Since I had so many pics to share from the first part of spring break, here is part 2. Our first adoption agency put us in contact with a wonderful family that had just adopted a daughter with the same special needs as our Bella. A couple of years have gone by and that connection has turned into a beautiful friendship. The really cool thing is that all of our kids are about the same ages ... they have 4 and we have 4. They have 2 adopted kiddos and we do too. Even though Amy and I have gotten to spend more time together, our kids and hubbys have not, but they all hit it off! We met up for a few days in Pigeon Forge and really had a good time. When we left the cabin on Sunday we asked the kids if they had fun and Aidan's immediate response was, "Yes! When can we see them again?"
Our cabin was in a community that offered a lot of free activities ... there was a putt putt, a 3 par golf course, a pool, fishing ponds and hiking trails. We took advantage of it all other than the pool (still a little too cold). We all enjoyed the hot tub and the cabin had plenty of space to relax and spend time together. The older kids were often outside in the surrounding woods exploring and having fun. On one afternoon, we decided to take a hike. The hike ended up being straight up a mountain (where we thought we would eventually see a waterfall - we found out later that the waterfall was on a diffferent trail ... oops!). The kids all did awesome and did not complain. Actually, I think the grownups did a lot more complaining than the kids did! Here are some pics from our time in Tennessee...
Claire, Keenan, Aidan and Anna
My sweet friend Amy and I
Family Pic
Claire with one of her treasures
Aidan and Eli, my oldest with my youngest - LOVE!
All of the kiddos
Bella and Ella, aka "Double Trouble"
I said in a previous post that Eli was going to get thrown into soccer this spring and has he ever! Aidan had a tournament this past weekend and Keenan also had a game. 5 games in all! The kids who hung with me on the sidelines did amazing! Michael coaches Keenan's team and assists with Aidan's team, so I always have whoever is not playing with me. I have learned over the years to have plenty of snacks and toys to keep them occupied because I love watching the games. Keenan's team won their first game 3-2, with Keenan having 2 of their goals. Aidan's team made it into the championship game and lost with 5 seconds left to go in double overtime. Talk about an intense game! We were so proud of the boys ... they all did an amazing job. Here are some pics of our first weekend at the fields.
Keenan and Eli
Bella and Eli
Aidan and Michael
The Lakota Futball Club Bearcats
I also headed back to the office this week. I have been working from home for several weeks, but Monday was my first official day being back in the office. My mom is watching Eli for us until the summer and this is a huge blessing. This allows him to be at home longer before going somewhere else for daycare. He did great, but this momma's heart hurt all day long. So thankful for the friends who have reached out to me with encouragement over the last few days. I needed it! I know we will get into our new routine, but this week has been harder than most. Just trying to see the blessings in everything that God has provided and orchestrated and to rest in that.
