in with the new...part 2

Speaking of new...we were so honored and excited to be present over this break to watch a very special-to-us couple begin their new life together.

We have been friends with Alex for many years and we all love him to death. He is a great role model to our kids, and a ton of fun to be around. We've enjoyed lots of good times together...(like our boys' first ball game at Wrigley!), lots of UFC fights, and good talks over dishes on his visits home from school. ;)

It has been a joy to watch him grow from a young high school kid to a respectful adult entering the next chapter of his life. As much as we love Alex, it couldn't have been more obvious when we met Kate that they belong together and it didn't take long for us to love her just as much.

So, they tied the knot on December 30th. It was abeautiful winter wedding and Abby was delighted to be their flower girl. She took the job very seriously! It was a very special day and we were so happy to be there for it and look forward to watching them start 'the rest of their lives'!

Here's some pictures from all the festivities......

in with the new....

so, wrapping up 2010 we entered the tween world with an 11 year old in the house.

I love this age....its a ton of fun. I hope the real teen years prove to be as pleasant but somehow I'm not that hopeful!

Following Ben's birthday, nearly a month ago, we celebrated Christmas... Jenna's first one. It was lots of fun to see her experience this with our family and she was surprisingly in tune with whatto do to the wrapping paper!

She most loved a Corolle Chinese baby doll and has carried it around with her alot since then. Looks JUST like her....growing out buzz cut and all! ;)

Christmas was fun with all of the kids and each of them had a gift they were beyond delighted with. For Emily, it was all of the kitchen accessories. Abby, her look-alike American Girl doll that she so sweetly named Kate (the bride of whom Abby was the flower girl for a short 5 days following Christmas!).

Ben and Matthew's exciting gifts were of the video-game variety and a b.b. gun from Uncle Brian that they went out to shoot with him on Christmas day.

We spent several days at home playing games (our new favorite family game is apples to apples), going sledding, drinking hot cocoa and eating WAY too many sugar cookies!

Hope your holidays were as merry as ours!

from us to you....

5 months home

We arrived home from China five months ago today

with this little girl,

our newest family member.

To say that the last six months has been hard wouldn't really seem to do it justice,

but I'm not sure what else to say. It has been hard.

But it hasn't only been hard.

It's been humbling.

Emotionally exhausting.

Worrisome.

A test of our faith.

Dependent.

Joyful.

Heart-warming.

Funny.

Transitioning.

Tearful.

Attaching.

Eye-opening.

Frustrating.

Humbling;

oh did I say that already.....well I really can't say it enough.

A time of teaching.

A time of growing, learning.

It has been a blessing to welcome Jenna into our lives

and graft her into our hearts and our family.

Two weeks ago we dedicated her to the Lord at church. What an honor.

bad blogger

I know, I've been a really bad blogger.

I do really enjoy getting these memories down to look back on one day, it's just that time escapes me.

But here's my attempt to catch up.

A conglomeration post.

We've been busy with fall activities. Abby is doing competitive cheer and she is working so hard at it and having so much fun. It's been fun for us to see her really loving an activity, as that hadn't ever happened up until now. Her team recently had 2 competitions and got 1st place in both for their division! Abby got to bring the trophy home from one of them for a visit so that was exciting for her!

It's turning into winter here in the midwest and this is how I found Emily one morning recently.

It made me laugh, and then run to grab the camera. I can't say enough what a riot she is. She has a big personality for such a little girl. A great sense of humor and makes me smile and laugh constantly.

Thanksgiving has come and gone already and we had the pleasure of hosting some good friends for the day and an overnight.

Our kids were very excited to spend time with their kids and I'd be lying if I said I didn't feel the same about spending time with their family as well. We had a great meal,

good conversation, the men had football and naps, and Sara and I had each otherfor company in themiddle-of-the-night Black Friday shopping. We are so blessed! ;)