Cooperstown Dreams Park

Guy and Logan spent a week in Cooperstown, NY at Cooperstown Dreams Park .  This is a dream for all boys who play baseball.  His brother went two years ago and he has been waiting his turn. Unfortunately I couldn't attend this trip because Christian also had a tournament in South Carolina.  That was tough on this momma.  But these two had a great time. Guy was one of the coaches so they got to stay in the barracks together.  The team didn't do as well as they would have liked, but hey it's Cooperstown and they had a ball!   Here are a few pictures Guy got.

 

 

 

 

Grace's Gotcha Day

We had a blast celebrating Grace's 3 year Gotcha Day!

 

We had a trip to build a bear

and first go kart (or as she would call them race cars) ride

Wouldn't be the same without a celebratory "Cars" Balloon

One happy girl!

Happy Gotcha Day Grace

Three years ago today we met our beautiful 22 month old bundle of joy, Grace.  She changed our lives and touched our hearts from the first moment. Just a glimpse back to that day.  It brings back so many emotions. My heart was forever changed.

 

The first moment I laid my eyes on her, the orphanage worker was bringing her through the door.

She wore herself out, bless her we waited for her for 4 years, but she didn't know us at all and was so scared.

But I held her tight and loved her through the tears. When she woke in my arms she was miraculously a little girl full of smiles and laughs and was pure joy.  Transformation occurs and peace reigned just through being wrapped in the love of her mommy. God is so good. 

She is legally ours!

 

All the little ones in our travel group.

Grace and her new cousin, Lily then

Grace and her cousin now...melt my heart.  What a gift. These two adore each other.  A bond no one will ever separate. They began their journey together in the same orphanage in China, separated and sent to two separate foster care homes in different cities, reunited forever!

Our Grace now!

Graduating preschool, and about to start Kindergarten!

And dancing in her first ballet recital

 

We are blessed. We love you Grace.  Happy Gotcha Day!

A Trip to the Zoo

We took a break between baseball games this past weekend in Columbia to go to Riverbanks Zoo. We had a blast.  Here are just a few shots from the afternoon.

 

Another Tournament.....Columbia, SC

Christian, the girls and I headed to Columbia, SC last Thursday to begin a 3 day tournament.  We faired okay for the teams first full tournament playing together.  One two, lost one and tied one.  Christian did a great job pitching the last game...excuse the quality of the photo, it was taken with my phone.  I have broken my long lens on the camera and need to get it fixed...when I can be without it for 2 weeks.

 

 

A Championship Win!

I was so glad I was able to catch Logan's last game this weekend and it was the championship game on top of that and they secured a win!  I had camera in hand and got a great play made by Logan at third base and a shot of the team and coaches after their win.  They leave Friday for a week in Cooperstown, NY - this was a great way to head out!  Way to go Blues!

 

 

A Surprise Visit

We had a great surprise visit this Saturday.  We found out this week that friends we met in China almost 3 years ago that are from New Hampshire would be coming through our area as they would be in North Carolina for a wedding.  OMG how cool right?  We were going to get to see each other for a brief visit!  This Burke family adopted their little boy, Keenan, the same time we adopted Grace and my sister and her husband adopted Lily.

 

All our adopted children, I have brought home one more, Olivia and my sister brought home two more Liam and Miles since we met 3 years ago.

These are the three amigos - they have grown and changed so much in 3 years.

My sister, Michele and I - aka the moms

Guy and Jim with Keenan (Fred was unable to be there) - aka the dads

Happy 16th Christian!

Less than a week after Jonathon graduated high school, Christian turns 16! As crazy as life has been this day could not go without Christian having a special day!  16 is a big birthday so with the help of one of Christian's friends we began sceaming a couple weeks ago to pull of a surprise party for Christian.  We did just that and we got him good.  Happy Birthday Christian. I love you so much.  You are a true gift, you are smart, talented, have a huge heart that touches me and this world and your sense of  humor keeps me laughing.  Stay true to who you are.  I hope this was a special day and that you have a great year to come....license next month and a car as well..yikes!  It's all happening so fast.  Love you son.

 

 

A Tribute to Jonathon

Check out the video we had put together for Jonathon's graduation...sniff sniff...

https://vimeo.com/67057522

Jonathon Graudated!

Yesterday day was a day full of emotion.  My oldest son, Jonathon, graduated from high school.  My mom, sister and Allie (Jonathon's girlfriend ) spent the morning setting up for his party. Then it was time for the big moment - graduation.  We followed up by a great time celebrating Jonathon over food, yummy desserts, a video tribute of the past 18 years, a time for those that loved Jonathon to share words of encouragement and funny stories.  The day was full of fun surprises and fellowship with many who love Jonathon dearly.  It was an emotional day.  I admit it. My baby graduated and these 18 years flew by.  I am so proud of him and love him so much.  I am a little sad that these years are over but blessed for the wonderful memories we have and excited about where God is taking him.  Jonathon will start college in the fall doing a bridge program with a local university, UNCC.  Jonathon will do his first year at CPCC and bridge over to UNCC his second year to complete his degree. This is a great program for Jonathon who wanted to begin his college career gradually but gets to work with his UNCC advisor from the start and participate in activities on campus as well.  He is a Criminal Justice Major and his dream is to one day work for the FBI.  I have so many pictures it was hard to choose so I kept it short and sweet and all the pictures can be viewed on face book. Isn't he handsome?  I am so proud and so blessed.

 

 

Christian's First Showcase Baseball Tournament

Christian had his first Showcase tournament this weekend in Virginia.  Unfortunately we only got two games in due to rain on Sunday and he was disappointed we didn't get to play on the Virginia Tech or Radford campuses due to the rain, but he enjoyed Saturday and the weather that day was beautiful  Here are a few shots.  Christian played first base.

 

oh yeah he was out