Saturday, April 19, 2014

Princesses and Pirates --

Yeah, I know... this was like over 2 months ago!  Our schedule has been a little hectic lately... so I'm just now getting to go through pictures and happenings in our family over the last few months  :)   Here's some pics of our pirate and princess party.  It was fun!

A Princess

 A Princess Pirate...? 




oh boy, the things you don't do for your kids...
Pirate Princess Mommy and Pirate Daddy.... 
 

Birthday Boy Dylan -- opted not to dress up.... 

Deep Conversation happening here.... :) 

Pin the Kiss on the Frog 
 
Pirate! 

Pirate with beard and stash!  Love it



Cup cake time! 
 

Sisters

Sisters are different flowers from the same garden.







Happy Birthday Mr. Colton

It's hard to believe that our first born is now 18.  Time goes by so quickly, and the last 4 years of high school has gone double-time.  Colton has been such a joy to parent, mostly easy-going, friendly and just a pretty darn good kid (and a great BIG brother to his 3 siblings!)  Thanks Colt, for making me the mom I am today.  

Age 3
Favorite Character  - Woody
Our Motley Crew Today -- 

Colt's first year of football - Age 7

This last football season





Happy Easter


"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 

Monday, April 14, 2014

Dedication Day

For Ellie's 2nd Gotcha Day, we had her dedicated at church.  Our intention was to do this immediately after bringing her home, but she was so very shy and probably would not have appreciated going up in front of everyone.  Even 2 years later, she was very nervous about it, but she did great.

In our church, parents dedicate their child, promising to raise them in a Godly home with the church's support and blessing.  When the child is old enough to understand what baptism is and what it means, they can be baptized.

Here's a few pictures from the big day!  (note, Ellie is now doing this funny thing with her eyes when she smiles -- it's totally Ethiopian -- we've heard Ethiopian's talk with their eyes... and we agree!)

She is finally getting to wear her traditional Ethiopian dress that we purchased for her while in Ethiopia.  It's beautiful... hand stitched and embroidered. The little scarf can also be used as a head-dress or wrap, but I couldn't get it to look authentic, so she wore it like a scarf.   Ellie was very proud of her cross necklace and heart bracelet.  She said her bracelet had hearts on it because she has "Jesus in her heart..."  Such a sweetie.






Ellie with cousins J & N

She looks suspicious! 



ahhh.. those funny eyes!