Red Thread Play Pictures

This was from last Saturday when we got together for a play date with our Red Thread friends. We had a great time playing & Maddy loved the little splash/cool off area where you could play in the water mist.

Mothe Nau- In Loving Memory

We lost a dear friend from Fiji this past Thursday. We have known her & her family for 12 years. Through the various mission trips we have taken to Fiji over the years and the trip we took for our 10th Anniversary in 2005, this family has become very special to us. Pastor Marie (aka Nau, which means Mom in Fijian) was such a special lady, you really coudn't find anyone nicer. She & her husband came to visit the U.S. back in 1998 and they stayed with us in our home. From then on she called me 'Lewa' which means daughter in Fijian. I always referred to her as Nau or my Fiji Mom. We also hosted her daughter Taina for 6 months so that really knit our families together.

We are really going to miss her. Our hearts go out to her family. Please keep them in your prayers. For now we say Mothe (Goodbye) Nau, until we meet on the other side of heaven, we leave you in God's loving care.

Here are some pictures of her family from 2005:

Thankful Thursday

Her is Joyce & I at their going away party

Today I am thankful for all of the wonderful people that I have met in my life. One of my best friends, Joyce, and her family just moved away this month due to relocation. I am sad to see her leave but also excited for the new opportunity they have been given. They are just a short 6 hours away in Milwaukee, so hopefully we can make a road trip soon to visit or meet up at the Wisconsin Dells.

I am also thankful for all of the families that we have met thru the adoption journey. It was such an encouragement to me during our wait to have people that I could relate to and continues to be an encouragement today. It has been so fun to see new additions arrive and also to wait on edge for those waiting for referrals.

Lastly, I am thankful for family. I am blessed to have one parent still living. I am blessed that Maddy has so many great grandparents & grandparents. I am thankful for all of the cousins she has and the loving Aunts & Uncles that have opened their hearts to her. It was my Mother-in-law's birthday this week so I want to give a happy birthday wish to her.

Truly I thank God for everyone in my life!

This is Maddy w/her Grandma, Happy Birthday!

Happy Father's Day!

This post is dedicated to my husband Matt. We celebrate today a long awaited day, his first Father's Day as a daddy. I am so pleased to have shared this long journey with him & can't imagine spending the rest of my life with anyone else. He is such a wonderful father to Maddy and has so much love for her. Happy Father's Day Matt! I love you!

I also want to give a shout out to the others we know celebrating their 1st Father's Day and to the waiting fathers. Hope you have a special day!

Teddy

Maddy's new favorite toy is her 'Teddy.' He has to go everywhere with her. Yesterday she insisted on having him at breakfast so Daddy out a bib on him & put a banana under his arm in a chair at the table. She thought that was pretty funny & said 'silly' to Daddy.

They also went out for a bike ride & she insisted that he ride along with her in the trailer. Unfortunately, we don't have a bike helmet that will fit him so rides at his own risk : )

Here is a page I made dedicated to Teddy:

Happy Birthday Patra, party pictures

One of Maddy's travel group sisters had her 2nd birthday party yesterday. 4 of the 5 the girls were at the party so it was fun to see how big everyone is getting. Below are a few pictures from the party. We tried to re-create the 'Red Couch' photo but it was a miserable failure!

Brianna & Maddy

Patra & Maddy

Couch picture take 1

Couch picture take 2

Couch picture take 3

Playing at the Lake Calhoun Tot Lot before the party

Patra's bubble machine

Ava & Maddy

Dawn, Maddy & Ava checking out the pictures

Fun Summer Days

Today we had a couple of our Godsons over & our newest Goddaughter that is 11 months old. Matt entertained the boys while Maddy & I took Aarilyn & her mom to the park. Maddy & I also got a little early morning garage sale cruising in and scored a few good deals. I went in search of a little push car/bike and walked away victorious with a little car for $3! Tomorrow one of Maddy's travel group sister's is having her 2nd birthday party so we are really looking forward to seeing our travel group again as it's been 6 months since all of the girls were together.

Here are a few photos from today:

Maddy & Aarilyn on the slide

Jamel, George & Maddy hanging out

Check out my new ride!