Happy B-day Kortnee & McCall

Last night we celebrated McCall and cousin Kortnee's birthdays with Jeff's family.

We had a great dinner, relaxed and played outside.

Happy Birthday girls!

Red Devils Soccer Cake
Go Devils!

Kortnee (15) McCall (12)

Rest In Peace Grandma L.

A few weeks ago my grandma passed away. It was a very hard and emotional time for me but got through it the best I could. The service was nice (just want she wanted). Knowing that she is out of pain gives me a lot of comfort…but I am selfish and want her here with me. She and I were very close and had a very special bond. It is hard to picture my life without her in it.

My dad passed away 3 months before I was born. My mom was young and my grandma was only 36 when I was born. She said I filled a large void in her life the day I was born. It was fun to have a “hip” young grandma. She would take me swimming, “Bennett’s Drive In” for piccadillys, shakes and hamburgers. She introduced me to coffee at a young age.…I blame her for my addiction. ha! She taught me fun art projects (which I did with my girls when they were younger), always gave me hugs, kisses and cuddled with me. She embarrassed me from time to time with her loud singing and bubbly laugh…but looking back now I wouldn’t change a thing about her. She never forgot a birthday, holiday or special occasion when it came to me or my family.

After the luncheon I wanted to go back and see her grave with all the flowers and say my last goodbyes. The girls each picked a flower to give to her and put it on her grave. She is buried next to my dad so I will be able to visit them both together. We love you grandma and miss you already.

Rest in Peace!

Stick Figure Family

7th Annual RMI Adoption Reunion

YOKWE!

Here are just a few photos of last weekends 7th Annual Marshall Island Adoption Reunion. I have been the coordinator for the past 3 years and really enjoy it. The committee agrees it is important for our children to meet and interact with kids who have had similar experience. This is a great way for all of us to bring our kids together who have been adopted from RMI. Some families brought their birth families which was awesome to visit with them. They will be making us some island handicrafts for next year and teaching us the island dances.

We had over 80 people with approximately 13-14 families. Friday night was a talent show, t-shirt decorating, soccer and baseball games, visiting and glow sticks at dark. Saturday we rented 2 water bounce houses and a dunking machine. (Sooooo much fun to dunk and be dunked!!) Another family served us chicken, rice, rolls and salad for lunch. If you know anyone interested in attending next year (July 9-10) have them check out the website I have put together.

www.freewebs.com/rmireunion

(Gabe)..the next Tiger Woods

Look at all those cute kids. (this isn't all of them). WOW!

Callie and Gracie
Callie and Maddy

Callie and Nate

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

Missing our grandma....

Our great-grandma passed away last night. We are very sad she is gone but glad she is no longer in pain. We will miss her terribly!!

We will always love you!

Visiting with the Arnsworth’s……

Our great friends and old neighbors Raphael and Teresa invited us over for a BBQ, swimming, a game of badminton and to visit. McCall got to spend the night with Cicily (visiting from San Antonio)…who she misses a lot. Kenya and Callie ate their weight in peppermint candy and giggled a lot. It was nice to catch up and see them again. Thanks guys!

Kenya and Callie

Hawke is becoming a great swimmer.

McCall and Cicily

A fun game of badminton.

For some reason Raphael and Jeff decided to dress alike that night.

Friends, Food and Fun.....

Our great friends the Coleman’s have their annual 4th of July party each year. It seems to get bigger and bigger every year. There are bounce houses for the kids, tons of food, drinks and always new people to meet. Once it is dark they have the best fireworks around. They always throw a great party. Thanks again for invite and the awesome time.

My good friend Daniella (who I met in 1990) is staying with us - flew in from Florida just for the party and to surprise all her friends.

Jello shots...YUM!

Seeing old friends.....

Our great friends The Moore’s are here from Seattle visiting. We met up with them yesterday for pizza, swimming and visiting. We are so lucky to have kept such fantastic friends in our lives.

Bailey and McCall

(I used to tend Bailey when she was a baby. She is now entering high school this fall)

Carter and Callie

(Carter and McCall are the same age. He is such a lovable kid.)