Popsicles & Boat Rides

Well, Summer is in full swing around our house! In fact, where the heck did June go? It's almost over and time for fireworks!! Isn't it sad how the months you enjoy the MOST seem to just fly by? We LOVE Summer!! Late nights, longer days, no school to rush to, our evening boat rides, and of course, our Summer weekends. We live on the lake and so we enjoy our evening boat rides once Daddy gets home from work. We get to eat a late dinner and then hit the water. We love to take in God's beauty all while reflecting on the day we've had. We usually spend most of the time we are out in total silence, just taking it all in....I just love it! We started out the month with a trip to the beautiful NC mountains. My Aunt has a cabin up there, and we love to try and visit her twice a year. it is so peaceful up there~ green rolling hills, crisp air-and let's not forget, our whole reason for traveling there-MY AUNT!! We had a wonderful visit and a great kick off to our Summer break.
A quick little update on our adoption. We have submitted our I-800a application to US Customs and Immigration. This is a formal petition asking permission from OUR Government to adopt an orphan from another country. Part of this process is to be fingerprinted at Homeland Security; and so we loaded up the car and made a fun day trip to Charleston, SC where we were quickly fingerprinted and allowed to enjoy the rest of our day in my favorite city.(I begged Brian to just leave me there...for a week...or two). Now, we wait for our case to be assigned to an officer, reviewed and approved. We are being told that the going wait for approval is between 30-45 days from receipt date. We are REALLY hoping to have an approval by July 9th. Our agency has told us that IF we were able to get our approval by then, we could possibly get the remaining document sealed, our paperwork delivered to China and possibly be "locked in" in time for the August list to be released. You see, on the last Monday of every month, China releases a list to agencies of Orphans up for adoption. You have to have your dossier "logged in" with China, to make you eligible to find a match off of that month's list. We are really hoping that August will be OUR month to potentially find our Daughter. There is so much involved with the adoption process. Lots of hoops to jump through, lots of waiting and LOADS of prayer. This journey to find our little girl is teaching us patience, like never before.

Well, we are gearing up for 4th of July-one of my favorite holidays;probably because it falls during my favorite season! Next post will be after the 4th!! Happy Independence Day to you all!!!

School's Out!!

This week wrapped up the last week of school for the Boys. Nick completed his year in Kindergarten. Wow...what an emotional year! I can remember walking him in that very first day, taking him to his classroom and leaving in a heap of tears. I was crying so much as I was leaving that a teacher came up to me to console me. I remember her telling me, "Relax, Mom....it will get easier!". As I sat in the carpool line this last day of school, I saw that same teacher. I told her..." You were right! It DID get easier!" Who am I kidding, though....I will be back sobbing on our first day of First Grade! Nick grew and matured so much this past year. He just jumped right in, feet first-loving every minute of his new class, new school and new friends. He had 2 of the most amazing teachers, who encouraged him to succeed, with their gentle, nudging touch.And then there is our Alex..who wrapped up an amazing year of 3 year old Pre-school. I was a little worried at the start of the year,as he would be one of the youngest in his class. Well, not only did he love his teachers and friends, he started his little gang, he so adequately calls "His Crew". He,too, had the sweetest, most loving teachers. These women take our children into their arms, as if they were there own. How could we be more blessed than that?
We are excited about what our Summer has to offer. We are starting out with a trip to the Mountains to see our favorite Aunt, Debbie. We will spend a fun filled week at our Church's Vacation Bible School (where good ole Mommy will be a crew leader!)Yikes!! We will spend some time back in NC with Grandparents, and of course have lots of weekend visits from friends and family (when you live on water, people REALLY want to come visit in the Summer---for SOME reason!!)haha...