Really quick Summer wrap up...because I've totally slacked.

Well my plan to be a better blogger for myself, my family, and our memories has obviously not happened. But, I guess a blog here and there is better than none at all. It looks like my last post was almost two months I guess my only reason for this is we are keeping busy. The summer flew by and we kept very busy. Also, our little man  is very busy, so playful, and so speedy..... keeps us busy and moving every second that he is awake.... :)

We have waited a long time to become a family of four and we can't get enough of family time. Our kids are so much fun!
Since I missed posting about some of our great outings and adventures this summer. Here are some pictures and quick recaps...

We spent the weekend with Uncle M., Aunt A. Aunt R. and cousin Scottie in Wisconsin Dells. The kids all loved the water and running around the parks and villa together..

Gracie got to go to her first concert....

M*llenium Park Fun....

Jackson was soaked and had the best time splashing around with Gracie...

 Some just Mommy and Daddy fun, KJ and I met some famous peeps at an annual work celebration...

 Gracie Sporting the shirt after the celebration..

 Of course there was lots of water play and trips to the zoo....

 Thank you summer of 2011 for being the best summer yet.

It's been way too long...

since I've posted an entry. I've started a few different entries that I will eventually finish and post. In the meantime, a few pics and the little man saying a few words...

Summer Haircuts

 Little Man Before.....
 oh how those spikes make me smile

 Little Man looking very handsome after....
We've still got some little spikes.

Gracie Before....

 Gracie after....
Looking very pretty and all ready for 1st Grade!

The Summer is Flying by.......

way too fast. We are trying to enjoy every single minute of it. We are enjoying the weather and keeping busy with family and friends.
I guess I could say we have been pleasantly surprised with our summer. When preparing to bring home an adopted child, you read and read and read and read.....and never know really what to expect. We have been so pleasantly surprised and amazed with his /our adjustment....love my family!!

Jackson loves to be outside, so we try to get in as many walks and outside playtime as we can. We went on our first overnight out of the house as a family to Michigan over the 4th of July weekend. Jackson did so much better than expected and slept just fine in his pack and play. I am hoping this is a sign of a good traveler!
Gracie has been keeping herself busy with camps, time with all of us, and many playdates with her friends. She has already been to a week long volleyball camp, week long Vacation Bible School and a very fun Girl Sc*ut camp. She is finishing up swimming lessons this week and will go to a three day dance camp.

Here are just a few pictures of some of the outdoor fun we are having...


Brother and Sister before the fireworks...

Four wheelin before the fireworks at the neighborhood block party....

 Stylin' on the 4th of July.....

 Heading to Girl Sc*ut Day Camp....

 Fun day the Arboretum with great friends....

 Figuring out how to blow bubbles (he mastered it pretty quickly with the tiny bottle)....

 Nice Summer surprise, first visit from the tooth fairy...

 Cousins at the Lake on the 4th...we had a great time visiting with family and the kids loved the water...

 The big Four wheeler in Michigan with her Baba....

 Fishing in Michigan with her Daddy.....



Circus Bday party at our best friends' house....

As we have adjusted to our new normal, our wonderful life of having two children. I have to stop sometimes and remind myself of the journey we took to get to this point, the fact that Jackson has only been home a little over two months, the incredible changes this sweet little boy has gone through in such a short time, and how blessed I feel to have been led to adoption. I couldn't imagine our family any other way!

One Year ago....

Saturday was the one year anniversary of the day we first saw our little boy! You can click here to re-read the post from that wonderful Father's day weekend!  We will always have this memory to link to Father's Day! Happy Father's Day KJ!

We didn't know Jackson's personality, his likes or dislikes, his amazing infectious laugh, his sweet smile, his loving hug, his general love for all things new, or that he was the most wonderful little man in the world at that time. But, we did know he was our son and we fell instantly in love with his picture and the information we received about him.  It's hard now to believe it has been one year since that special day and that Jackson has only been home with us for a short time. But, now that we are all home together we can't imagine life any other way.

We love you so much Jackson and thank God everyday for bringing us together!

Some Fun Events...

Tuesday we headed downtown bright and early for Jackson's first and only appearance in Adoption Court. Big Day! He was served papers....

.....We then met with our lawyer and had to appear before the judge to officially submit our petition to adopt. We appeared before the judge as a family and were asked a few questions about our intentions. Jackson smiled and waved the whole time and the judge asked Grace a few questions to make her giggle. It was a fun, memorable day for our family. I think the best part for the kids (and Daddy) were the suckers at the end. :) According to our lawyer, the petition will take 6 months to be finalized. We should be official on November 15th! Yeah! At this time, all is complete and Jackson will be officially adopted and a US citizen.

Star Badges from the Sherriff......

Suckers from the Court Room after our appearance...

Saturday was Gracie's third dance recital. She was in three dances this year, jazz, tap and ballet,  with two outfits. She was a star, as usual. We love to watch her on stage...she's so proud and really enjoys it. This year was extra fun for her because she had many girls from school in dance with her. Here are some pics from the day.