Who Should Travel?

This Momma is getting so excited to go to China and get her girls!! I am so in love- be still my heart!

We are beginning to rethink who should travel and again I would love your opinion! We had planned for Katie and I to go to China and get the girls(Emma and Ellie). We still may do this but after leaving Sarah and Anna for 4 days while we went to Johnny's soccer tournament and coming home to challenges, we are rethinking the whole "who will travel thing".

I am starting to wonder if it would be better for Jim and I, Sarah and Anna to go to China. We are inviting Katie too if it works for her with her job. The boys are choosing not to come to China- we have asked them but we have also told them it is a working trip not a vacation. We really have no idea when we will go - the earliest would be the end of May and the latest would be the end of June. (nothing has been decided for sure just contemplating possibilities right now).

We had decided not to bring Sarah because she was having nightmares that we would leave her in China but at that point she had only been home 8 months. Now she has been home 16 months and is more secure. Plus it could be good for her to see that she can go to China and come back with her family- more proof we are her forever family! We also feel like Sarah and Anna will feel more like part of the adoption process of their new sibs instead of just having mom show up with 2 more sisters.

Sarah and Anna will have a chance to get to know their new siblings in China before returning home and getting back to the regular routine. They will have ownership of the process. They will also be ice breakers and show the two new girls that we are an okay family. Sarah may (or may not) be able to help us out with the language.

I will not have to be separated from them for 2 weeks and then have to go through the "re-bonding period" because I left them.

Now this does mean we will go coach and I am sorry because I am a wimp but please tell me it's not so bad and I can do it. (then please forgive me for being a wimp) Plus I better get used to it - I plan to go back there as soon as I can!!

What are your thoughts? What did you do or what are you planning to do in this situation?

Typos ;-)

Have you noticed that I have a typo in pretty much every post I write?

It's true, 


I do.

I know it.

And, 

it used to bother me...

BUT,

it doesn't anymore...

I'm not a good typer

 and

 I'm a busy Momma. 

Together the equal= 

TYPOS! 

Many, 

many

 typos!

Soooo, if your lookin for perfection, and your on my blog...

You are lookin in the wrong place!

Please just read right over them or fill in the blank yourself!

No time for perfection here-

 just time for lovin Jesus

and

lovin the children!


No one has complained about my typos- 
I figured I just let ya'll know that it's just part of the blog!

FYI... and sometimes I pretend I'm a Minnesotan from the south and use words like ya'll and lovin and lookin...

Just go with it!

Okay!

Good!

Good! 

Thanks!


And here are some pics from last week for your viewing pleasure!

Karate is only a block away from T*rget and the weather was so nice we walked over while Sarah and Ellie were doing Karate.

I had to make sure I didn't buy too much or anything too heavy for my helpers!

They just love to help!
AND I love it when they help!

Luke has two bags of chocolate chips(for baking) in his bag!


and yes, I did run ahead of them and take pictures as they were walking toward me!!


I just think they are so cute!!

Volunteer Spotlight: Monique Ngo

Monique Ngo is a very special  Volunteer Leader at Family House. She herself knows firsthand what families experience, as she was front and center during her mother’s own battle with life-threatening illnesses. Monique was unsure if she could emotionally handle being a volunteer, “When I first read that the Family House is for families whose children are receiving treatment for cancer and other serious illnesses, I was hesitant. I was hesitant because for almost half my life my mom was seriously ill with first kidney failure, then cancer. So I was hesitant because I didn't know if I would be able to mentally handle seeing more suffering.” This is something that volunteers sometimes experience.

Monique overcame her reservations of volunteering at Family House when she thought, “If I were to volunteer here, I could help people that face the same difficulties as me. That thought motivated me and in a way gave me some strength to want to volunteer at Family House."

Monique has been an amazing asset to Family House as she helps out our business office with fundraising projects and assisting families in navigating San Francisco. Monique’s dedication to Family House has made for some special moments with the families and she even spent her 21st birthday volunteering at Family House! Thank you so much Monique, we adore you!

Get involved with Family House! Learn more at http://www.familyhouseinc.org/volunteer.html

A Comfortable Shoulder!

For 26 years he has been doing this. Some little person has sought refuge on his shoulder! First it was Matt and one by one they have enjoyed a good nap in the security of their father's arms.

It's Anna's favorite place to have a rest. We all know what she's up too when she crawls in her Daddy's lap! She's hard to resist and so darn cute! Even if it is 7:30 at night and we've just ordered dinner!

Such blessings! Thank you Jesus!

48 hours Post Op!

48 hours post op and they are already talking to us about going home!

His chest tubes came out today and he is taking walks.

He eats, he poops, he pees, he walks and needs very little pain med.

They can't think of any reasons to keep him in the hospital.

Sunday will most likely be the day.

Maybe Monday?

Did you know you can't lift a child who has just had heart surgery under the arms?

Me neither.

I found out (cringe) after I did it (cringe again).

They need to be scooped up with one arm under their body and the other behind their shoulders. 

It makes sense. 

NOW,

 I just need to make sure that none of the children try to lift Luke (and another cringe), once he gets home.

Thanking God for this little boy!!

(And for HIS handi work in the OR!)

Thank you to my wonderful friends and their children that stayed at my house while I went to the hospital!!

Smile!

The other day we were boarding the plane. Sweet hubby had Johnny and I sit together while he sat with the girls. 

As they were climbing into their seat the person behind him said, "Is your wife Thai?" "No," he said, "she's Danish, should I be worried?"

That was fun and we had a good laugh!

Craft.

For a person who is quite artistic, I actually don't do many 'craft' activities with Luke. It doesn't make sense does it!? Well I think its because I'm a bit of a perfectionist so I struggle to let Luke's creative juices flow if its not, straight and perfect...stupid I know!!...SO ANYWAY... The last month or so I have put my perfectionism aside to do some craft activities together. To make it apart of a weekly routine.

I started collecting bits a pieces as things that were going into the recycling bin and put them in our now 'Craft Box'.

We have made a car...

People...

Who went into another 'car'

Then we made a road out of Luke building blocks and our craft people went driving.

We have also made a pig and a boat.

Its heaps of fun and the cheapest activity EVER!... We have just been using things that would usually go into the recycling bin... and occasionally ill pick up some cheap popsical sticks, patty pans or feathers from a craft shop. 

But what do you do with all the precious craft after a few days...when its falling to bits and kids are over playing with it...

I have been taking a photo of it when we have finished 'doing craft'... when its at its best... then once its falling to pieces it goes into the bin... Its nice to have a photo of the craft but not actually keep it! ... otherwise I would end up with draws of special drawings and project Luke has done. Dont get me wrong, I do keep one on special occasions. But defiantly not his week to week craft!

Our photos then go into our Project Life album so we can go back and see all the special things we have made!

We have both been really enjoying it... I've surprised myself!

Give it a go. It cheap, entertaining and educational!!

The kids will love it!!

Missing Teeth and Ice Packs...

This is what happens when you have many 7-8 yr olds!

What an exciting day!

Both Abby and Sam lost their front teeth! 

I love their precious smiles just the way they were and would love to have time

STOP

But they keep growing and they keep losing teeth…

much to my dismay.

Abby has already lost the other front tooth and is working hard on two others. Sam's other front tooth should be coming out soon, too. AND

as for everyone, else they are wiggling their teeth, too!

Ben lost his two front teeth in China.

However, he had an extra small front tooth so we needed to get it pulled (along with the one next to it).

The other big tooth is on it's way now!

Ben is finally done with his dental work! So thankful!

It took 4 visits to the dentist to get it all done.

Sarah is excited to learn all about babysitting!

I haven't seen this DVD yet but I'm hoping it's a good one!

She is 14 yrs old and getting ready to help out when Mom has a short errand!

Our Lukey is not happy in this pic…

So here is the story-

Madeline accidentally scratched Joey.

She apologized and Joey got an ice pack to put in his scratch.

5 minutes later Luke comes to me and says-

Joey scratched me.

Me- I'm so sorry honey. Where did he scratch you?

pause

longer pause

Luke- "I don't know…"

Me - "Well honey, if Joey scratched you, you should know where he scratched you."

pause

uncomfortable pause

Luke thinking "how am I going to get myself outta this one"…

Me - Luke, did Joey really scratch you?

Luke- timidly shakes his head no… crocodiles tears appear…

at first I didn't get it…

but once I saw Joey with his ice pack and Luke looking longingly at it, I realized…

"Luke, did you want an ice pack too?"

Don't worry-

 he got an ice pack but I didn't get a pic!

I will be posting soon on how all 4 boys are doing as brothers.

FYI- we do not have high speed internet here in the country…

posting takes so much longer.

Good news is- it will be coming soon(sometime this summer)!

Praise GOD!

24 hours post op!

Countless tubs have been removed from this cute little patient!

He was very very happy to have the catheter out!

He is awake, alert but takes occasional naps.

FYI- if you happen to stand in front of the TV he will let you know-

move, move, can't see!

oops! so sorry!

Of course the nurses LOVE him!

They have never seen such a mellow 3 year old boy!

He is eating and drinking today!

Tomorrow the chest tubes may come out.

Once they are out the children can get out of bed and move about.

It was so good to see him this afternoon!

He called out,

"Mommy, Mommy" and gave me a big hug!

He was not happy with me when I left.

The nurse said "Tell Mommy I love you"

He said "no"...

He has the cutest personality.

I know he loves me and I know he is right, 

a mommy should be with her baby when he is in the hospital.

But... Daddy is there and I need to hold down the fort at home.

It was so wonderful to be with him!

Can't wait to see him tomorrow!

The nurses said that sometimes when the chest tubes are removed the children don't feel quite as good.

It's all a balance of pain meds, rest, a little activity and lots of time to heal.

We are so thankful for each day of healing

AND

so thankful for your prayers!

A Volunteer’s Story: Nicole Riley

           

          As an undergraduate student studying Psychology at USF, I enrolled in our “Practicum” course this semester, wherein each student gets the chance to volunteer in a community setting of their choosing. In looking through places where other students had previously volunteered, Family House immediately stuck out to me because I am passionate about serving youth, but had never worked with those stricken by life-threatening illnesses. Being someone who is easily taken by emotions, I felt that being placed at Family House would challenge me to be a stronger person while supporting an incredible organization that gives to the families of children in need.

          In my few months volunteering at Family House so far, I can say confidently that I have become a stronger person through those I am surrounded with when I am here. The welcoming and compassionate staff help create the home-like feel that is within the walls at Family House, and the kind and thoughtful families that stay here bring joy to circumstances that are often bleak. Combined with all the volunteers that come to keep the house safe and tidy, cook and do crafts, and offer support from therapy dogs, I’ve seen a very strong and uplifting sense of community apparent in this house.

           I have been fortunate to see many different sides of Family House, from working through the house check-list to make sure everything is stocked and in working condition for the families, to helping keep Family House connected to the greater community through social media, to interviewing families so that I can learn their stories, to attending fundraising events. One experience that truly opened my eyes to what an incredible organization Family House is occurred during a volunteer shift at their annual Cabernet for Connoisseurs​ fundraiser. Near the end of the night, during the auctioning, they held a live pledge and I watched in awe as person after person after person raised their paddles to give to Family House. Seeing a ballroom full of people jumping to give their support to Family House was evidence of what an impact they have made on the population that they are serving and of the faith that the community has in their endeavors.

          In beginning my placement at Family House, I was told by my Professor that I would have a dual role: I would be a server, but I would also be a learner. In whatever ways I can, I have attempted to serve this beautiful organization and the work that they do as a home away from home for families of children with life-threatening illnesses. Perhaps more importantly, I have been taught so much by the staff, families, and other volunteers at Family House. I have seen that it is possible to show strength and comfort and compassion during what may be impossibly hard times. I hope that I can continue to lend support to Family House long after my practicum class comes to an end.

What have we done to the kids!

Well, the last post was kind of fun BUT now I am paying for my fun! I got a nice little sunburn during my "special time" and it has caused me to cover up for the last 2 days. I deserved it!

The kids have been enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. Each day we have gone to the park, gone swimming, taken a walk and after 3 days of it they were exhausted. We all needed a little quiet time. As you can see everybody seemed to find a way to take a deep breath and relax!

It has been nice to have the time to blog during our vacation. Everyday life is busy and I rarely have the time to think about a post let alone the time to write it! I happen to be the worst typer in the world. Actually the second worst typer, hubby is the worst! I get by using 4-5 fingers- he uses 2! Why do we even have computers???? I would love to set some personal goals and improve upon a few of my skills but time doesn't seem to be on my side. I use it all up with the kids and whatever is left- I think I waste it. If I could I would take a photography class, learn to type properly and do a bible study. Maybe I should try to do them this summer! It is so important to keep growing and have personal goals- Hmmmm, I may have just talked myself into something! But it would also be awesome to improve my meal planning, exercise more often, clean out the downstairs storage room and be more organized with in my homeschooling! Oh yes and on top of that we would like to be working on another adoption this summer. We will see, I am back to let's just enjoy the moment, take care of the family and thank the Lord for his many blessings!

If you haven't read this blog yet today, please do!! This awesome family in China is starting an orphanage and they have more good news to share! They are an incredible example of living daily life by trusting the Lord! Thank you Jesus!!

Beautiful Boys!

These special boys weigh heavy on my heart.

So adorable 

and 

so needing the love of a family.

They wait and wait and no one chooses them.

They watch their friends leave 
but
 they have to stay in the orphanage.

Please look at these pictures and prayerfully consider adoption.

If that is not part of God's plan for you 
please consider advocating and praying for those left behind.

Here are beautiful twin boys from Children's Home Society and Family services located in St Paul MN.

You can read more about them on my side bar!

Adoption is not always easy.

You are stepping out in faith...

Faith that the Lord will help you every step of the way.

HE will not leave you and HE will give you the strength that you need.

Every child needs a home.

They need a parent or parents.

The need someone to love them and care for them.

Don't be afraid of a diagnosis,

No matter how scary it sounds.

Behind every diagnosis is a precious child of God's!

These two dear boys are not their diagnosis - muscular dystrophy, they are little boys that need a Mommy and a Daddy.

Remember, it's God's child and HE is asking you to care for them- for the orphans.

Put your trust in the Lord and HE will give you the strength!

My friend met this dear boy and fell in love with him.
She so desperately wants him to have a family because-
He needs a family to survive. . . to live. . .
He has scoliosis and needs medical help now.
He is a delightful little boy with a good sense of humor and a sweet disposition.

He is available through Children's Home Society and Family Services in St Paul.
His name is Ming

I liked this little guy the moment I saw his picture.
He sounds like a wonderful boy and his information is also on my sidebar.

I think he could fit into almost any family!
His special need seems quite easy to handle.

He is available through CHSFS, also!

WE met him and we loved him!
Because we have 4 girls around his age we feel that he would not be a fit for our family.
BUT. . .
could he be a fit for your family?
I think he will soon be 13 yrs old.
The clock is ticking... once he is 14 he can no longer be adopted.

He is Hunter and his file is with Lifeline.
He is athletic and a really nice boy!
His friend was just adopted a week ago.
He is truly his age(if not younger), we saw him and he has not matured yet.

Oh my... my heart hurts for the little boy in the green and grey sweater.
He is Madeline's BFF and he was so sad in this picture because she was leaving.
He made a card for her but didn't want to give it to her- probably thinking maybe she won't go if I don't give it to her...
He is 5 years old and he needs a family to love and care for him.
He is with Lifeline as Heath.

Please consider one of these incredible little boys and or any waiting child.
Your family will learn and grow in their love for the Lord through adoption 
and 
one more child will be rescued!

PRAISE GOD!

Hubby and I are a tag team. We have limited babysitting this week since our sitter is on spring break.

I was able to get to the hospital for a few hours to see Luke. 

I was quite nervous. The surgery went well but but but...

well, you know-

 mothers tend to worry...

I prayed and prayed for our dear boy.

Thank you, thank you, for your prayers and we will gladly accept more for his recovery.

When I arrived he was on a ventilator and an external pacemaker.

As the younger children said when they saw the pics- wow, he's hooked up to a lotta stuff!

Couldn't have said it better myself!

Within on hour of me being there he woke up, he was taken off the vent and the NG tube.

Next the external pacemaker was turned off and Luke's sweet heart beat on it's own! Within a few minutes it was in a beautiful rhythm!

PRAISE GOD!!

He was shaking his head yes and no and being his wonderful mellow self!

He is resting most of the time.

But woke up and had a talk with Daddy/ hubby.

They said about 3:00am the children tend to "wake up".

Hubby has the night shift ;-)

Oh, my goodness do I love this little boy!!

AND I know that he is very very loved half way across the world!

His O2 sat is 99% and all other vitals are looking good!

Can we have another-

PRAISE GOD!!

I am at home now. 

Abby is starting her 2nd chelation at home. We are so thankful that we can do this at HOME!!

Have a mentioned

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME!

The Wait is Getting More Difficult...

In these pics they look like scared little girls. Such serious looks for such young children. I think Emma was the caretaker for Ellie.

These are pics that were taken for our update. Such beautiful little girls but most likely wondering what is going on? Why are they doing this?

There were little movie clips and the foster mom would say "tell your new Momma and Babba to hurry and come and get you", " tell them you are being good little girls". I think it upset them. Emma looks teary. I want to hug and comfort them.

The wait is getting more difficult. I want to go get them now. We have known who they were for so long, it's nearing a year. They have waited too long. They should be home with their family. I know that it works out for us to go in June BUT I want to leave NOW!

I have looked at their pictures so much- I know them, I know who they are, they are "our daughters". Their faces are so familiar to us. Before we accepted the referral we got more information on them. They had a tough start and were in shock to find themselves in an orphanage. The information helped but that was not how we made our decision- it was through much prayer and then we looked at them and new... we new they were our daughters. It didn't really matter what the new info said, their faces had become so familiar.

Things that I noticed before I do not notice now- they are so beautiful and so perfect. What an incredible gift from God! I can hardly wait to be in China and meet them!

Today I sent them a little gift through one of the services. I am excited for them to get it!! I have their next gift all ready except we need to label some of the photos! We wouldn't want them thinking I'm their grandma now would we! I'm puttin a big fat MAMA sign next to me and a BABBA sign next to that gorgeous gray, excuse me silver haired Hubby of mine!

Right before we come we will send a cake so they can have a party with their friends! Do you think we should send two cakes or one? They have watched so many children come home. A lot of the pics we have of them are at other children's parties. Soon it will be time for them to have their party!

I don't want to wish time away- I just want them HOME! (Does anyone out there object to skipping April and May this year?)

Zero Waste Gardening

Or “Journey To A Garden That Works (for us)”:

Our house is perched on a steep hill, and our lot is small in surface, but we very much enjoy its height: our balcony extends into the mid branches of our front oak trees… Squirrels (red or grey), birds (hummingbirds, blue birds) and butterflies (well, they’re more like moths, but that doesn’t sound as poetic) respectively hop, chirp, and flutter right outside our windows. We’ve been in this house for 3 years and I never get tired of it. They stare at us, we stare at them. And in all that staring, they become part of our lives, and we become part of theirs. Ok – the hummingbird is really too busy to stare, but our plants give them what they need, and in exchange, we get an amazing wing beat show of 80 flaps a second - I counted ;)

Oaks are majestic. I love each one of our ten oak trees. How can we not? They provide us with great shade in the summer, give our house curb appeal, and provide a habitat for the local fauna that we so admire. But because they are scattered all over our property and can die from too much watering, we had to give up the idea of growing a vegetable plot to protect them (we also gave up the idea of the chicken coop, but for other reasons related to my yearly trip to France).

Furthermore, we are surrounded by an amazingly rich flora…

Since we moved to the area, almost four years ago, we strive to discover a new trail every week. But a year and a half ago, it struck me that, unlike my parents’ botanical expertise, I could not name even one plant (I envy my dad’s mushroom recognition abilities most). My ignorance became an unbearable weight and suddenly, walking the trails wasn’t enough. I wanted more from my hikes; I wanted to know all about the plants that accompanied them. So I took an evening college botany class for 6 months, and learned about our local plants. And, very much in the fashion of the French, I specialized my learning to EDIBLES. After completing my class (including a few lab/essay tests with self inflicted stress), and hours researching the internet and library books, I was able to elaborate a list of edible natives, with a plan to landscape our yard with them. By nature, natives require less watering and once established, no watering at all, so the idea seemed to match our landscaping requirements perfectly. We went to a local native nursery, bought all available plants (about 7 types, 30 containers), planted them according to their instructions - but in the space of two months… they all died or got eaten.

“Yeah… that’s a shame…” (a la Jerry Seinfeld).

Because we enjoy a welcoming, open, fence-free yard, the deer roamed in and ate the few berries that we had managed to grow and the wild roses whose hips I had hoped to add to my floral tea. However, I really enjoy their unexpected visits. I love the way they hop our terraces so effortlessly, the way they move on their feet so lightly, and the way they stare at Zizou in confusion: “hmmm…I have not seen a rat that barks before“.

A new plan was in order! And it’s the plan that is still working for us today: using my botanical knowledge strictly on foraging hikes for medicinal and edible plants, growing some citrus and herbs in containers on the enclosed balcony, and landscaping with plants that are deer proof, low maintenance (for our backs and schedules) and drought tolerant (native as much as possible)...

Today, everyone is happy: The oaks can enjoy a few more years, the squirrels can hop, the birds can chirp, the moths can flutter, the bees can buzz, the wild turkey can visit, the deer can roam, the cook (that’s me by the way) can reach to the balcony or the wild.

That is until our oaks die of Sudden Oak Death (sadly several are infected), and disturb our balancing act…

Here is what you can do to Zero Waste your garden:

PLANTS

• Use natives as much as possible: Some nursery plants are invasive and will take over/kill your local natives. With what I learned in my botany class, I feel really bad planting ice plants (succulent native to South Africa) on my previous property, it is one of the worse invasive in California, destroying flora and fauna all along the coast.
• Use drought tolerant plants: You can even replace your lawn with short native grasses. The look is amazing and does not need mowing!
• Return plastic containers to the nursery: Home Depot does not take them back (at least mine does not yet) but I drop them off at a local nursery that reuses any brand.
• Find bulk seeds: They are hard to find, but some nurseries carry them. Don’t forget to bring your own bag! You can then start your seeds in an egg carton thus reducing your plastic pot use and trips to return them.
• Give away plants (also, landscaping rocks, fencing, irrigation piping, etc…) that you do not want anymore: Post them for free on Craigslist. Within an hour someone will pick them up. It’s also a great way to get those pots reused.
• Get your dirt, rocks, compost, etc… in reusable sand bags: We go to a garden center that has piles of mulch, dirt, rocks… we get charged by the bag.

WATER

• Consider investing in an irrigation controller: We have a RainBird with a rainwater sensor to control the amount of water irrigated based on precipitation. Smart thing. We were able to use a rebate for ours; it came out to be practically free.
• Install a rainwater catchment: Gasp! We don’t have one yet… we are saving up to install the Rainwater Hog which would fit our house disposition beautifully and simply. Not cheap though.
• Put a bucket in your shower to collect the cold water while your shower heats: Use it to water a different part of the yard each day.
• Check out your grey water ordinances: Ours just changed. We’ll soon be able to water our plants with the rinse water from our wash machine.

COMPOST

• Compost (duh): Great for your plants, veggies, and your zero waste kitchen.
• Pee in your citrus and your compost: It works wonders.
• Worm compost (Can-o-Worms) for liquid fertilizer: I am not crazy about having the large black plastic container in the back yard, but the “worm pee” that comes out of the convenient spigot has been great for my plant wall. It just needs to be diluted to 4 parts water.

TOOLS

• Keep a minimal tool selection: Select the best, donate the rest to your local garden club, nursing home, or better yet, tool co-op, if you’re lucky enough to have one in your town! You can also post them on Craigslist too.
• Select metal and wooden tools: Although they cost more at first, they’ll last longer, look better, and can be repaired more easily.

It Went Well!!

Praise God! 

The surgery is over and it went well!

Whew!

Can't wait to see him!

Cricket.

Well after all my winging and complaining, cricket is over... hooray!!!... It finished yesterday, and guess what starts tonight...Indoor cricket!! Yes, I'm serious, this isn't a joke... see, there really is a cricket addiction in this house from everyone, but me!!! I have to blame Paul for this one (indoor cricket that is)!!...but indoor cricket I can handle its one night a week and it usually only goes for an hour or so. As long as I have my weekends back with my husband, I'm a happy wife!

cough cough... I have a confession... I went to cricket both Saturday and Sunday and actually enjoyed it!... The cricket...not so much, but the fresh air. Relaxing on the picnic rug, with some home decor magazines, afternoon tea and a drink. Luke running around, playing soccer, golf, cricket, footy with the other kids. Ben enjoyed watching the leaves blow in the breeze and have his afternoon nap next to me on Luke's fold out couch! It was GREAT! I could do that next season...shhh... Don't tell Boyd ;)

SO he WON!! (oops forgot to mention that... probably an important piece of info) Yippee!! He made 22 runs, which is ok... and bowled a few overs too... Very proud of him! He is a bit of a legend in my eyes... and such a awesome example to the other guys on his team!

Here is the well deserved medal... now what to do with it!?

Ben enjoyed watching the trees...really is the best mobile around!! (Daddy batting in the back ground)

Luke playing golf... watching daddy bat... So cute, he kept calling out "GO DADDY" awww...

But didnt quiet get it, when Boyd got out and the opposing team shouted 'YAY'... He rejoiced with them :/

He didn't get why he shouldn't be rejoicing...haha.

Both days were such beautiful weather too!!

Lovely...

Well Done Boyd!

Love you! xx