made by hand

 This morning was the annual hand-made market in our little village.  The kids even made and sold a few friendship bracelets.  There were so many different artisans practicing their skill using traditional methods and tools.  Hooray for local hand-made! 

 

 

The kids took a quick trampoline break, naturally.

 

 

 

 

             

 

 

 

 

 

The walk home was pretty charming too.

10

His weekend began with an early present

and making his cake.

Moving on to pancakes on the "Special" plate and the big day

presents wrapped with custom paper

 

a little bit of play-time

more gifts

candle-blowing,

cake-eating

time with family

and, of course, church!

 

Can't beleive it's been 10 years that he's been with us!  Oh how we love our sweet, sensitive, smart, good boy.  Happy birthday buddy boy!  We are so proud of you!

*Today also marks one year since our family boarded an airplane and moved across the ocean.  What a year it has been.  To say that it has been easy or wonderful would be dishonest but although it has been a year full of challenges, we are truly grateful for the experience.  We have come to understand better our Father's love for us.  We have strengthened our faith and grown closer as a family.  Today as I looked around me and realized how far we've come I felt only gratitude.  I know there is still much more climbing ahead of us but the experiences of the past year have given us courage.  Onward and upward!

Back on the map

After months with no computer, I am finally back in business!  Please forgive the picture-laden post but it's been awhile.  They are all from Christmas Eve and Christmas morning.  The lighting was very poor so they aren't the best shots but I'm just happy to be able to post. :)
 

 

Our yard has Holly vines.  I know.  So cool.

 

 

There was not one single picture where they all had a good face.  Plus, Lydie just kills me.  Front and center.  That girl.

 

 

 

 

More to come...