Friends Return Back to Texas ... Monday Day 7

Boys First Day of School ... Visitors Return Home!

This Summer has been full of wonderful times and memories. I haven't been updating our blog regularly, but that's just how busy we've been. I enjoy writing (not just posting) so hopefully now I can get back into it as we enter a new Season of all sorts.

We welcome friends and family always ... we always have room for you so please start planning now for a visit any time of year. The snowy time is November thru March and the wonderful Summer days with all the colors out are May thru October. Still color in November but it is starting to fall and the weather gets colder. We hope you all have had an amazing Summer too....



First day of Middle School and High School. Big day for all.



This is Nick's picture from Terry's camera. Nick and Brandon both play guitar really well. But I'm a bit sad that we didn't get to hear any while they were here. We were all just so incredibly busy and happy.



Nice Guitar Nick!



Goodbye's are hard, but all the more reason to stay in touch and visit often. These kids will know each other forever.



Sabrina, Tigist and Nicholas say goodbye.

Friends Visit From Texas ... Sunday Day 6

We have no pics from today. I think we're all pictured out. We went to our church, SouthEast Christian in Parker and then to lunch at Park Meadows Mall area. Ate at The Grand Lux Cafe (fabulous decor) and the kids hung out at the mall together.

Later, Terry and I went to Indulge Wine Bar and Tappas up the street and lounged on outdoor sofas in the back. We drank a "flight" of wine of our choice and shared an amazing steak meal with salad.

We thought we'd be out for an hour, but it turned out to be several. We love this restaurant.

Terry and her family leave tomorrow ... it has been a really great amount of time and everybody is ready to get back to a routine of school, work and home life. But truly, I can't wait until the next time they come. Or when we go to their home.

Friends Visit From Texas ... Saturday Day 5

Although tomorrow is officially the day of Tigists (given) birthday, we celebrated it today, Saturday August 8th. Tomorrow will be exactly one year since we saw her beautiful face in front of us for the very first time. Today is a very special day for all of us.


For Party Favors, I thru these balls out in the yard. Except I forgot to tell some people to take them home as the left. Oooops!



We had guests from lots of places ... neighbors, from church, from the adoption group, from Texas ... we have such great friends and our neighbors are the best around.



The bounce was huge and the kids played in it for hours.



Elena & Marcel who live up the street.



Jonathan (Brandi's son)






One of Brandi's daughters






Brandon gave motorcycle rides



Catherine (from choir at church) and her husband enjoying some food. The day was really great ... Catherine helped us cook some hot dogs and burgers. Her daughter Olivia like to have playdates.



We met JanMarie and Alex in the city in front of this fantastic cake store. Now we are friends.



Brandi & Travis' newly adopted daughter, Addison. Her twin brother is Joshua ... who is equally gorgeous.






JanMarie & Alex talking with David.












Elena's boys who live up the street.



Nicole is waiting to pass court any time now for her daughter from Ethiopia



The Akin twins ... Addison & Joshua. Home now for almost 2 months.






Friends & neighbors



Playing horseshoes game ...



Aman is always there to help his girl ...



Our wonderful pine provides hours of shade in the back.



Mesfin & Genet with Aman



Time for the Pinata!



Waiting so patiently



Sabrina, Brandon & Nick.









Time to sing Happy Birthday! I also made 2 dozen cupcakes as I was unsure how many people were coming.



Can we eat it NOW????



Mesfin, Genet and I



Ohhh! Time for the presents



Can I open this one now, Mommy?



Nana and Pop from Australia sent this Kangaroo over for her birthday. They are so amazing about keeping up with birthdays and prezzies & cards. I've lots to learn from them.



She loves this life size roo!



Our friend China



A build a bear from the Webb family! Everybody was so sweet to bring such thoughtful gifts.

Friends Visit From Texas ... Friday Day 4

It took all of today to prep for her birthday party tomorrow. Terry and I shopped for a guest list of about 65. Lots of kids and adults had RSVP'd to be a part of her celebration.


Tigist helped me bake her cake. She was my "dish washer" if you know what I mean.



See ... she cleans dishes very well.



Oh so yummy icing.



Sabrina and Evan helped bake and decorate too. They too were good "dish washers" by licking dishes with cake batter and icing.



Sabrina and I looking thru the cake decorating book to see what tips to use