Grady update!

I saw the email pop up in my inbox and honestly it was a very confusing emotion that I felt. Instead of dying to open my email my heart felt sad that I had to just look at his PICTURE and not get to touch his face and hold his hands today. It's hard. It's emotional and it's frustrating. But Ryan also reminded me today that God always is in control and HE is in control of the day Grady comes home to us, too. For some reason, God still has Grady apart from us right now and we have to trust that He is making this work for the good for Grady and for the 5 of us waiting for this adorable and precious little human. We have such love for you son! 

One thing I did love about these pics is that they show different angles and parts of the orphanage. I like to see other people and kiddos in the background- knowing they are a part of Grady's life. Griffin looked at these pictures today and said "Wow mom he sure is getting bigger cause look at his shoes!! They are so cool!" 

Current weight: 12.5 kg---which is 27.5 pounds

Current height: 84 cm which is 33 inches or 2.7 feet tall

Celebrating his growth today! Since the update in February, Grady has gained 3 lbs!! 

Costco prevails

I mean Costco is just a fun way to spend a few hours. Who doesn't love this place? Griff is a blast. He's so easy. He is so fun. He held my hand and we walked up and down the aisles today (with Nana, too). He asks the best questions and says the most hilarious things. He brings joy to everyone and his blue eyes can melt a hard soul. This kid is pure joy for me. 

Thank you God that Ryan and I get to be his mom and dad. 

Proud moments of El

It's so easy to forget that kids go through phases.

I remember Ellie being a great eater as a baby, but then as a 3 year old I'll never forget the day she refused to swallow her peas at dinner, keeping them in her mouth for 90 min---chewed up and gross.

I know she slept 8-10 hours through the night and was a great napper as a baby---until she turned two and went on strike with normal sleeping for almost a year.

Our sweet Ellie.

There have been many difficult weeks this "season"- watching our girls argue and intentionally hurt each other's feelings. They have had good moments but their rivalry is also exhausting and frustrating many days.
But for the past two---three weeks I have seen a small change. I think it is coming as a result of Ellie's direction and leading, but BOTH girls are softening towards each other a bit. It's kinda nice. :) If we can keep up this pattern before summer hits, and they are together all day-- that would be quite nice!!

But, last week in Hilton Head we really saw Ellie show us that she's growing up and truly maturing, even in the Lord. Once most of the "pirate treasure" was found in the sand, we all realized Jack had not found a treasure box and was pretty upset about it. All on her own, Ellie came up with the idea to sneak off and go re-hide her treasure box and then offer to help Jack go look for his. It was awesome- he was SO pumped to have "found his box," and honestly I think Ellie was on cloud 9 that she could help her cousin feel better. It was a moment that kindof made us all realize how wonderful it feels to serve others.

Thankful for old phases and new phases in our kids' lives. Thankful for our maturing little big girl.

final days in sunny south carolina

The old lady and old man...

3 of the 4 sweet munchkins...love their smiles! Such joy to play in the ocean. :)

The old lady and old man take 2...

Hard to take a pic with this crazy kiddo and not have it be...crazy...!!!!

Sunset at the beach. :)

Loved that Griff was willing to try the tandem bike this week. He was pretty darn brave! Hopeful this helps him with learning to ride that two wheeler once we are back home. :)

Always a book in her hands. Ellie is showing such independence and is finding her own ways to just relax and do things she loves. We love how she knows who she is and is okay to be different and be her own person. There is not much cooler than that...

South Beach group picture. Ice cream. 74 degrees. Live music in the background. It's HILTON HEAD!!!! YESSSS!

I remember trying a salty dog shirt picture a few years ago when we were here and it was impossible to get everyone to look at the camera let alone smile...these kids are growing too fast. Man.

And the rest of the crew arrives!!!

A unique few days in Hilton Head---nothing but sunshine. 70-80 degrees everyday. Many many moments to just SIT, or WALK, or DIG, or RIDE. Other than that, these days couldn't have been much better. Vacation is a beautiful time to escape from routine and from cooking/cleaning--and to just BE. Thankful for these days and the family we have to live life with. Thankful for the stories of Jesus amidst us all and thankful for His grace on us as we plug on together...

First few days in HH with nana and papa

Mom and Dad, the Snow kids and I drove down to Hilton Head a few days before everyone else this year. We stopped in Charlotte for a night and then took our time and headed to HH on Saturday. These days were SO fun. SO easy and always provide great memories. I'm so thankful for how my kids travel in the car and even more than that, so thankful for my parents and their sacrifice, patience, and desire to love and serve their grandchildren. 

The pool was literally freezing. Tough boy Griff was the only one swimming 

on day 1---he cracked us up! 

First hour at the beach--day 1 in Hilton Head. What a beautiful boardwalk and place to smell, see, and listen to. The ocean is an incredible part of God.

Easter morning--watched the sun rise all alone. Not a soul in sight, either direction. The ocean was so loud and so amazing. I stood there and thanked God for the victories He has won in my life and continues to win. Thankful for Jesus. Thankful that there is no greater victory in our life next to Jesus and his resurrection on this day.

Easter morning breakfast. What sweet faces and smiles.

A great few days to enjoy my kids, to play and slow down and rest and sleep and run. Thankful for silly moments and that Ellie likes RIBS. Thankful to be here in Hilton Head.