two years

Today marks our two year anniversary of waiting for our little one from China. We're really not having a celebration, but I still thought it was important to mark this day on our blog. In the future, when our child is home, I want her to know that we were anxiously waiting for her and anticipating her homecoming. Ella and Tristan pray for her often... what a happy moment it will be when we are able to bring her home.

almost one

I can't believe how fast a year can go. Aidan is becoming a toddler right before our eyes. He is getting into EVERYTHING and enjoys a good chase- which is usually me chasing him before he puts both his hands into the toilet and starts splashing.

We are thankful for a healthy little boy who brings much joy to our home.

Contant's Rules

Our kids are VERY different and so are their priorities, as evidenced by the recent Valentine decorations on our door! One child chose to decorate with hearts and the other made a list of rules that our visitors need to know before they enter our home! Can you guess which one made what?? So, if you can't see our family rules, here they are:

1. be safe

2. be kind

3. do not "cheet"

4. listen

5. help

6. do not pout

7. obey God

8. have fun

This has provided much entertainment to us and to the people who stop by! The verdict is still out on Aidan, but we don't think he's going to be on the shy side :)

Through Review

We are officially through the Review Room in China! It only took 22 months!! (ha ha) Even though our wait is still long, it is encouraging to get some good news. We would love for this process to speed up so that we could bring our little one home soon, but we also know that God's timing is perfect. So, we'll continue to wait and see what this year brings.

Five

My little girl just turned five! A few days before her birthday she also lost her first tooth! This is almost too much at once for a mama to handle! Ella is a constant source of entertainment and joy for our family. She is full of energy and life and certainly makes our lives more fun!

We had a princess spa party for Ella's birthday. Basically, this consisted of 8 very energetic little girls taking over the house for a few hours! We painted nails (which were all chipped off by the end of the party!), did a little craft, and ate cupcakes. Ella had a wonderful time- she is always up for a party! (I think she gets this from her Daddy!)

Grammy made a very special dress for Ella. She can't wait to wear it to school!

Pom Pom Dress

Thank you for the pom pom dress, Grandma!

I love it so much and I wore it to school today! Love,Ella

Back in the Saddle Again...

Vacation is over and we are back into the swing of things with the kids. Tristan was very excited to get back to school and be with his class. He is starting to learn cursive and is excited to finally be able to practice (Tristan's teacher told him that they wouldn't start cursive until Jan., so being the "rule abider" that he is, he wouldn't let me teach him earlier than the new year.)

Ella is back to "special" gymnastics, the highlight of her week! She is very strong and determined and her teacher says that she is doing great!

We call Aidan the "spinner," as that is his latest talent. He likes to sit on the floor and spin in circles. He hasn't started crawling yet, but I don't think he's too far off. I am happy to have him just sit there and spin.

Here are a few more pictures:

hording the cookies!

Christmas slippers

family skate at the Petit Ice Center

wonder