Jackson and Daddy's Campout

Jackson and I set out on Friday to camp at Marion Reservoir. The first thing we did was set up our tent.
We started a fire after finding and chopping up some wood. We both had blisters on our hands from chopping so much wood. Jackson is roasting our dinner for that night.

Here he is showing off his gourmet camping hot dogs. The were quite good.

After dinner, we set off to find a spot to fish. We found a spot at the end of the cove and Jackson caught one fish that night. He became quite good at casting. I believe it was a fairly large Shad that he caught. He was SO excited as was I. He's quite the little fisherman.
The next morning we had breakfast. It included Pepsi and chocolate donuts. I know, I know, too much sugar. We had a big day ahead of us though. Jackson thought it was pretty cool to drink a Pepsi at 7:30 in the morning.
We spent the rest of the morning fishing some more. Here Jackson is relaxing and enjoying the day. In other words, the fish were not biting. He did catch another Shad later on that morning.
On Saturday afternoon, Doug Reasoner came out with his boat to take us fishing on the lake. This was Jackson's first time on a boat (other than a canoe). He really enjoyed going fast.
Jackson caught a 2 lb. drum while we were trolling in the lake. The fish put up quite a fight, but Jackson was able to real him in all by himself. He wasn't quite so sure about holding him by himself.
We also caught a couple of Walleye towards the end of our day. They weren't quite long enough to keep. They were 16 inches and had to be 18. Still, pretty good size fish. The fish Doug is holding he caught with his daughter's earlier that day in El Dorado. Doug cleaned it and gave it to us. Jackson ate it the next day for lunch. It tasted pretty good even though I'm not a fish lover. Thanks Doug for taking us out. We both had a great time!

Secret Keeper Girls

I got the opportunity to take Sydney on a date today. If you happen to be a mom of an eight- to twelve-year-old, I highly recommend Secret Keeper Girls. This is a packet of 8 Dates for you and your daughter that leads you through eight different dates which are paired with specific lessons on beauty and modesty. I know there is another packet that teaches lessons on friendships as well. Sydney and I had such a sweet time on our first SKG date! We went to Aunt Hattie's Tea House.
First, we had to pick out our hats. This took a while!
We were seated in the cutest little corner. Sydney was amazed by the decorations, including the different chandeliers. (She even made me take pictures!)
After ordering our Strawberry/Kiwi & Raspberry teas, we were treated to Raspberry Soup. It was scrumptious.
Then, they brought out our tray of goodies. Let me just say that it was all delicious, and we couldn't finish it all. After eating all the goodies, we worked our way through the lesson. Believe me, the work was definitely fun, and it led to some thoughtful conversations.
I can't wait to go on more dates!

Speaking of Concrete. . .

(See the post below which is actually my "earlier" post.)

We had a treat yesterday and last night. The Cryer kiddos came over for the afternoon and evening. Joshua is another picture of adoption! What fun we had!

Adoption Video

It seems like 100 people have posted the following video on their blog. I have to make it 101, and here is why. Honestly, adoption is so "out there". I still have the thought sometimes, "Are we really doing this?" It is very difficult for me to wrap my head around the numbers and facts. 143 Million Orphans. One little boy half-way around the world. He will join our family within the next 12 months. Then, it will be 143,000,000 minus one. Really?!

Anyway. I have to admit that I gain courage when I see something concrete about adoption. This video is just that. I hope it gives you a better picture of adoption, especially from Ethiopia. We are not using the same agency; however, I imagine our experience will be similar. Enjoy the Adoption of Lucy Lane!

Happy Birthday, Reagan!

Raegan was very ready for her birthday! She woke up and had lots of phone calls. She loved talking to everyone as they wished her happy birthday and sang her silly birthday songs (Uncle Pat).
We waited all day for the party when all our family came to celebrate. We had yummy princess cupcakes and banana split parfaits. Yummy!


Then, the girls opened their gifts.
(Sydney had a few to open from family members.) Here is Sydney with Great Grandma LeFevre. It was a fun, fun night! We're grateful so many family members could come celebrate with us.

Happy Birthday, Sydney!

Happy 9th Birthday, Sydney!

She woke up to donuts and some special cards, and then we prepared and waited all day until the American Girl Tea Party at 5:00.

Jackson got all dressed up and served us as the butler.


We served mini peanut butter muffins, cheese & crackers, veggies, fruit kabobs, mini pbj sandwiches and mini egg-salad sandwiches. Finally, we sang happy birthday to Sydney before she blew out the candles on her "tarts". Chris joined Jackson as another butler!
After eating, we watched Sydney open her gifts. Her friends were all so sweet and thoughtful in what they got her. Next, the girls went on a treasure hunt, looking all around the house for clues to the prize. They ended up in the basement where they found "movie treats"! While we popped our popcorn, they played with their dolls or they challenged each other to air hockey.
Finally, it was time for the Felicity movie.
We all had such a great time with all these girls. I'm thankful that Sydney has such sweet friends. I am also thankful for such a sweet daughter. I have thoroughly enjoyed the past nine years. What a gift she has been.

Room Make-Over

For their birthdays, we decided to do a make-over on the girls' room. My friend, Lesli, found these two twin beds at a garage sale for a whopping $25 total! Thank you, Les! They are a great find, and we simply painted them white. There are plans to monogram the girls' initials on each. We'll see if that gets done!
As you can see, the girls were really excited. They love their "Girl Room"!
After painting furiously, we put it all together! We still have to put some items up on the walls, but the basics are finished.

July 5th Birthday and Fireworks

On Sunday, we celebrated Mom's birthday. It was a fun day because our kids got to do their own fireworks with their cousins. Fun!

July 4 Wedding

On July 4, Chris had the honor of standing up at his friend's wedding. Stephen and Holli got married that evening in the beautiful outdoors. It was such a fun wedding. The weather was absolutely perfect, and the atmosphere was just fun. (There was a dance and fireworks after the wedding.) Doesn't my hubby look like a movie star?!

Examples that Inspire

Hey. I just found this video, and I thought it was so neat. Again, I don't believe everyone is called to adopt, but I love the challenge this family issues. Plus, it just gives me courage. If they can do this many, surely we'll be o.k. with one. Watch and see what you think!