Father's Day '14

Father's Day mini golf fun from this year...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

American Ninja Warriors

We went to Big Bounce last week to kick off our summer.  Isaac and Delia played "American Ninja Warrior" the whole time.  I think it's only a matter of time before the kids are asking Matt to build a warped wall in the back yard.

spring soccer 14

Another great soccer season- we are sad to see some of our fellow soccer families move away from Durango this year.  The kids love playing with their teammates, and we have loved spending time with their families. 

Mother's Day Program

One of my favorite things at the kids' pre-school every year is the Mother's Day program.  It always melts my heart!  Miles is always so happy to perform with Miss Melanie- he just had the best time singing.  (Please ignore the unfortunate haircut Miles has in these pictures.  Someday I will get good at giving the boys haircuts!)

Poetry Reading

Here is Isaac sharing some of his writing during the 2nd grade poetry reading this year.  He's not really one to get up in front of people and does not enjoy having a lot of attention, so I was really proud of him!  His poem was amazing, too, especially since he really dislikes writing.  So proud of him!

** He's wearing his Grandpa Robb's hat from Vietnam.  It's his new favorite hat that he wears everywhere!

Daddy Daughter Dance '14

This year's Daddy Daughter Dance picture.  Delia looks forward to this night ALL year.  There was a photographer from the Durango Herald there this year, and a picture of Delia made the paper!  After seeing it she said, "I wanted to be famous when I grow up, but I'm famous now!"

Random Pics from Spring 2014

Can you tell I finally figured out how to get pictures from my phone onto our blog?  Here are some random picts from the last several months.

I think Miles was sick in these shots.  I can't think of why else the cat would be sitting next to him allowing him to do this.

Because he's older than seven, Isaac had to write a letter to the judge in India saying why he wants us to adopt Avika.  I was so impressed with his letter and how quickly he got it done so we could send in the paperwork.  This one's going in Avika's book!

I think this is in Albuquerque during Spring Break...

Downtown Durango running errands with the boys...

Ice Skating

Another thing to finally cross of the list this past winter- ice skating!  Delia especially loved it.  She even got to wear Aunt Emmy's old skates.  It was hard with all three kids because they each needed to skate one-on-one with a parent, but they all had a great time. 

Old Stomping Grounds

This past winter we finally took the kids to a basketball game at my high school.  Miles and Delia were less than impressed, but I think Isaac had fun.  Once he figured out he could tune me out every time I said, "Twenty years ago when Mommy was in school here..." I think he really enjoyed the game.  It's hard to believe it's been twenty years since I watched a game there!

Introducing...

All of my kids are represented in this picture.  Delia, Miles, Isaac, and ... Avika!

 

 

After two and a half years we are finally on the brink of bringing our daughter, Avika, home from New Delhi,

 

We got news this week that we received the written papers from court meaning Avika is legally, officially a Bong.  We are waiting for her passport to be processed, and then Matt and I will jump on a plane to go meet her and bring her home!

 

The process has felt long and been frustrating at times but entirely worth it to bring our little girl home.  I don't doubt that all of our real adventures, both joyful and challenging,  lie ahead.  I am waiting to post pictures of her until we get her home and will share more of our process, too.  I haven't chronicled our adoption on this blog in an effort to respect Avika's privacy, but would love to answer any questions you might have about our journey. 

Isaac, Delia, and Miles are thrilled to have a new sister and can't wait to meet her.  We start so many conversations with, "When Avika comes home...".  They are all a little sad they won't be travelling to pick her up, especially Delia, but we hope that some day all six of us will travel to India together!

 It feels a little surreal to finally be introducing our new addition to the world.  Sometimes it felt like this time would never come.  Can't wait to show you all about our Indian adventures and have you "meet" our daughter when she comes home!

B-ball '14

Isaac played basketball again this year and, of course, Matt coached the team.  "The Nuggets" did really well, and it was awesome to see how much Isaac had improved from his first year.  He even scored a basket!  So proud of our little guy!

 

Christmas '13

Fun from Christmas this past year...

Christmas morning family picture.

Unloading their stockings.



 

Miles and Isaac openeing gifts they gave eachother.

Poor Delia was pretty sick at Christmas time.  She opened presents lying on the couch.

 

Pop and Miles playing with his new air hockey set.

 

 

Miles found the pickle ornament at Oma's house.

Our 2013 gingerbread house- the kids made it with Sour Patch Kids jumping off the roof.

We got to ride the Polar Express this year- the kids absolutely loved it!

Delia's Ocean Program

Delia also had a school program in December.  Her class had been studying oceans and marine life which was the theme of the program.  Delia had a speaking part (!) where she recited a fact about whales.  She was so enthusiastic singing all the songs and didn't miss a lyric or any of the choreography.  It was amazing!  We are so proud of her!

Miles' Christmas Program '13

In December we enjoyed our sixth NH Christmas program.  Miles was so excited to perform and have a bit of the spot light.  As the third kid, he feels like he's had to wait forever.  He couldn't wait to wear his bow tie and sing his Christmas songs.  He did so great!

Christmas Tree Decorating '13

Decorating the Christmas tree...

Thanksgiving '13

Here are the kids in front of our Thankful Tree on Thanksgiving.

 

Isaac's birthdays '13

Isaac's choice for birthday party theme this year was a no brainer- he has been a Broncos superfan this season and wanted to use his birthday parties to celebrate their success a little more.  It was so fun!

 Blowing out candles with the family...

 New Broncos shirt, of course...

 Unfortunately it was snowing during his party with friends, so everyone got to play football in the garage...

 Watch out Peyton Manning...

Isaac is 8!

Our boy is eight!  He is amazing!  At eight Isaac is very bright, a great friend, inclusive, fun to be around, and always full of energy.  He loves learning about rocks and minerals, putting things together, laughing at funny comics, jokes, and videos, and is an expert in everything.  He's growing into a fine young man!

 Isaac at 8:

favorite movie - Homeward Bound

favorite song - "Dynamite" by Taio Cruz

favorite book - Calvin and Hobbs books

favorite TV show - Tom and Jerry

favorite food - cinnamon rolls or French toast

favorite subject in school - P.E.

favorite sport - basketball and soccer

favorite way to spend time - playing outside or playing games on the computer

what do you want to be when you grow up? - "I don't know!  I guess I'll just find out when I grow up."

if you could go anywhere in the world - "Across the world.  To the other side of the world"

if you had a super hero power you would - turn bad guys into dust

if you had $100 you'd spend it on - "stuff I really need.  Like food and cloths and shoes.  If I had any money left over I would spend it on toys and stuff."

 

Happy Birthday Isaac!  We love you so much!