Super Saturday

I'm a little new at this slide show thing, but it's a little faster than posting all the pictures on the blog.
I've been wanting to write about our CRAZY Saturday that we had a few weeks ago. It started with tee ball for Jonah and Hudson followed by Emma's last soccer game. After soccer we had the whole team and their families over for a BBQ.
Then one of the families we met while in Ethiopia that lives in Cedar City and adopted two children Melo 4 (but really more like 7) and Dawit (Issiah) came over for a few hours. She was running the Ogden Marathon and we really wanted to get the kids together. It was so fun to see Melo and Jonah running around together speaking Amharic, laughing and having so much fun! Jonah was so excited to show her the toy room, his room and of course the backyard!
Everyone left around 4pm and so we were able to squeeze in a little nap followed by a quick dinner and off to see our friends Dave and Tisha. They were passing through town on their way home from Disneyland. Although we didn't stay long it was great to see them! Sammy really showed off by spitting up all over Tisha and the couch.
Then we headed to the Clearfield Aquatic Center for the Ward Swim Party! It was Jonah's first time swimming and he LOVED it! He was still a little sore from his immunizations but loved hanging out in the floatie. Boyd took the kids on the big water slide but Jonah preferred the lazy float river. A friend of mine took Sammy so I could stay with Gracie and Jonah. I was really dizzy after about an hour but we had a great time!
All in all we fared really well all things considered. No meltdowns or near drownings. The kids are all getting along really well and getting used to our somewhat busy life. And I've officially become a head counter. It's sad but true. But we wouldn't have it any other way. Something tells me it's not the last of these Super Saturdays.

Brag Rights as Sister!!!

So, my 9th grade sister Krystal had her last track meet a few weeks ago and I have to say she totally ROCKED! We are not the most athletic family so we are new to this thing but she got 3 gold medals and won top female athlete out of the entire district!!!!!!!! I only made it to her last track meet but that was the one to see because it was so fun! She won the GOLD in the 100 meter, 200 meter and 4 by 1 and I am so proud of her. Who knew she had these hidden talents. I like to think I helped somewhat by chasing her around when she was a toddler. I took lots and lots of pictures (much to her dismay) and here are a few of my favorites!

Hooray for Emma!

We are so proud of Emma. She received an award for being the Most Improved Reader in the First Grade! She got a $20.00 gift certificate to use at a Scholastic Book Fair Open House so she could pick out some new books (which is so great since summer is right around the corner). She picked out 8 new books (since they were buy one, get one free) and we bought the Narnia series for Dad to start reading to her at night. She really turned a corner several months ago and I guess hounding her every night paid off--way to go Emma!




We took her out to Pepperbelly's for dinner afterwards and it was so weird not to have the whole family together. We were so full from dinner we couldn't even manage to eat fried ice cream, Emma was satisfied with a cone from McDonald's and she loved the special treatment! However, when we asked if it was nice to have a "date" with Mom and Dad she informed us that she would rather have Hudson, Jonah, Gracie and Sammy with us. That's our sweet Emma!

A day in the life...

We are enjoying our busy life together. Our days are full of love, laughter, stinky diapers, dress up, homework, jumping on the trampoline, and cars! We are so grateful Boyd is home with us and I have informed him I want a nanny when he goes back to work. He just laughed. But really, he is such a lifesaver and I really enjoy watching him interact with the kids, he is much funner than me. We will enjoy the next 3 weeks we have with him.

The kids keep us busy, but for the most part we are very happy and getting along fabulously. It really is nice when I get the chance to watch the kids just be kids. It really doesn't matter where you were born, there's just something about the pure joy in a child's laugh.


Gracie (and all of the kids) love this Darth Vader mask that Boyd picked up at the D.I. It makes different noises and even can make your voice sound like Darth Vader. Perfect for our Star Wars fans.

Dad hanging out with his boys.

Emma and Sammy. He really enjoys all of the attention he get from his fabulous big sister!

I hold Sammy every chance I get (which sometimes isn't very often). Sometimes he just wants to lay on the floor and I let him (when it's safe) but he is just so darling. I can't believe how blessed we are.

The other day Mel offered to babysit so Boyd and I could have a date! We didn't really know what to do but we ended up getting a blizzard from DQ and making a trip to Kohl's to pick up a few things we needed. It was so great to be together and we really appreciate the chance to get away! When we got home Mel and Sammy were fast asleep on the couch-I couldn't resist the photo op, so sweet!

Tummy time! He doesn't cry, but I could tell it's not his favorite.

Jonah loves his brother and Sammy gets so excited when he plays with him.

Mr. Smiley

Hudson learning how to skate. I didn't get a picture but he loves to ride the trike and skate down the driveway at the same time! Good thing Dad is supervising this recklessness.

Jonah LOVES to ride his bike! He learned how to pedal the first day we were home. He still rides cautiously but is getting more and more comfortable.

Tee Ball

Hudson, Jonah and their cousin Leah started Tee Ball a few weeks ago and they are having a blast! Jonah had never played baseball but caught on really fast. It's just an instructional league for the 4 year olds, but they will get to play a few "games" the last two Saturdays. So far they are just having fun and enjoying their families cheer them on.

Hudson and Leah waiting for their turn to play ball!

Hudson practicing his monster throw!

Hudson and Jonah waiting to hit.

Way to go Jonah, it was so great to see him watch and learn so FAST!

Hudson's been waiting for this day for a long time!

One BIG HAPPY FAMILY!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Mother's Day--to me!! I feel like the luckiest Mom in the world! What a blessing to have all of my children home with me! I have the BEST husband in the world and sometimes I wake up and can't believe this is my life (I mean that in a good way). I am just overflowing with gratitude to be living my dream, being a Mom!

Mom and Gracie!

Daddy and Jonah!

Our first time at church. The boys were so handsome in their suits and I had matching dresses for Emma and Gracie. Too bad Gracie was asleep for the photo op!!! Sammy looked darling too, I missed getting a shot of him :-(

Great grandma and grandpa are home from California. Great grandma stopped over the day after they got home to meet Jonah and Sammy. Sammy was all smiles for his great grandma!

Emma practically smothers Sammy every chance she gets! She is such a wonderful helper. She loves to hold, feed and even burp her baby brother. She'd even like to change his diaper if I trusted her enough to do it!

Jonah tried strawberry shortcake on Saturday, his favorite part was the whipping cream!

As soon as I pulled out the camera, Emma followed her brother's example, what a couple of hams!

Like I said, I'm the luckiest Mom in the world!

Hudson will always be my little buddy!

Nana has been sick with a terrible sinus infection so she had to wait several days to finally hold little Sammy. Sammy's a smart kid, he was all smiles for his Nana.

The DOCTOR ADVENTURE!!! I thought we were doing good getting us all out the door by 9:40 for our 9:45 appt. we would only be a few minutes late. However, the road was closed and we got lost in the detour and then Jonah threw up all over himself and the backseat. Ya, it was great. So, I called the doctor and we headed home to change him. Boyd met me at the doctor and amazingly enough we were only 20 minutes late. They had another opening and we were able to see the doctor. I felt so bad, I'm not usually quite that crazy!!!

The good news is that the boys are both very healthy and everything went very well. Poor Jonah was sick all day and he loved the extra attention from Dad. I was so glad we could be there to help him. I kept thinking, what if he were in the orphanage? Would anyone hold him and stroke his face and tell him it was okay? I'm so grateful to be the one to wake up at 5 am to change the sheets and throw him in the bath. I never thought I'd say that but I really am.

The doctor agreed that Jonah is probably closer to 5 going on 6 rather than 4 going on 5. He is so smart and is catching on so quick. He is learning social boundaries and blending into our family fabulously. We really expected lots of tantrums and frustration but he is so happy, full of life and loving. We are so happy we have had such a smooth transition, for all of our sakes.

Our little Sammy is small but we are working on changing that. He is now phased completely out of the Ethiopian formula and is doing great. He is such an easy going, happy baby--which I am so grateful for. Really, he is the best baby EVER! He has been sleeping through the night (mostly) and loves all the attention from family and friends. I have been a little concerned because he really hardly ever cries. The doctor told me it was okay and just to make sure I feed him regularly. He is already making progress with holding his head better and trying to sit up. I'm sure it will be no time until he is all caught up!

Jonah loves to color and is eager to practice his ABC's. His reward for taking a nap is either riding bikes (which he learned the first day home) or practicing his ABC's. He is so smart and is catching on really fast, it's amazing.

Aunt Char spent lots of time just playing with the kids. We are so happy she was able to fly out and visit for a few days. We love you Char!!

Aunt Mel with our sweet baby Sammy!

Jonah LOVES his bubble bath, but I knew he would!

Such a smiley kid, we love you Sammy!

I can't believe how good Gracie is adjusting to her baby brother. I was ready for tantrums and jealousy but she is so sweet. She brings him toys, blankets and even his binky (which he won't take). I love it when she strokes his head and says "Sammy, Sam, Sam" just like she hears us do, it's adorable.

Overall, we are really busy, but adjusting much better than we had even hoped for! I don't know what I'd do without Boyd. He is totally a SUPER DAD, I'm in awe!!! I can't believe we have been home less than two weeks, it feels like so much has happened. We are so happy and tired-and it's time for bed, goodnight.

Welcome Home Atnatiyos and Samuel!!!!

We are so happy to welcome both Atnatiyos and Samuel home! It was a long journey getting them here and we are so grateful to finally have them home with us! The pictures are in reverse chronological order (somewhat). It took forever to download these so I'm not redoing it!

Hudson loves his new baby brother Sammy!

Gracie wants to share her blanket with her new brother Sammy, what a sweetheart!

Emma was the first one to hold her baby brother, Sammy!

We were a little sad Atnatiyos could not wake up to meet his new brother and sisters. Emma was so cute, she kept talking to, kissing and hugging her new brother even though he was fast asleep.

Grammy and Grandpa were there to welcome their newest grandkids. Thanks for all your help while we are gone, you guys are the bomb!!

Sammy remembers his Papa. He smiles and coos for almost everyone, what a happy boy!

Sammy loves his Mommy!

Boyd and I were so happy to see a Fuddrucker's at the Dulles airport! Atnatiyos tried his first french fries, hamburger and drank from a straw for the first time. When Boyd got the straws he thought it was a glow bracelet. He'd never seen a straw, but he sure liked it!

On the last day we were there in Ethiopia, Atnatiyos' Grandmother came to see him for one last time. We were delighted and surprised to see her. It was heart wrenching and overwhelming but we are so grateful for her decision to give him a better life.

She told us she was going to be dying soon and could live well knowing he was in a family that would love and care for him.

Sammy's nannies. We will always be grateful for their love and care for our little "Sammy".

Some of the children at the Thomas Center. Boyd and Atnatiyos enjoyed handing out the last of the dum-dums.

We went to Entoto Hill (the original capital of Ethiopia). It was a the top of a mountain. We were impressed with these women that were carrying these huge piles of sticks down the hill. We felt kinda bad snapping pictures while we coasted up the hill in our minibus.

The Ethiopians love injerra. We ate it at the Thomas Center EVERY DAY! By the last day, I could not choke down another bite. Poor Boyd had to eat enough for two so we would not offend them too much. I really don't know how they eat it everyday, it was absolutely terrible.

We visited a school for a few hours on Wed. morning. We had some hygiene kits and underwear for the children at the Happy Valley school. We were surprised when they greeted us with flowers, songs and a private tour of their school. This was life changing. We felt so much hope and love from the children and staff. What a wonderful program.

Boyd and the principal. You could feel how much he cares for his students and wants them to succeed.

A few of the teachers who spoke wonderful English. They are so passionate about their students.

The preschool class. They were so darling.

These are the girls who are "sponsored" by people in the U.S. You can sponsor a child for only $180. a year, these children would otherwise receive no education.

They were absolutely thrilled with they hygiene kits. One of the girls told me, I will love you forever, thank you. I wanted to cry.

Sammy loves to suck his right hand index finger.

We finally got to our luggage on Sunday night, and I was so happy to get Sammy in something other than pink. I think he was happy too, what do you think?

As we would drive down the street we would see people playing ping pong and foosball. It was so strange. Think of people doing that on the side of the freeway, yeah, it was crazy.

Our happy boy Sammy!

It's amazing how easily Atnatiyos is entertained. He loved this ball we brought from home although it was a little tough trying to explain why he couldn't kick it in the hotel room.

Atnatiyos' first bath was COLD! But he didn't even mind, he just got right to business. There was so much dirt that came out of his hair it turned the water brown.

Atnatiyos was so entertained by the sheet of stickers, he came up with lots of things to do with them. He put them on his face, hands, us, his cars, the walls. Man, he can be entertained by anything!

Boyd handing out glow bracelets at the Thomas Center. The kids thought he had a magic bag. They all started calling him Daddy and just adored him. Atnatiyos was so nice to help hand out the things we had brought.

We were on the right track in finding the LDS branch. Unfortunately, either no one was there on time, or we were in the wrong place. It was Easter Sunday there (which is a HUGE holiday in Ethiopia). The man we talked to said the meeting was canceled but I guess we'll never know. That was a real bummer. However, we were able to get the suitcase of donations to the missionaries we had been talking with. You can't see it in this picture, but right underneath the sign there is a water faucet where several boys were "washing up" right there on the street, strange.

Atnatiyos taking a nap with Daddy.

We were able to buy a few toys for Atntatiyos. He LOVES Makinas (cars) and these six cars entertained him the entire week. What a lifesaver!

This is Abdissa. He runs the Thomas Center. He gave us a tour the first day there. This is the baby room. It's a very tiny room lined with 14 cribs. Yep, there were three nannies and 17 babies, figure that one out.

Some of Atnatiyos' friends at the Thomas Center, happy and sad to see their friend go.

My little Sammy dressed in a pink and gray outfit. The Ethiopians think boys look so good in pink, they dress them in it every chance they get. There are no gender specific colors there.

Our first day together!

Leaving for the airport! Little did we know the adventure that awaited us!

I was lucky enough to sit by a lady who lives in North Dakota but is from Ethiopia. She was returning home with her 4 year old son for a wedding. It really made me so excited to meet Atnatiyos sitting by this little guy, he was darling.

Our formal greeting at the Thomas Center.

This is where Atnatiyos slept with his friend. There were two boys that slept on the bottom bunk as well. No pillow. I'm not sure if they had blankets or not, I didn't see any.