First Swim Meet

This summer we dove into a new activity, swim team (get my pun now??).  The pool is literally at the end of our street and our neighbors are involved- plus, this momma loves swimming!  The kids were skeptical last summer until they saw a meet and then were excited!  

We participated in the Mock Meet- and they were hooked!  There were some nerves leading up to the meet- it was originally scheduled for Tuesday, but due to storms was rescheduled for the next day.

Adeline noticed how the kids "decorated" their backs at the Mock Meet- so that was what I had to do when we arrived at the pool!  Eat My Bubbles....

Warm-Ups!

Alden has Coach Megan wrapped around his finger....

Gooooo Adeline!!

They look so darn grown-up here!

Look at the name of their bathroom!!  It is named for the lady who helped create this pool

Card games for siblings and those waiting for their events

Alden actually WON his heat in freestyle!!  The Heat Winner Ribbon made his day- I was SO proud!!  His time actually placed him 4th overall in that event!  I can't imagine how much faster he will be when he doesn't breath with EVERY stroke!  He also was given a ribbon for backstroke- not sure why, I thought he DQd (disqualified)....  He is so happy!

Addie was given a ribbon for her backstroke.  She placed 3rd, so we guessed that in backstroke they were awarding ribbons to the top three!  She was ecstatic!

The Swim Season is off to a great start!!

Deacon

Living out his faith is important to Al- and me, too, but this post is about Al.  He strives to show his faith in his actions by serving others.  When he was nominated for Deacon in our church, he took the class, passed the tests (yes, Presbyterians take this VERY seriously) and he was voted in by our congregation.  Our first service in the new building, he was ordained.  He now serves with several other men in helping those in our community.  What a blessing that his skills in construction can be put to use in sharing the gospel!

Big Moments- Totally Out of Sequence

I'm a little lazy- these pics are totally out of sequence but need to be added and I don't feel like reworking previous posts....

Al had a birthday!  Our good friends the W's came and helped us eat his ice cream cake!  We love you, Al!

Addie's BFF Sophia moved to Hawaii.  It was pajama day, just for the record.  These two still keep in contact thanks to FaceTime!  So sweet to hear their little convesations!

MarMar and PopPop came and helped with our adoption yard sale!  We loved having them around- and we ended their visit with lunch at Panera!

We even got to spend time in Fredricksburg with our good friends the S's!  These 4 pick-up right where they left off and instantly best-buds irregardless of how much time they have been apart!!

Adeline loves her friend Brayden.  These two are just amazing at gymnastics!!

Summer Time Memories

We have been busy making Summer Time Memories!!

Another family is in the process of adding two more kiddos to their family- the Mom has been a great resource as she has already traveled the steps we are currently working on!  Her two kiddos enjoy my two kiddos, and we enjoy the parents- so it's a win-win!

What do you do the first day of Summer Vacation and Swim Team is rained out?  Go bowling!!

Alden- the 1st A at the top- tied with the other Mom!

Pancake Breakfast at Swim Team!

$1 movies with friends!

Sweet Frog to celebrate excellent report cards!

First Swim Meet- it was a pretend meet, but they both did great!

Happy Father's Day!

Al is an amazing Dad.  Every day he works hard to provide for us.  Every day he looks for ways to serve others.  Every day he makes time to play with each kid and let them know he loves them.   He has worked tirelessly on filling out the endless adoption paperwork- requesting forms, organizing physicals, filing for background checks, etc.

He shows our children the love of Christ through his actions, the way he treats me and all he comes in contact with, by sharing the Bible with them, by helping others, the list goes on and on.

Al, we love you and are so glad you are our Daddy/Husband!!

End of School Block Party

Friday was the last day of school!!  When I picked up the kids from school, the first words out of their mouths was "I'M A FIRST GRADER!!!"- Alden  "I'M A SECOND GRADER!!!"- Adeline.  They both earned fantastic report cards and I couldn't be prouder!

Busses pulling out of my school!

We came home to a full-on Block Party!  Water balloons, snacks, egg races, squirt guns, ice cream sandwiches, and it all ended at the pool with everyone playing happily together!  This block is such a blessing- I love the friends and happy memories that surround our kids!

Ready to Par-tay

The Gang

Water balloon Central

Egg Race

These 4 all tied!

What a great way to celebrate the end of a fantastic year and the beginning of an ever more amazing summer!

Kindergerten Word Wall Ball

Alden made it to the Word Wall Ball!  Thankfully it was postponed from the original date- Al was out of town for the first but could make the 2nd one!  We were SO proud of him!

So proud!

See his necklace under his bow-tie?

Busy reading while waiting for the other classes to get their certificates

SO proud!

Such a cute class!

Waiting for the Rose Dance to Start

Who will she choose to dance with??

She chose ALDEN!!

 I love this ritual!  I am proud of all the hard work Alden put in, mastering his Word Wall Words.  I am happy that the next time I do this, Adeline will be dancing with the twins!!

Growing Up

Adeline and Alden are growing up so quickly...  

Adeline loves to cook- and she is doing a great job at actually helping!

School work- these two work so well together, most of the time.  It is amazing at how much they have learned this year and how much they have grown in their relationship!

Friends + Pool + Weekend= TONS of Fun

We had a blast with our friend Lainey!  The pool even opened for that weekend!  It was a blast getting to have 3 kids!

I love that my kids have such great friends!!