Easter Sunday...

We had a wonderful day as a family. Easter Service was beautiful, followed by a wonderful meal. The kids enjoyed the day and even managed to let us capture a few wonderful moments on camera. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could all see life through the eyes of children?

Nope they are not twins just brothers.

Hunting for Eggs

What a fun day we had, a hunt for candy and prizes. Our little ones really got into the Annual Easter Egg Hunt this year. It was our 4th time hosting the fun. We all had a blast. About 50 kids and 20 some odd adults showed up this year. It was a morning of fun with family and friends. Can't wait until next year!!!!!!!! I think the Easter Bunny is going to come and take pictures with the kids. Just a Rumor, but I think it's true!

Elijah loved the eggs. He didn't care if they were filled or not, he just had fun playing, tossing, and throwing the eggs. This was his heaven.

Isaiah liked all the eggs he found especially the ones with cars in them. However, once he found the perfect piece of candy he stopped looking for any more eggs. He was Happy! He sat right down and ate it all up.

Cora's bag was so full she emptied it and went back to hunting. She took this activity very seriously.


The family that was in town came and enjoyed the festivities. We had a picnic with everyone. Our neighbor cooked the hotdogs up (110 of them), and everyone got their fill.

It was fun to see

Chalet having so much fun with her little cousins. She just looked like a natural mommy taking care of their needs. I loved seeing this side of her.

Jessica and Cora bonded and they enjoyed hunting in a pack for the eggs. Cora found the lower eggs, and Sarah found the ones up high. They were a great little team.

Shauna was of course the Wonderful Aunt as always. She was "Cora's Adult", while Mommy took care of Isaiah, and Daddy took care of Elijah. She also went around making sure everyone was happy. Elijah liked her best because she kept giving him water from a glass.

Thanks to all who helped. It was fun as Always! See you all next year, right?

NO.

an afternoon of play

It was a fun day when the big cousins stopped by just to play with the little kids. The kids were so excited they came to play with them. What a fun surprise! They took them out to the Playground their family gave us for Christmas. Eden, Isaiah, Sarah, and Cora took a moment to all look up and say cheese while swinging.
Sarah and Cora got down and dirty in the sandbox, while Carol pushed Elijah in his car swing. Elijah has developed a jealousy for his swing. Only HE can use it. It is a bit funny to watch, yet cute.
Eden and Isaiah Played on the play ground, climbing and sliding. Later Carol pushed the boys on the swings. Elijah has just found the word, "WEEEEEEEEEEE". It is tickling to the soul to hear him get so excited that he wants to share it with everyone by yelling happy shrills. Isaiah on the other hand has become attached to his rocket PJ top. He absolutely would not take it off when we went to dress him. So he ran around all day in his PJ top, and then would say to anyone who would listen, "What does a rocket boy say?" Then he would laugh and sing Elton John's, "Rocket Man, I think your going to be gone a long long time." It really cracks us up. Jason taught him the song when he asked him what a rocket boy says. Kids, they bring such happy delight.
They all enjoyed the afternoon. Loves, hugs, and FUN. Thanks Eden, Sarah, and Carol. We love you!

Beauty Shop

As I mentioned a few days ago, Cora is really into hair, dress-up, make-up, and nail polish. OH BOY is what you said right? If not, let me say it, "OH BOY!" Actually, she is adorable. As you can see. So next time you visit it might be you in that chair.

SQUEEZE ME

Our Little "Bug" had so much fun this last week when Cora Elizabeth opened her presents for her birthday. Something about tissue paper and gift wrap made Elijah so excited. He loved the sounds and feel of the paper. It has been such a joy to have Elijah in our life. He demands a lot of attention, always wants to be held, and loves to cuddle. Elijah is a very big child... :) You feel like you are picking up a small boulder because he is so solid. He is in the 99th percentile for his height and about the 70th for weight. It would really surprise me if he didn't end up being at least 6'6" when he grows to manhood. Don't you just want to squeeze him?


Daddy, decided to take a picture of the two of them. Elijah wasn't quite sure why Daddy was holding the camera out so far away from him??? I just want to know why Daddy wasn't looking at the camera since he was the one taking the shot? Funny Daddy, you are supposed to say cheese! (that is what Cora said).
Elijah was enjoying playing tag with his siblings. But when he had had enough he ran over to Mommy for safety. I just love it when the kids run to me. It just lights up your soul.

Buttons and Bows

As you can see right now Cora is really into hair and will make you pretty too if you will let her. As for Isaiah, he is a willing party. Cora likes to make him, "beautiful just like her". She sure is lucky she has a bother that is willing to do anything to play with his sister. I don't know... He can almost pull it off. What do you think?

Sorry in advance to Grandpa Landstrom. Don't worry Isaiah really is all boy... loves trucks, trains, planes, and crashing cars. He just enjoys a slick hairdo now and then.

SHE'S FOUR!!!

Our baby girl is growing up...

Happy 4th Birthday Cora!

It is hard for us to imagine this little spitfire of energy has blossomed into an amazing, sweet, and gentle protective older sister. Trying so hard to choose the right, and be obedient to her parents.

This year has been such an amazing year of growth for Cora and her parents too. This was our first year as parents to experience age 3. WOW! No one told us that 3 means independence and unleashed emotion. So for all you parents out there... That is what 3 means, at least for girls. I will tell you in a year what 3 year old boys are like :) .

This little girl ushered into her 3's with a wildfire and sometimes out of control spirit and has come into her 4's as a tender spirited lamb trying hard to be aware of other and their feelings. She wants so much to please Mom and Dad... and worries about Elijah when he cries, running to his aid saying, "Poor little fella, what is wrong? I will hold you." She also finds joy each morning after she comes into greet mom and dad, she retreats to the boys room and climbs into Elijah's crib to give him a hug and a kiss and says, "Good morning you silly boy." She then coaxes Isaiah to join them. Soon we hear laughing and sweet giggles, followed by six little feet all jumping on the bed (crib).

Cora makes a wonderful sister and friend. At least once a day we hear Isaiah and Cora lying on their backs with their heads side-by-side saying to each other, "You’re my best friend". So for all the competition, cries, and screams... There is even more sharing, laughing, and squeals of joy.

A fun story that quickly prepared us for the rush into the 3's was when I woke up to a strange smell. Worried that it was a toxic smell I arose with lightning speed to search out the culprit of the stench. When I opened the bedroom door I saw a naked hot pink and brown child sitting up on the counter... Our Cora had put in a DVD, grabbed some snacks, climbed up on the counter, put down some paper towel to sit on so her bottom would not get cold - then proceeded to open some nail polish she had confiscated earlier. She painted her hair, her face, her lips and teeth, her tummy, her legs and arms, the sink, and the counter, and cabinets - but remarkably never painted her nails. She was in heaven spending her night at her own makeshift Spa! When approached by mommy, she said, "Hi Mommy, I took my clothes off so they wouldn't get dirty... aren't you happy!" She was sooooo proud.

There has been so much joy this year. Watching our little girl growing up. She is such a different child then the one we first adopted. She has really blossomed into a beautiful child. It is amazing what love does for us in this world. She has been a blessing beyond words. I cannot imagine life without her. What a joy comes from these little spirits we are allowed to raise by the grace of God. To protect, love, and teach. We must never take our eyes off these little ones – they are precious beyond our understanding.

Cora, you are a gift from God and WE LOVE YOU!!! Happy Birthday.

1. The day our family was sealed. She looked so beautiful and innocent... an angel.
2. Happy at sea...
3. Creative Play of sandy castles and kingdoms
4. Stinky! Our little skunk - wished Halloween was every day!
5. Palo Duro Canyon - Standing at the top.

Texas Snow?

SNOW BABY A winter wonderland... Isaiah looks over his vast kingdom

Eating snow makes Cora Happy

WHAT? Is it true? 6 inches in 3 hours? Global Warming? Not here!!!!!!!!!!!
With the snow already starting to melt, we grabbed our ski clothes from the attic and got outside as soon as was physically possible (kids naps had to happen 1st of course).

As we started to play and build the first part of our snowman, we looked down the street and saw the neighbors with the same plan. As we waived to our neighbor Steve did not like the idea that our snowman base was 3 times the size of his base. So he decided that if he couldn't beat us, that his family would join us. Jason and Steve put Steve’s families snowman in a wagon and brought it over to our yard. They added the two pieces to our base and ended up with a 6 ft tall snow man. It was a blast. The kids were enjoying it completely, but I think the Dad's enjoyed it the most!

Awe the path to the snowmans life...

1 - 2 - 3

Smoothing out the edges

Cora showing off her snowball

And Mom got to decorate the Daddy and Child