Fun at the Park (trying out the new camera)

September 11th carries a very negative connotation for most Americans after the horrible events 8 years ago. However, for our family September 11th, 2008 is exactly one year from the day we arrived home with this precious little girl! I don't know if you can see it in her face but this little one is full of spunk! She is a very strong willed little girl, she thinks she can do EVERYTHING. We constantly hear her say..."I do it, I do it", even when it's something that is impossible for her to do. Lily is becoming more loving and affectionate. It's strange both our daughters did this backward hug thing. When you ask them for a hug they would come up to you and then turn their back to you. We would have to turn them around and say, no, this is how you hug.

After our trip to Catalina Island, where I broke our old camera, we had to purchase a new one. We bought a Nikon P90 which is still a pretty basic point and shoot camera but it does a pretty good job. I got some practice in at the park the other day. The girls love to ham it up for the camera.

I love taking pictures of children when they don't know the camera is on them. You can catch them deep in thought, or making some funny face, their little faces are so precious.

We thank God for bringing Lily into our family, she has brought a lot of spark and liveliness that's for sure. Emily and Lily are becoming really good friends and sisters. Their play together has improved and grown. It's a joy to sit back and listen to them just giggling up a storm as they play together. We are truly blessed!

Celebrating Gotcha/Family Day 2009

One Year Ago Today this precious little one was placed into our hands to become our daughter. It's hard to believe that one hear has passed already. We have been so blessed to have Lily in our family. Yes there have been growing pains and struggles but all of this is part of God's design to cause greater growth in all of us.

This picture is out of order but I'm too tired to try to fix it. I know that if I try I'll end up deleting it or something. Lily loves ice cream and cake....well....ice cream mostly

Daddy brought home Chinese food for dinner and Lily said, "Thank You daddy for making me Chinese food". I actually get credit for making edible food! (inside joke, I can't cook)

Emily and Lily have grown to love each other more and more. Emily is a great big sister. Almost every day the play a game Emily calls "Family" where they pretend to be the mommy and baby etc. We usually end up with Emily's entire bedroom contents in our living room.....eeek! Don't worry, we make her clean up the mess.

I just had to include this picture of Lily. We had to purchase a new camera since I recently broke our old camera. We bought a Ni*on P90. At first I was having all sorts of problems with the pictures being blurry, color distortion etc. I was ready to return the camera until I got online and started reading tips from current users. Anyway, I took this close up of Lily and really like it.

After raising 5 biological sons, then adopting two daughters from China you would think that we would be done with thinking about adoption. BUT GOD has continued to fill our hearts with the desire to help orphans in whatever way He sees fit. Our church supports an orphanage in India called "Little Lights" where over 3000 children are cared for, fed, taught about Jesus and prepared to go out into society with a real education. Recently we were blessed with the priviledge of participating in a special offering to help them purchase the final plot of land on their 10 acre compound. It is a blessing to help these children whom God cares for so dearly.