Coloring eggs

Tonight we finally got to color eggs.  Conor was at a band performance so he came home and colored his later.  The kids each had their own carton to color.  I'm reminded that next year will be very different.  Once again we will have a little one and with that comes more supervision and help from us parents.  But tonight we kicked back and watched our kids c olor their eggs.  Here are their masterpieces!

A new pet

Much to my dismay, Parker was able to save enough money so that he could buy a Gecko.  He spent his money to buy all the necessary items for him and even the live crickets that he is required to each (yuck).  He really would love for me to hold his little friend but I just can't bring myself to do it.  I've always been totally creeped out by reptiles and even though he is kinda cute doesn't mean I should hold him. So here she is, Yes he picked out a female.  He names her OHZO which is Hope and Zoe first two letters backwards.

We are Matched!

I haven't posted in here yet since we still can't officially share details.   But what I can share is that on April 1st (yes April fools day) we got the call.  It was 5:00pm and Steve had just left to go pick up Chase and Conor from practice.  The phone rang and it was our social worker.  She had a file ready for us to review.  We talked for a little bit and I told her to hurry and send it and we would look at it and get back to her soon.  She warned me not to look at her pictures first but to review her medical information.  She said because she's the cutest little girl you've ever seen!  Curiosity got the better of me and I scrolled down to pictures and I was in Love!  Staring back at me was our daughter and I knew it the instant I laid eyes on her.  It didn't matter what the medical file said this was our daughter.  I had prayed several days before that to God to let us know when we see our daughter that she is really the one.   To give me some kind of clue that she is Hope.  The first one clue was her middle name which meant " Hope for a bright future"  This went along with scripture that has been close to my heart Jerimiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you" Declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future".

The second sign was something amazing that brought me to my knees.  In October 2013 I thought it would be fun if we all guess as to when we thought our daughters Birthday would be.  Everyone in the family made a guess and I stored it away on my phone to open at a later time.  Remember at this time we had no idea who Hope was.  So last week I decided to open it and see who guessed the closest.  To my amazement I had guessed her Birthday exactly!  God is Good!   What more confirmation do I need than this! 

So very soon I hope to share her pictures with you all!  Stay tuned!

Parker's Distric Bank Concert

Last night Parker had his District Band Concert.  Sixth through 12th grade played and then at the end they all played together and it sounded really good. 

Shining star Showcase

On Wednesday Zoe had a performance at the High School.  They did three different routines.  A tumbling, Cheer and Zumba.   They were all so cute and did great.  The High School girls performed several times and had so many different outfits.  Now we know what we are in for when the girls are in High school.  The middle school group also performed.

Kayli and Zoe before the show

High school dance team

Lined up ready to go

Zoe doing her back walk over

Cheering

Zoe on top

Zoe doing Zumba

Kayli

Middle school dancers

Quick trip to the coast

Today we headed to the coast again, but this time a little farther south.  We met up with family that were camping at the Dunes.  The kids had lots of fun.  They sledded down the hill and got to ride quads.  Now Chase and Zoe really want one.  Chase did great an rode his cousin Dylan's quad all by himself.  Zoe got to ride with another adult and didn't think it was fair that Chase got to ride by himself.  The weather broke just long enough for the kids to get  to ride for about an hour and then it was time to head back home.

 Chase was the first one to brave the hill

 I don't know what the face was about he went pretty slow and had his feet down the whole time

 Zoe didn't want to go down alone, so Dylan joined her.

 And they fell but

 Got up again

 And then on the second run

fell again

 My dad, his cousin and Brother

 The group with their wives

 The campsite

 What a beautiful view of the bay

 The kids riding with Uncle Charlie

 Chase was a natural and was riding around by himself

 Zoe pouted because she had to ride with someone else

 My dad going for a ride

 Zoe's pouty face

 Fixing the bike after it stalled

 Zoe getting her turn to ride.  With Cousin Ray showing her.  She pushed the gas full throttle one time and I could hear him screaming Zoe ease up!

The boys really enjoyed riding around together.  They got in trouble at one point when they went a little to far away