Passing time

We've been home almost two weeks and have tried our best to keep busy. Our first week home consisted of lots of t.v. watching and trying to feel normal again. Then we decided enough was enough and it was time to get out and enjoy the summer. So we joined a golf club/swimming pool and have been putting it to great use ever since. 

Last weekend, my brother-in-law and his family came to see us for the first time since we moved. The big boys played golf and we took the kids swimming. It was a lot of fun and I totally cracked up at my nephew in his swim goggles. 

The next day we went golfing as a family for the first time in two years. I am a little rusty but we had a lot of fun. Princess had an accident that morning that ripped her big toenail off so she didn't get to play with us but enjoyed driving the cart for me. 

Since Jerod came home from Kenya last year, my kitchen has slowly changed from a Tuscan/Italy feel to a bright, cheery, African theme. I decided my fruit and wine cutting board I kept on top of my stove for decoration wasn't working anymore. I wondered how to change it to a more appropriate themed one and came up with the idea to burn an African shape into a wooden board I already had. I went and purchased a $17 wood burning kit and ta-da! It now fits in a lot better and has given me ideas for more projects.

For the 4th, we headed to the ranch. 

The drive to the ranch from where we live now is very different than what we are used to. It takes about 1 1/2 hour longer but we drive through several small towns and the canyon. So we decided last minute to stop for a dinner picnic on the way and enjoy the scenery. 

We arrived before my sister that night and didn't get to see them until the next morning but it was worth the wait to get the greeting from my niece. She was surprised and excited and I love her hugs. She squeezes big.

The girls in their cutest patriotic outfits. 

She is getting way too big and way too pretty!

Ok, so all these kids are growing way too fast! 

He's beginning to relax a bit and let me take more pictures of him without goofy faces. I think he's still working through this tween stage but it's good to see him smile more and enjoy whatever we're doing. I can't believe he'll be 12 in a few months!! I love him. 

We headed out for the parade in town and decorated our bikes and the mule. The parade itself was a big disappointment and made me miss our old neighborhood's parade. The kids just went with it though and were great sports. 

And to my surprise, my brother and sis-in-law showed up with Ms. Addie!! She has changed so much! 

We spent the rest of the day just enjoying being together and catching up.  My brother and sister had not seen us since we've been home and were anxious to see pictures and hear stories. It was a relaxing day and I'm really glad we went. We had to head home before the kids big rodeo but imagine my delight when I got a text saying my nephew got 1st in the donkey riding!! So proud of him!! My younger nephew got 3rd in the sheep riding too! 

Then I got another great text from my brother saying they wanted to come see us on Friday. Yes, please!! So they got here early afternoon and after a late lunch, we headed to the pool. Addison was so cute in her swimsuit!! She liked the water but it was a little cold so we just hung out and watched my kids play with their uncle the rest of the time. They love their uncle Adam so much! I was thrilled to get to spend more time with them and love on Addison more. 

So that's been our last week. Staying busy and having fun. This week is going to be all about checking things off my very long to-do list. I have about 1001 things I'd LIKE to get done before little man gets here but will be happy if we accomplish 10 of them. We have two weeks behind us from court and expect to receive our official, translated adoption decree sometime in the next week. 

Have a great weekend!!