At the Apple Orchard with Grandpa

This is going back quite a few weeks, but they were too cute not to post!

Ellie got braver every turn!

On her own now!

The "race cars" were a big hit.

Eating a cider donut from Grandpa.

All aboard!

Readoption Day!

She is official, again! Readoption was basically another hoop for us to jump to make things a little simpler for Ellie down the road. (I am assuming for driver's license (ahhh!), college/financial aid (oh boy), and marriage license (WOAH!!) type of things). We did get to change her first and middle names and we will be receive a US issued birth certificate stating her foreign birth.


We had a special (early) breakfast at a cute little place on the square in town.

Hannah is snapping away and we are trying to keep from laughing.

Taken with the judge after she is officially "Elizabeth"

Oh My...

...but her skin was amazingly soft for days!

Parade Mania

Ellie

Parades participated in: THREE

Parades viewed: ZERO

Maybe next year we will give her some time off. :)

The theme for this parade was superheros.

Lincoln Museum with Grandpa

We had a great time at the Abraham Lincoln Museum a few weeks ago.

These were taken in a special place they have set up for kids.

Hannah and Noah were much more into it than the other two. :)

Another Before and After

We made a trip to the capital a few weeks ago. I wanted a similar picture at the place we had our documents authenticated just before mailing in our dossier with all four kids. It worked out perfectly to help another family get a document authenticated for their adoption while we were there!

They were both quick shots because of weather. :)

2007...a bit cold here

2008...raining here

Romo is multiplying!!

Austin's Romo shirt has been a long-time favorite, worn warm out of the dryer almost every time and makes an appearance in most pictures we take. Maybe the over use is getting to me..but I think I am seeing double or double-double!

Photo Editing ...Super Easy!

I have gotten a couple of questions about how I did the pictures. Go to Picasa and download this free software for editing and organizing your photos. To do the black and white with bits of color click on the photo you want to change in your library. Go to "effects", the third tab, and click on "focal B & W", bottom row in the middle. This will allow you to chose the placement of the color spot and size. Happy picture taking!

Fall...A Holiday here in the Midwest!

I have tons of pictures to update, but I thought I would start with some I took this morning at a farm nearby. We have been to the apple orchard, pumpkin festival and are on our way to our second parade of the season. It is fun to celebrate the bounty of the season and give God praise for what He has provided!

Growing up in Texas, the only real sign of fall was the start of football season. :)

Exodus 22: 29a You shall not delay to offer from the fullness of your harvest and from the outflow of your presses. ESV

James 3: 18 And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. ESV