We love music!

Our kids seem to love music, and I am so glad! Here is a sampling of some videos I never got uploaded during the year showcasing their talents! :)

First, Isaiah sings, "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star":

Before we brought Isaiah home, the other kids bought him the book, Snuggle Puppy. It was a fun book to read and sing together during the bonding process and became a real hit with Isaiah. I didn't get the video propped up right, so you can't see Isaiah, but enjoy his robust singing!

Some of Isaiah's love of music comes from watching his brother and sisters sing and dance and play instruments. Here is a rare view of our shy son's rendition of Elvis:

One of our favorite CDs is our Africa CD. Here are Raegan, Isaiah and Elias (our good friend also adopted from Ethiopia) dancing and singing to this CD!

Here is a look at Jackson's music concert this past fall:

Finally, here is Sydney at her piano recital this year playing a concerto piece (piano duet) with her teacher. She is improving so much, and we are so proud of her.

I hope your day is full of music! :)

Happy Halloween!

We had such a great time on Halloween!

First, we got to celebrate my Dad's 60th birthday. Happy Birthday, Dad!I was also ambitious this year because I made Raegan's costume. I was very excited with how it turned out. Yes, she was heavily influenced by Sydney's experience with the CYT show Pocahontas and had to be an Indian girl.Here the kids are carving/painting their pumpkins. Next, we were able to all get dressed up and gather candy! This sweet-toothed mama loves this! :) Raegan was an Indian girl, Sydney was an Egyptian princess,

Jackson was Jamaal Charles of the KS City Chiefs, and Isaiah was an alligator!

I think the kids loved all the candy, too. :) I didn't do a great job of taking pics at all of our stops, but Uncle Craig and Grandma LeFevre made us supper, so we were off to a great start. We had a great evening!

CYT Pocahontas!

For the past six weeks, Sydney has been rehearsing with CYT for their production of Pocahontas. It is her first experience with a full production, and I have to just say that we have absolutely loved the experience. It was a huge time commitment; however, it was worth it. She learned so many theater skills. Even more important, she made sweet friends, learned more about loving and working with people, and got a chance to be a part of something that works to glorify Jesus first. Really, I could go on and on, but instead, I will give you a glimpse into what our week has entailed! All week, we started out with "the real Sydney"! Then, we transformed her into a 1600s Indian.Once she was transformed, she spent a lot of time in the "Green Room", the dressing/hang-out room. Here is her tub/locker with snacks and all the supplies she needed throughout the week. She usually had to arrive 1 1/2 hours before showtime. This time was spent double-checking costumes, make-up and hair.

Finally, it was showtime. I am so excited to get a DVD of the show, but I don't have it yet, and video was not allowed.

After the show, we were able to mingle with all of the "characters" and our new friends.

Sydney even got to sign a few autographs! :)

I was so proud of her!

She was so thankful for all of her friends who were able to come cheer her on. I didn't get pictures of everyone, but here are a few. Thanks to all of you who were able to come!

Sydney with Curtis, the show director.

We truly appreciated all the work he invested in the kids.

Sydney was incredibly blessed to get to work with Nissi who played Pocahontas. Nissi was such an authentic example and role model for the younger girls. Her character shined through her skills as well as how she loved the girls. Thanks, Nissi, for your great example! I could listen to you sing every night!

While Sydney was rehearsing, I got the chance to work with these sweet women to create the Program as well as several other documents. This is one part that is fun about CYT. I got to make new friends!

If you are at all thinking about joining CYT, I'd highly recommend it. We are looking forward to getting to participate again soon!

Cowtown with Papa

Papa came to town and took us to Cowtown. I have to admit that it has been years since we have been; I think we had only two kids the last time! The kids had a fabulous time, despite the 100-degree day!Toby and Jackson checking out the guns!

The girls in the schoolhouse.

Ready for class!Isaiah loved the horses!

The kids loved feeling like they were in the "olden days". They really loved the toys in the playground. Adam showed the kids how to do it!

Then they moved on to roping cattle!

We even got to ride in a covered wagon.
Thanks, Papa, for a fun day!

First Day of School!

Summer is officially over as we head back to school! Sydney headed to 6th grade bright and early this morning.Jackson headed to 3rd grade an hour later.Finally after lunch, it was time for Raegan's first day of kindergarten! She was so excited and informed me that she was not going to be shy except for when the teacher talked to her.
Here she is getting to work!All of our kids have been blessed with excellent teachers, so we are excited for a new year!

Raegan Baptized!

Yesterday was a special day because I had the privilege of baptizing Raegan!
Here, I was remembering how I used to pray Isaiah 44:3b-5a, that God would "pour out his Spirit and his blessings on my children. .. that they would proudly claim, 'I belong to the LORD!' " Today, God had answered this prayer as Raegan showed that she belongs to Him. I am thankful!

Afterward, we had ice cream and a swim party! The kids all loved swimming in the lake, even Isaiah. He has turned into quite the water bug. He plunges head-first and has no fear. We had to watch him closely!

It was a sweet day!

Raegan's Party

The next day, several of Raegan's friends came over for a chocolate tea party. We had chocolate dip for strawberries and bananas, smores dip, chocolate pudding parfaits, and some other chocolate goodies. They got full on chocolate! Here are the girls surrounding Jackson, the "butler"!Happy 6th Birthday, Raegan!

Family Birthday Party

Once we were home from vacation, the parties continued! We had family over on Friday night to celebrate. Thank you, Aunt Jeanne, for creating such fun cakes! You make our parties so special.
The girls love this party because it is so fun to be surrounded by all of our family members.

Happy Birthday, Sydney!

July 14 is Sydney's birthday, but we celebrated the week before because we were going to be in Colorado over that day. First, Chris and I took her out on her final Secret-Keeper Girl date. Boy, this date was so sweet. I am sad that SKG is finished, just because it has facilitated some sweet memories. This date was the one where Chris, the dad, got to affirm Sydney's beauty, inside and out. We had some sweet conversation, great food at Red Rock Canyon Grill, and a special time presenting her a new Bible. She also got to celebrate with her friends. We had a water-themed party, of course, because what else do you do in 100+ heat?! They had a great time, and she was blessed by these special friends!