Wonderful day at the Pumpkin Patch

We had a wonderful day today at the Pumpkin Patch! Chad was out of town and a good friend of mine's, husband was too. So these 2 Mama's decided to load up all 7 of our kids and had a great day enjoying the beautiful weather, our kiddos and each others company.  For having children ages 8, 6, 4, 4, 2, 1, and an infant it went so unbelievable smooth and we all had a great time. 

                                        Look who's showing off the tiniest piggy tails ever! 

Ok so for real there is no way I would ever sell the dynamic duo, even on their worst of days, but it was cute and they wanted me to take their picture. 

                                Tyler playing laser tag.  One of his highlights

The phone call

One year ago today we got "the phone call" that will forever change our family. When we began the adoption process, we were told that it would take about 18 months. Our dossier got shipped to Russia on Sept 23, 2010 and we got "the call" on Oct 14, 2010. Chad had just gotten home from a business trip and was here with the boys while I ran errands. As soon as I got home he immediately went to sleep. I soon realized we had a message on the machine. I had to repeat it about 10 times. I just couldn't believe what they were saying. "We have a referral from Russia, would you like to look at her file".  Wow was I ever suprised!  I woke Chad right back up and it didn't take long for us to call them back and say of course we want to see her "like yesterday". She was absolutely beautiful and of course we wanted to go see her. 

 We were told by people that saw her picture that she looked sick in her eyes.  We now know that she just had the look of a child that has never known a family's love.  That is the same sad look we saw in all of the children. 

Our biggest worry was "how will this affect the boys". Well, it was a crazy winter with 3 long trips to Russia but I am so very happy to say that this (below) is how it affected the boys. Yes our youngest showed some jealousy and needed extra attention but that is the normal with youngest children any time there is an addition. They are all totally head over heels for their sister.

                                             All 3 boys are wonderful big brothers

Just because she is so darn cute!

A fellow blogger and adoptive mother told about this cute Russian Dress she found on Etsy.  I knew it was a must have for Miss Josie. 

I finally caught that awesome bed head on camera.  It has already gotten longer so it's not nearly as crazy now. 

My favorite word that Josie says right now (beside Mamma) is ChooChoo Train.  She just says it so darn cute.  She talks all the time and repeats so much of what we say.  She is just a little sponge. 

This is how my helper shops!

Happy Birthday Grandma!

We want to wish some very special ladies a very Happy Birthday.
My Mother-in-Law's Birthday was yesterday. She is a wonderful lady, Mother, and Grandmother. So I hope you had a wonderful day Jeanette.  You deserve it!

Happy Birthday to my Mother.  She is a wonderful woman and I admire her so much. 
Also Happy Birthday to my oldest sister Kari!  She has taught me so much.  She was born on my Mom's 20th birthday. 
What a wonderful bunch of ladies! 
We hope you all had a fantastic day! 

Tyler's Light house

 The 3rd Graders all have to make a light house as a family project.  Tyler was super excited and had it all planned out within a matter of a few days.  Grandma and Papa got him a lamp to use as the internal structure then he just used his imagination to add from there.  I am very proud of him at how it turned out.  He has such a creative builder mind. 

Everyone in the family had to help in some way and Eric was very proud of the end result as well. 

Eric is 6!! How can that be?

Our 2nd son, Eric is now a 6 year old.  I have no idea how that happens so fast but he sure is growing up.  He is a sweet, fun, inquisitive, boy that LOVES to be read to and do Legos.  He has the most awesome, ginormous eyes that can tell a story.  You can see him thinking thru his eyes.  He is a social boy and has lots of good friends.  He is an amazing, sweet son and we are so blessed that God chose us to be his parents. 

He had a bowling party this year and invited 7 boys to join him and his 2 borthers for some bowling fun.  He was not to happy that his sister was staying home with a friend but I thought, bowling balls + 10 boys + small fingers and toes was not a good combination. 

As crazy as birthday parties can be, I love celebrating the day they were born. It is so neat to see them be the spot light for the day and to see them interact with their friends. 

                        10 boys at a bowling party.  There were a few crazy moments but  we all had a blast!

                       I had A LOT of help putting the football players on the cake!!

 Loving being the center of attention. He puts his hands on his ears or head when he is the center a lot.  Funny kid!

 I promise he is not jumping on the lane.  It just looks that way in the pic.  He would jump in excitment while the ball was rolling. 

                                                              Birthday pancakes.

                                         He got to open one present before school. 

                                                Reading about his trick scooter. 

                                                           Josie loving her cupcake