate it :)

Sunday, we enjoyed dinner at the Ayers house. No pics :(

Yesterday, we went to the pool, as we were packing up to head home, Avery fell asleep in the stroller. So we just stayed put and enjoyed an extra hour at the pool. I put my feet up and read a magazine b/c someone had to stay nearby ;)

I enjoyed a little one on one with Mason. 

We went for some back to school shopping and frozen yogurt. YUM!

Can't believe he is entering the first grade!

1 Month Together (A little late)

This has become Avery's signature move. I call her my Chinese acrobat, she is very flexible. If she doesn't want to be set down, she splits her legs. Her feet have come as high as her head if need be. She can hold this position for a very long time. She might just be a tad stubborn ;)

On "fancy" night the dad's danced with their daughters. EJ and Avery's first dance together.

She loves music and loves dancing a perfect fit for her brothers and they love to watch her!

She has continued to settle into our family and home. Everyone who meets her says she seems so happy. I'd have to agree. It's pretty amazing. She is comfortable moving about our house (she really gets around now). She doesn't get upset when we put her to bed for nap or night time. She stays quietly in her crib until we come and get her. Her nap is still not very long, I am hoping she will start sleeping a little more as time goes on.
The quiet, reserved, non-opinionated little girl we first met in China, is NO more. She is loud, kinda crazy and gives us plenty of attitude. All signs that she is growing more comfortable everyday.
I am most thankful that it feels completely natural to hold her and show her affection. I do not take this gift lightly. I LOVE holding her and singing to her right before bed. A day doesn't go by that I don't remember waiting and wondering how it would feel.

Party of 6

Coordinating outfits were not in the game plan this summer. 

It was a miracle we showed up with clean clothes in our suitcases.

If only you could see all the outtakes!

 

I only just got used to counting for 5, now we are 6. And oh so blessed!

So grateful to be by his side. So many comments at the beach about how cute he is with Avery. He was worried about having a daughter. He is a natural and once Avery figures out how much he adores her, we are in trouble ;)

Never a Dull Moment

It's VERY loud and busy with 21 kids in a house. In 8 short years, we grew from 3 to 21!! Yes, the house was still in one piece and nothing got damaged or broken! Sandier, yes indeed! There is no question that this trip does not fulfill the "true" definition of vacation. It is a break from our normal routine and full of amazing fellowship with dear friends, but it is not about relaxing ;)

The Cassada's planned and facilitated several sessions of "olympic" games.

 Avery "watched" from the sidelines

The Cassada's also gave each night a theme. It was super cute with decorations, music and activities. On Hawaiian night the kids did the limbo. Owen has an interesting technique ;)

 

Thank's to EJ's mom, we had the proper attire. If only Mason's had made it into his suitcase. Argh! I guess 5 out of 6 isn't bad. Avery looked adorable in her dress!

I am sure Courtney will post more about the theme nights on her blog soon.

2nd Birthday

Avery turned 2 on Aug 20th. She was greeted with lots of birthday cheers all day long and we had a special dessert after dinner. She enjoyed the attention! She is quite the ham when she wants to be.

This was my expression during the singing of happy birthday. 

Joy, relief, excitement?!? Not sure! What a face!

We still aren't giving her wheat, so vanilla ice cream was her treat. 

Thankfully she doesn't have a clue what cake tastes like ;)

So glad she is home for her birthday. That was our prayer.

God even gave us an extra month with her beforehand!

I should probably have some deep reflections for this day, but I haven't had any yet. I am sure they will come :) For now, I will just enjoy her.