A public apology

Dear Mom,

I wish to offer a heartfelt apology for every time I said "yuck", "eww", "but I don't like that" or made any other disparaging comment or horrid face regarding any meal you ever lovingly prepared for our family. Including, but not limited to, the noodles with the ham cubes.

Most sincerely,

Your Loving Daughter

The first day of school

Today was the big day... the start of the 2010-2011 school year. The first day of kindergarten!

Sarah was a little apprehensive, but Candace was very excited to get the ball rolling!

They were both all smiles as they got off the bus!

Big sister Anna started her junior year of high school today, too. I can't believe my little Anna is that old. Here is a picture of her goofing around during cheer team photos. New uniforms this year! Anna is on the left.

A giving heart

An unexpected bonus of adopting children from the third world is that my older kids have really developed a wonderful sense of responsibility to the world's needy people. My oldest daughter, Emily, made this video and she is hoping to organize a sponsorship of an Ethiopian child by her sorority at Iowa State. She is planning to be able to help and serve others in her future career in social work. We are so proud of the kind and empathetic heart that she has. :)

Big Love

Sarah told me this story recently: "Mommy, when I was in Ethiopia, my love was small, only this big." Here she made a little heart with her hands.
"But then, you came and whole family came and now my love is this big!" And she threw her arms open wide.
My love is big, too. And growing every day. :)

Vacation

Summer is winding down, school starts here in a couple of weeks... I love summer and hate to see it drawing to a close, but we were able to take my parents with us on a great vacation before we all get back into our school time routine. Thanks for coming, Mom and Dad. :)

Candace and Sarah saw the ocean for the first time.

My mom and my big kids.

Up close and personal with one of the famous Barbary Apes.