How did it get to be July already?? Well, here we are -- summer is moving fast!
We're all enjoying our time off school. Lots of lake time, playing in the rain, library visits, movie watching, sleep overs, sculpey, rip-sticking, bike riding, out-to-eating, grilling, boating, tree climbing, and fort making. Whew! I think I might need a nap...
Another bee-sting experience provided extra bonding time for the whole family last weekend. When Jan gets stung, our world stops and everybody shows him how much we need him around. Christian was able to join in on the action this time, making it a full-family bonding experience. While Jan was laid up, he enjoyed the extra attention and service so much he commented that he might have to get stung more often. I almost hit him.
All the kids are horseback riding still, and loving every minute of it. They are all going to horse camp in August.
We're looking forward to our trip to Minnesota and Wisconsin this month. It's coming fast and I have lots to do in order to be ready to go! But it's high time to introduce Christian to her extended family. Cousins, look out... here she comes!
Today is a relatively big day for us. Jan and I are signing our "Petition for Adoption of a Minor Child." This is the official document that will be filed with the court. It seems like such a silly thing to get excited about... signing a paper. But it's one step closer to things being official and I'm completely stoked. Truth be told, our methods are slightly anticlimactic... we're corresponding with our lawyer via mail because she's a good distance away. So we get the documents in the mail, take them to the bank and sign them before a notary public. Getting our daughter from a bank seems just weird, but hey. Whatever works.
I've learned a few things...
1. Patience IS a virtue. I'm still trying to achieve it.
2. Growing one's family via adoption has it's unique challenges.
3. I did not fully understand what I was getting into.
4. I would not take our decision to adopt back for all the tea in China.
5. It does not take very long to feel like a child is mine.
6. I have the three most wonderful kids on the planet. (Don't even bother to argue with me on this one. I'm like a brick wall here.)
To our northern family and friends, we can't wait to see all of you!
Sisters
Sisters on the tube!
Playin' in the rain...
Just back from evening fishing.
The three best kids in the world.
