Pre-Approval!

We got Pre-Approval today for our adoption of our little one! Hooray! We are all excited and a little scared :') It still feels unreal that after all this time we know who she is!

We should be able to travel to get her somewhere between November and February.

I've been looking at her pictures, trying to figure out what she actually looks like live and in person. I suspect she has the kind of beautiful eyes that almost disappear when she smiles, but it's hard to tell because she is so serious in all her photos. We will be able to post her pictures and her name once we get our next document from China, hopefully in 5 to 8 weeks.

We still don't know her actual measurements. Hopefully we will get at least one update before we travel so we know what size clothes to buy for her.

We are very blessed.

New Things

It's been a big day at our house. 11 years ago today The Artist was born. We are so blessed to have him as a son! He got several items for his birthday that he was very excited about.

Like a DSiXL

And a pogo stick (gotta love the hair!)


Unfortunately, he started feeling bad, and by noon was definitely sick. He spent the rest of the day like this:


I told he we would officially postpone his birthday until next week. Please pray with me that this passes quickly and he gets back to his normal, silly, bubbly, awesome self soon.

Z has a big day today also - he lost his second top front tooth. He looks a bit like a vampire when he smiles a certain way:



But really he's just so cute this way!



And in other, very important, news, we send in our Letter of Intent today for the little one who will hopefully be our #5. Our agency will look everything over and submit it to China, and hopefully we will hear in a week or so that we have PreApproval (PA) for her. Then we will have to wait about two months for official approval, and at that point we can post pictures. Until then, just take our word for it -she's just beautiful!

A Little One

Our agency called yesterday to tell us there was a little girl they though we might be interested in. She has a shorter right leg and a deformed foot, and she is only 13 months old. Did we want to see the file? Of course!

So after looking the file over and consulting with a doctor, we are praying for God's wisdom as to whether this little one is our daughter. Honestly, I had mentally prepared myself for an older child - 3 or 4 years old - not a baby. I didn't think it would be possible to get a little one so young. The doctor says she looks mentally normal and physically fine other than the right leg.

But 13 months old! She would be 19 months or older by the time we were approved to travel to get her. Will you join us in praying for wisdom? Here is a little glimpse of her saying hello:

Prom!

My gorgeous Drama Queen went to her first prom yesterday. Her school is small enough that everyone goes to prom. Since her trumpet-playing boyfriend was out of town performing, she went with her good friend, the one that introduced her to her amazing school.



They got matching orchid corsages that gave them each a pop of color.


Aren't they just beautiful!

Santa Fe

Perry and I spent a few days in Santa Fe at a Strategic Coach Couples Retreat. We got a lot of business and personal insights, and made a lot of progress on our business planning. We also spent quite a bit of time relaxing in the beautiful Santa Fe downtown and exploring all the art galleries along Canyon Road.

One day we even made it out of town to the Kasha-Katuwe Tent Rocks National Monument. It was gorgeous is a desolate sort of way - which Perry absolutely loves. Here are some of our best pics from the trip:






One part of the hike takes you into a slot canyon - the sort of landscape you would never know was there until you were in it. Pictures don't do it justice.

Z-Man is 7!

Our awesome Z-Man turned 7 last week. There were presents, hot dogs and a trip to the Museum of Science and Industry, where we toured the U-505 submarine and played in the Idea Factory.

Z is such a blessing to us. I can't believe he's 7 already!








Thanks for the card and the money, Grandma and Grandpa - he loved it!

Spring Break

Last week the kids and I got away for a much needed break. We went to Ocala, Florida to spend time with some friends, and had four days of great fun.

We spent multiple hours over several days at a wonderful place called Charlie Horse Ranch in Ocala, Florida. The kids got to learn Polocross and go on a trail ride, and they loved the horses! The people there were awesome! If you are in the area check them out at http://www.cactusjackstrailrides.com

Z absolutely loved everything about the horses.

We spent two days in Orlando at Disney and Sea World/Aquatica. I hung with the younger guys, and Drama Queen and No. 1 Son took off together park-hopping.

Proof Drama Queen and No. 1 Son can get along!



We had the best balloon animal maker ever make stuff for us at Landry's in Orlando. Drama Queen got a flamingo:


Our friends got a shark hat:


And The Artist asked for a orange and purple caterpillar on a leaf made into a hat. And he made it!


No. 1 Son asked for a scorpion:



We also spent some time at a Manatee habitat and rescue center.






All in all, it was an awesome trip!