Six Months

Six months ago yesterday this beautiful little girl was placed in our arms for the first time. It seems like an eternity ago. I don't want to sugar coat it - it has been hard and there were times when I wondered if I was cut out for this. But every day my love for this little girl gets stronger and stronger. She is such a joy! Yesterday was our annual children's program at church. As I watch my three older kids sing and say their parts (Harrison gave a talk about attending the temple for Haylee's sealing). I couldn't help but remember the Primary Program 3 years ago. I went to church with a very troubled heart wondering what my Heavenly Father would have me do. As I sat and listened to the children sing, in my mind's eye I saw a beautiful little Asian girl singing and I knew she was mine. The next day I received some information on adoption from China. I had forgotten I'd even requested it. (After Ava died I looked for all sorts of things online.) I knew that day that adoption was something that we should pursue. It only took Kevin three months to get onboard, which if you know Kevin is lightening quick. The journey to Haylee has been difficult and there have been uncertainties. But as I sat with Haylee watching the Primary Program I was able to see just how beautifully God's plan unfolded for our family. I am so grateful for this little girl. She brings us all so much happiness...

She delights us...

She charms us...

She tickles us...

We are soooooooo very grateful that she is ours!!! We love you Haylee Mei!!!!!!

Back to the Beach

So one last hurrah over Labor day weekend. At the last minute me and Kev decided to take the kids out to Lincoln City. The weather wasn't supposed to be very good but we were anxious to get away for a couple of days. We didn't send the kids to school on Friday - their third day back - and they were disappointed??? And drove to Lincoln City. We had lunch at Mo's and then checked into our hotel on the beach. We went down and played for a couple of hours - enjoying beautiful - well for Oregon - weather. We packed a lot into just a couple days. We swam in the pool, went to the lighthouse, aquarium, the beach again and of course shopping! We came home on Sunday and spent a relaxing Labor Day together. It was the perfect weekend!

Back to School

I am a bad, bad mom. I just realized as I was doing this post that I forgot to take pictures of Logan's first day of school! I feel horrible! But at least I got two out of three. Here are the pictures of Harrison and McKaylin's first day of school. Mac is in 1st grade and Harrison is in 3rd. Logan is starting his second year of preschool. It has all gone by so fast! I miss having the kids around but I'm glad to get back into a schedule. And I think Haylee Mei is enjoying some one on one time.

Always Fun When Grandma and Grandpa Come!

We had a fun time while grandma and grandpa were here. They are the best and we miss them already!

First hike of season - and it's August - Ugh!

Last year we were hiking and biking every weekend but we've had other things happening this summer so this was our first chance. It was so fun! Haylee was a trooper. She loves being outdoors.

Falls Creek Falls. I love the Pacific Northwest. There is no better place to hike!

Harrison turns 9!

Week Three - Almost there!

Haylee is doing really well. I'm sure that she will be excited to finally get these restraints off and start eating goldfish crackers again. Tomorrow we have our post op visit. I'm hoping they will say she is done but it is more likely they will say another week. Oh, well. We've done it this long what is another week - right?

So we've been hanging low and not doing much so I thought maybe I'd bring out the little people toys for Haylee. They've been up in the attic since the other kids have outgrown them. Haylee was intrigued for about a minute. But guess who played with them the entire day - that's right, my older kids. Even Harrison my 9 nine old had a grand time. I love the Fisher Price Little People!

Loving this girl more and more each day!