Saturday, July 20, 2013

Celebrating 6 months

6 months ago this weekend Eli was placed in our arms forever.  He was so sick, scared and timid.  It took us several days to get smiles and it wasn't until we were home that he really showed us his true self.  If I could use one word to describe him now, it would be pure "joy".  He is always smiling, laughing, and just being sweet.  The only times he is not happy is when he is hungry.  He loves food and has not turned down anything we have offered him yet!  In 6 months, he has learned to walk (practically running now), he is starting to form words (his current favorite word is "no"), he has learned how to do puzzles, he no longer needs a bottle and he loves to swim!!  He has had so many transitions, but he truly is doing amazing!  He loves his older brothers and sister and I can't imagine our family without him.  Aidan said the other night that he is "the best thing that has ever happened to us".  Adoption rocks!  I am so thankful that God has called our family to adoption.

In the last 6 months we have been a very busy family.  We have traveled to South Carolina and Tennessee to visit with friends.  We have traveled to Cedar Point to attend a soccer tournament and to have a family weekend away.  We have visited with friends, both near and far, spent time with family and experienced lots of new places and things.  Here are just a few pics from the last 6 months.

The Super Hero Boys

Aidan ... love that smile

Bella and Lulu

 
First trip to the Strawberry Patch (check out the strawberry juice running down his face)

Great day (someone ate more than he kept) 

Time with a friend we met in China ... Josiah and Eli

Great visit with sweet friends we got to know while in China.  The "big" kids hit it off and had a blast swimming together

 
Gangsters!

First time tubing - Aidan

Our college group get-together ... the kids out boating

Keenan loving being on the lake
 
 Love these two!

 
Fun with friends catching fireflies 


Celebrating 6 months with some good Chinese food