God is faithful!

so we have had such an incredible weekend, enjoying every moment of it...

we had to rent a second car...

so we look like a caravan wherever we go :)

thursday we took them all (plus Leah) to mcdonalds and the new madagascar movie...

it was definitely a night to remember...

first of all Gracie got sick in the car so we had to pull over...

the man behind the gate felt sorry for us and brought us a water :)

then there were no parking places at the mall...

so deb and Scott dropped us off to go valet...

so me and 7 traveled on in...

bu there was no room in the inn..

eventually deb and Scott found us all huddled around a

4 topper in the food court...

Leah and i had done our best to order the food at mcdonalds...

we were short a bunch...

but by then Emily was sick to her stomach...

so...

we got them to at least give us 2 more fries and called it even :)

by the time i got back with the fries...

Jordan was overwhelmed and crying...

when we got to the movies they were out of water...

so we just got popcorn and sent them to the LONG line to wait...

and deb, Jordan and i went in search of water...

20 minutes later and 10 waters in tow...

we made it to meet the rest of them in the theatre...

everyone was happy and feeling well when we left...

so all in all i'd say it was a success :)

friday we stayed around and played...

lots of water balloons... Erika beat us in rummicub...

and lots of soccer was played...

it was perfect and uneventful!

saturday we took them all to the beach... 

it rained alot... but the kids had a blast...

they begged to do the banana boat again... so, we did...

however... Scott did not go... and...

it was somewhat different this time...

the rain pounded about the time we started...

Jordan and i sat on the back, to make sure no one fell off...

we went completely under twice at least...

and then... it happened...

Jordan went off the back...

and Emily was hanging on by one arm...

we had gone on a bit when they finally heard my screaming...

we finally got Emily on board...

shaking but holding it together...

and circled to get Jordan...

who was a nervous wreck by the time we got her on board...

we got to shore...did lunch...ate lots of chocolate...

 and all became a funny memory by the time we left...

Emily said "sleep well and i love you'' in english

when i tucked her in and said prayers last night...

today the social worker came by to do an interview

and then we went to pizza hut...



it has been busy but good!!

yet... for everyone...

 tomorrow has loomed around the corner.

we talked about the return tomorrow at dinner tonight...

i explained that no matter what happens tomorrow...

or next week...

or next month...

and IF it is really a year before we are together as a family...

OUR GOD IS FAITHFUL!!!

He has seen us through this whole IMPOSSIBLE adoption...

and HE WILL SEE US THROUGH the next steps!!

Pray for us all as we say bye tomorrow!

we already know that we will see them again on Erika's bday...

and we are asking for permission to get them next week...

we are thankful for every moment allowed with them...

however... it is not the same as living together!!

i know that God will walk with us through the tears tomorrow...

and hold us steady as we drive off...

we will be clinging to HIM... and the truth of His faithfulness...

to keep us all strong through this!!

thanks for praying us through it!!