Three years ago

On May 31, 2009 we met these little girls for the very first time... our new daughters, Candace Selam and Sarah Fikir.

Sarah (left) and Candace (right) were shy around us at first.

Looking to each other for moral support.

Suckers helped break the ice.

They showed off their skills.

And eventually they decided we were all right.

Since then, our world has not been the same. Many tears, many hugs... but now firmly rooted in love. We love our Candace and Sarah so much.

Pomp and Circumstance at AGHS

Anna graduated yesterday... the youngest of my bigs; she was my baby for fifteen years. Hard to believe she is on her way to college and adulthood. The ceremony was our first in Ashland, and we really loved the hometown feel. Congratulations, AGHS graduates of 2012!

Anna receives her honor cords to go with her National Honor Society hood and all-conference academic award.

Receiving her diploma

Moving her tassel

Hats off!


Anna with BFF Abbey


Senior besties Daryl, Kenzie and Anna


The graduate with the littles.

The family, minus Emily who was changing her shoes.

Anna and the grandparents.


Anna and big brother Kenneth


Sisters


The proud parents of the graduate. :)

Happy Birthday! Let the summer fun begin!

Today, the twins turned eight years old! I can't believe how fast they are growing up. They also finished up first grade today; next year they will be sophisticated second graders. For their birthday celebration today, they were very lucky to have Grandma and Grandpa Spears in attendance as well as Grandma Miles, who shares their birthday.

Both girls could barely stand to wait until Daddy got home from work so they could open their presents, but he finally made it. After presents and a pizza dinner, each girl got her own birthday cake and Grandma Miles got a piece of birthday cherry pie.

Cool Hannah Montana cards from Grandma and Grandpa

Sarah wanted a regular marble cake...

...while Candace opted for an ice cream cake.

No school tomorrow meant that there was time after dinner for outside play with Thomas and neighbor friends Kaiser and Sienna. Pretty much a perfect birthday. :)

Home maintenance, the King of Thieves and a hungry kitty

Sometimes living on a lake presents some unique home maintenance tasks. For example, this:

We have been unable to put our boat in the water because so much sand has built up under the lift that it can't be lowered. Hence the need for heavy equipment, which did provide some entertainment for Thomas and his neighbor buddy. Things are now almost ready for boating.

The three littles have developed a taste for the 1990's shows Xena: Warrior Princess and Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. One of our favorite characters is Autolycus, as played by legendary B-film actor Bruce Campbell. Autolycus is also known as The King of Thieves. Last night Candace and Sarah took a bubble bath, and Candace fashioned herself some King of Thieves facial hair out of bubbles.

Candace as Autolycus

Bruce Campbell as Autolycus

I think we can agree that the resemblance is pretty astounding.

Finally, in other news, Miss Kittywhiskens was apparently pretty hungry. We found this bag of kitten food in our pantry, one of her favorite hangouts.

Swimming... in early May?

The weather has been so odd lately... chilly one day; then hot as the middle of June the next. It got up to 90 degrees on Saturday, so the littles had their first chance to swim in the lake. While the air temperature was quite warm, the water... that's a different story. Still, they stayed outside swimming for an hour, so the thrill must have been worth the chill. :)

The water is a little chilly!

This game involved a merboy washed ashore.

Taking a break from swimming for a little sand play.

No, Mom, it's not cold... really!

Water fun and more!

We have been blessed with some lovely summer-like weather lately, which prompted this evening of water fun with the hose.

Candace ambushes her siblings at the end of the bridge.

Fishing in a storage bin.

Yesterday the twins had their first softball practice of the season. This is their first time playing any organized team sport and they were pretty excited. They are lucky to have several of their good friends on their team, and Coach Ally is their buddy Ava's mom.

Playing some catch to get started.

Sarah gets some pointers on catching from Mr. Coach Ally.

Candace working on her throwing form with Coach Ally.

Finally, today was track and field day at A-G Elementary. The events were eclectic; featuring traditional favorites such as the 50 meter dash, as well as lesser known pursuits such as the shoe kick; where one flings one's loosened shoe off while delivering a high kick.

Sarah competes in the long jump.


Candace in the timed side to side jump.


Candace and friends wait for the next event.


Candace and Sarah with their hard won ribbons.