so just since friday afternoon...

sorry for the delay in updates... it is a tad bit harder than i realized :) 

so much has happened just since i last updated...

just after i sent the update friday, Leah stepped on a nail and had to go to ER...

she is all good though :)

saturday we went to mcdonalds and to see the avengers (both of which Erik loved)...

Sunday we had an incredible day at the beach...

we made new friends...

however, Erik DID NOT like the water (he has heard stories, so we'll work on this)...

rode the banana boat (all the kids laughed hysterically... its not quite like home :)

and had Sunday brunch right off the side walk...

on monday the social workers came and gave us our schedule for the next few weeks...

it is a FULL schedule...

there are lots of visits to the courthouse and one more home visit...

BUT....EXCITING NEWS...

we will get to visit Eriks sisters on june 6th

AND...

we get to take them out for a play day on the 11th!!!

HOW COOL IS OUR GOD!!!

only HE could do something this wild :)

so, on tuesday Erik and Leah had to have shots...

no fun :(

sorry i couldn't get it to flip :(

it was the first real mommy duty i had...

sweet for me BUT not for him!!

and then we went as a family to an amazon jungle preservation...

it has been crazy days...

we are all still adjusting!

i attempted mashed potatoes at lunch today...

not so good :(

i let the potaoes boil almost an hour...

but still they weren't quite done.

i'm so thankful that God gave us the Kennedy's as dear friends...

our house is in thier gated community...

our rental is beside the park, which is awesome for us,

because the kids play right outside our door.

so the girls played some game outside til 9 last night...

Erik stayed outside til 10 playing soccer with friends...

and Jordan got home from Bible study with Bethany at 11...

so scott and i watched return to me...

while we listened to our kids laugh and play...

sweet memories!!

i would lie if i said it is all easy...

because IT IS NOT!!

there are tremendous challenges to an older child adoption...

we are facing them one by one as they present themselves...

BUT it is what God has prepared us for...

so we are enjoying the ride :)

the girls have been troupers!!!!!

the house is about 800 square foot...

so all three of them are in one room :)

closeness!

we have eaten more meals together than we have

in months at home...

for me the mom, it is GLORIOUS!!!

i love having my little chicks around...

we have been forced back to a simpler way of life...

and honestly it is really nice!!

we have individual interviews tomorrow at 9...

and then friday we have to be at the courthouse at 9 too!

we'll see how these go?!?!

we miss you all so much and are so thankful for your

sweet FB posts!!

Love, The Newsoms