New Blog

 I'm starting a new blog because hopefully some time this year our family will be more than ELSO.

Check it out:

http://greyskiesfullhearts.blogspot.com

Camping/35

I think I'm starting to really enjoy camping. I know this because I asked to go on my birthday this year.  (The addition of a cot to our camping gear may have a little something to do with this.) So we headed North to Port Angeles last weekend.  We camped, hiked, and I was able to explore 3 (3!) quaint, little towns.  Folks this would only happen on my birthday weekend.  E loves me but going with me while I check out coffee shops, bookstores, antiques stores, etc. in three separate towns over 2 days is a lot for him. We had a good time and we were all exhausted by the time we got home Sunday night.

The other BIG part of my 35th was a new bike.  It is lovely.  Lovely.  I want a bike for cruising the well-maintained trails around our house and biking to our little downtown area for coffee or Yogurtini.  So I really wanted something for comfort definitely not for speed.  This bike is perfect for me.  It's comfortable and cute.  I love it!                   

Downtown Port Angeles

We hiked on the Dungeness Spit and it was strange.  In a good way.  It was crazy foggy and cool.  We looked for shells and the boys built sculptures with rocks and driftwood.  By the time we left the beach our hair was soaked from the fog. 

Eight is Great

S turned 8 a few weeks ago and because we have declared this the year of no birthday parties, we celebrated with a family trip to Seattle.                    

First stop: Pike Place Market, where we saw all kinds of stuff, including multiple kinds of seafood.

We spent most of the day at the Pacific Science Center, exploring and having a blast.

 The Space Needle.

 We ended our day with some delicious ice cream. I had burnt caramel with sea salt and it was a-mazing!

Big Summer

We have had a very big summer, which is one of the reasons I am sooooo far behind with blogging.  The biggest part of our summer was a move across the country to Washington state.  We also were able to see lots of family and celebrate the wedding of one of my nieces.  I hope to catch up with everything that has been going on, but first, I wanted to share some photos from a hike that we went on last weekend.  We drove over an hour to Mt. Rainier National Park for this 3.5 mile hike.  It is definitely one my favorites ever.  So, so beautiful.  And quiet.  It was like we were on another planet.  It was definitely some quality chill time.     

Summer Fun

We recently bought the game Clue to try playing with the boys.  They understand how to play, but not that they have to keep everything a secret, so there's at least one slip up each game.  This makes it a little bit easier for Eric or I to win.

Playing with Daisy at the dog park.

 Swimming lessons at the pond.

Fun at the park.  Is it just me or does S look so old in this picture?!

Berry Pickin'

We took the boys to Lawrence Farms and Orchard to pick strawberries.  The weather was perfect and the berries were delicious.  Before we began picking, though, we had to feed the baby goats.

 Yum!

More Prayer Please!

Sorry for such infrequent posts and lack of pictures.  I feel as though a lot of my posts over the last few months have been requests for prayers. I believe a lot of that is because our family has left our comfort zone and we need more prayers!  International adoption (probably domestic as well) is incredibly complicated and sometimes emotionally draining. 

We just received word yesterday that DRC has temporarily stopped adopted children from leaving the country.  We don't know how much this will affect our adoptions or if it will at all.  We are hopeful that this situation will be quickly taken care of and everyone's adoptions can continue forward without too much additional time. 

Please pray for:

-all the children, those that are waiting to come home to families and those that may never have that    chance.

-all the families waiting for their children, for patience and guidance.

-all the officials making decisions regarding adoption.

-that this will be taken care of speedily and correctly in the best interest of the children.

Thanks everyone!

If you want to know more about this here is the link.