Growing, Laughing, & Learning

We are into our fourth week of school and we are having a great time. It's a huge blessing to have the kids home and to be able to be a part of their learning. Everyone is being cooperative most of the time and we have more time to have fun together. I am a really blessed mom. Eliza is handling it OK although she is not thrilled about losing the attention she used to get from the kids and Mom. She does some interesting things to get attention during school time which can be distracting and funny at the same time.
















We had the chance to visit with my parents a few weekends ago and Eliza had a blast playing in their playhouse. It was just her size.





















We also went on a field trip to the Oregon Garden and Silver Falls. It turned out to be a two day field trip thanks to my negligence in leaving my wallet at the park. The Lord truly protected us in that the Ranger found it and called. So, we went back on Saturday to pick it up and do some more hiking.



























This weekend we went to the local Families with Children from China Moon Festival Picnic. It was fun and Eliza came home with her first temporary tattoo.
















Please keep us in your prayers in the next few weeks. Toby will be traveling to Malaysia and Shanghai for work the first two weeks of October. We will definitely be missing him. Please pray he will have safe travel and we at home will not have any "big problems" while he is away. It will be the first time he has traveled for work since Eliza has come home and I have a feeling she will miss her Daddy a lot.

Our Many Adventures

We are starting our school tomorrow (home school) and we are all excited about the cool things we get to learn. In the last few weeks we have had loads of fun. We enjoyed taking Eliza on her first trip to the Oregon Coast. Although it was 100 degrees at home it was rather chilly there.


















Eliza has gotten so good at feeding herself that it was time to get the "naked spaghetti eating" picture. (She was wearing a diaper.)

















Eliza has been walking and getting better at it all the time. Here are some cute "toddle" pictures. My favorites are the ones in her "monkey" jammies.


























We had a great time visiting with our friends the Fortlanders. Emily is getting so big! It's such a blessing to have such great friends and to be able to get the girls together for play time.


















This last weekend we were able to take the kids out to pick peaches and apples. It was a great photo opportunity.




















We were also able to visit the Champoeg State Heritage Center where the kids were able to experience some "hands on" pioneer fun.

More Summer Fun!

Here are some snapshots of the last few weeks. We were able to visit the Chinese Garden for the first time with Eliza! Faith had a great birthday and enjoyed the fun of a little sister getting into her presents (up until now that had been her role). Eliza is growing and is SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT!!!! She is still struggling with naps but we are all much more rested. Thank you for your prayers. She is also starting to walk. She has gone up to 5 steps unassisted so far. Another "big deal" to us is that she is now picking up food and feeding herself. It helps when we all clap for her when she succeeds. She is a lot of fun for all of us!

Happy 8th Birthday Faith!!!!

Eight years ago today we welcomed Faith Lauren into our family. It's hard to believe it has been that long. She has grown to be a loving, beautiful girl who loves her family and her Lord. She has recently become a big sister to Eliza--a challenge she has welcomed and enjoyed. Just the other day she said to me, "Mom, I think Eliza is the best present I ever got." We are so blessed to have this sweet girl!

Busy Days

We have been busy! We have enjoyed the county fair, had a visit with Uncle Dale, Aunt Amie, and cousins Blake & Jaden, and been enjoying watching Eliza grow. She is crawling very quickly and so close to walking. We are still struggling with some sleep issues so that is one BIG prayer request. Here are some pictures so enjoy!