3rd Gotcha Getaway

For Ruthie's Gotcha celebration, we went to Galveston for 3 days last week.  I really tried to leave my camera in my suitcase so I could be all there, but did manage to take it out in the water one day.

I use a DICAPAC waterproof case for my SLR for my water shots.

A Special Visit

My dad and stepmom paid us a visit last weekend.  We spent most of our time playing in the pool and catching up.

With our busy schedules we don't get to see them near enough.  We were so glad they made the trip and can't wait to play with them again.

Summer Ball

Sam is playing coach pitch baseball this summer.  It is his first time to play since the summer we got Ruthie, 3 years ago.  (And please admire the shot of the bat hitting the ball for me.  I was pretty proud of that one)



He has had a little catching up to do compared to the kids here who play year round.   We just aren't that family and that's okay.

For now he is having fun, learning to keep his eyes open when the ball is coming his way, and making some new friends.  

Oh yes and looking darn cute in the uniform too.

And a little cuteness from his biggest supporter to finish it off.

Slowing Down- Part 2 (Get in the Pool)

A few weeks ago, I had a heart to heart conversation with Ruthie where I asked her what she wishes mommy would do better.   What seemed like a simple answer to her spoke volumes to me and I am quite confident God used it to get my attention.

She said that she wished I would get in the pool more.  What she meant was that she wanted me to stop sitting on the side of the pool and watching her swim and get in and play with her directly instead.  She may have been talking about the pool, but I knew that her example carried over to several other similar examples. 

I am really good at being around Ruthie but I am too often doing my own thing in her presence.  Since our little talk, I have been saying no to a lot of the distractions and "getting into the pool" more.

I heard someone say once that hurry and love are incompatible.  I believe it.  I don't know about you, but I know that I have to have less other stuff to do if I am going truly experience life with my kids.  And thus I am slowing down to get into the pool. 

Our First Adopted Daughter

In 2004 we "adopted" a college student named Lauren and quickly Ya Ya became our first adopted daughter.  She is now all grown up and a chemistry teacher in Kuwait but we still love her like one of the family.  She is in the States for 2 months this summer and came to spend a week with us.

Here are a few pics from our adventures together.

Annual Lake Weekend

For the past several summers we have joined my brother at his lake house for a cousin weekend.  My kids love the time with their cousins and always make lots of memories.

 Here are just a few pics from this year.

Happy Gotcha Day

July 13th is Ruthie's Gotcha Day.  I am amazed at how quickly 3 years has passed by and by how much she has grown.

Here is my sweet girl in her referral photo.

Ruthie with her daddy on Gotcha day.

 My beautiful princess 3 years later.

I love you Ruthie Mei.  Thank you for the best 3 years of my life. 

Our 4th of July Masterpieces

Last Sunday we went to The Paint Pub for family painting day.  They were painting rustic American flags which I thought was a perfect way to kick off the holiday.

I knew Ruthie would enjoy it because my girl loves to color and paint.  It was super cute to see how serious she was about getting it just right.

Jack had fun too and did a great job with his.

Sam makes a party out of every moment and was more interested in getting up to dance to the music overhead than painting.



My favorite moment was when Jack finished a section early and then came over to help Ruthie paint her stars.  He even made up a little song to help her get the motions right.

It was a memorable 2 hours and I can't wait to get these hung in our office. 

That Mind and the Questions it Comes Up With

Having the kids home for the summer has been so much fun.  One thing I have especially noticed is the number of off-the-wall questions Sam asks me in an 8-hour period.  I made it a point to remember as many as I could from 6-9 the other night.



Lets see there was, "Do sharks eat us because we look like seals or because they are scared?"

And, "Why did God create Satan?"



Followed by, "Who is the tallest man who ever lived?"



I loved, "If I had $50,000 could I buy a circus?"  I have no idea where that came from.

He wouldn't accept my, "No," answer for, "Can snakes bite through glass?"

There is always a math question in there and tonight's was, "How many seconds are in a leap year?"

And right before he went to bed he asked, "Why can I hold my breath and live but if you cut my head off I would die instantly?"

I love that kid but every now and then I need a break from all the questions!

Wrappin' It Up

It is time to put a bow on these family camp pictures and wrap them up.  These are from the last night when we all dressed and went to the camp carnival.

I love this one of Ruthie watching her brothers fish below.