"Gotcha Gotcha" Day

I didn’t give you the gift of life...
But in my heart I know.
The love I feel is deep and real...
as if it had been so.
For us to have each other...
Is like a dream come true!
No, I didn’t give you the gift of life...
Life gave me the gift of you.

6 years ago today, we officially became first time parents when we finalized our adoption of Jordan in Pskov, Russia.

2 years ago today, when Ayden officially became a member of our family. She was adopted from Orsk, Russia (Orenburg Region)

August Update... End of Summer Fun!

It is sad to see summer end, but living in Florida, does it really ever end?? Our routine has changed with school starting but the weekends are free to dig our toes in the sand and play in the sun.

The kids are excited to be starting school. Jordan will be going into first grade, Garrett is in his last year of Preschool and Ayden will be joining him and doing two mornings a week. We can tell Ayden is a bit excited as she has made it a practice to carry her lunch box everywhere she goes.

Athletic (currently playing flag football), Loyal, Creative, Joker, Stubborn,
Social, Tom Boy. (Turning 7 years old)









Clever, Sneaky, Button Pusher, Mama's boy, Super Silly, Home body,
Game Player, Always Laughing or Pouting (Turning 5 years old)







High Maintenance, Girly, STUBBORN, Opinionated, Silly, Entertainer, Fun, Fiesty, Thinks (seriously) she is a Princess. (Turning 3 years old)

Our first professional family photo... On Plum Island, Massachusetts.

Holding tight to all of our blessings...

Summer Highlight... Hiking with two of my favorite men...

I had the opportunity to do something extra special with my
father this August and it was by far one of the biggest highlights of my year. Most of you know that I share a very deep relationship with both of my parents. I have also been blessed with incredible in-laws. This summer Chris and I planned a trip to the mountains in New Hampshire... Tucked away in a mountain home, the kids got to enjoy a week with both sets of their grandparents and Chris, my dad and I were able to do some hiking.


We hiked Tuckermans Ravine and summited Mt. Washington. I still can't believe how quickly we did the hike... you would never know that my dad was (bleep) years old.


We decided we were going to take Jordan and Garrett with us on a hike one afternoon. I thought for sure I was be hauling Garrett up the mountain and was pleasantly surprised when he led the pack.

It was a fantastic week. One I will never forget...
I feel a tradition coming on here!










My dad and I







Pop Pop and the kids








My Dad... cooh huh!