Korean Adventures

The day would start very early at three am for this little guy. The rest would join him at four.  We decided to take a tour of the city today.  We pushed the kids really hard with hopes that tonight we will at least sleep until six tomorrow.  One of the places we stopped was a children's museum.  Andy found a leaf that he would carry around with him the rest of the day.

I think when you go to a new country it is always best to take a buddy!

Lots of subway and bus time today.  I think we now have the subway system figured out!  The sweetest of moments happened on the subway today.  There was a man on there who you could tell was a hard worker and life had not always been easy for him.  Andy was right next to him and when this man finally had a seat to sit down in he pulled Andy on his lap and they rode the rest of the way together.  It was the sweetest moment of the day.  I don't have a photo of it, but Andy has a way with people and this dear man had a connection with him.

Here we are almost parents of FIVE children.  If we look tired we are, but we love it.  It has been a challenge keeping everyone together.  We just tell ourselves one step at a time!

A stop on our journey to see how life used to be in Korea.  I told Katie her biological Grandparents could very much have lived the way we saw today.  She is too young to digest that but one day she will remember me telling her that.

I love that Katie is among her culture.  She is an American girl, that is for sure, but I hope this trip leaves an impression on her and the beauty of its people.  

Color, texture, lines, a photographer's dream!

A peak through beautiful fall leaves at the Children's museum.  It had a park that we walked through.  So beautiful and peaceful!

We toured the city from 9 am until 6 pm.  We shopped, ate, explored, rode bus after bus, listened to a live band, watch an amazing violin player,  and climbed the steepest hill I have ever been on.  At the top was this city that seems to span into the sunset. All around us you would see city. It truly was amazing.

It is eight o'clock here. I am the only one awake.  Tomorrow is the day I have thought about for two years.  We will first be blessed with the opportunity to meet Katie's foster Mom, and then we will have our play date with Mr Luke.  It will be an emotional day that is for sure.  It doesn't seem real but soon it will.  His photos that I have grown to love will come to life.  My prayer is that he will play with us and we will see a little bit of his personality.   I would have never dreamt my life would hold these adventures. I know so very well adoption is not easy path and there are so many parts to it that break a person's heart, but I always hope and pray that for all my children their lives will be filled with love from so many that love them near and far!

Adventures in Korea Day2

Today was about figuring out where we are and making sure we can get to the places that this trip is all about.  

The kids did great on this day of a lot of walking, riding a subway,  and working in time for snacks and meals.

A building that literally changed our lives.  A place that we will meet our little boy as well as where Katie's life started.  

Chips for a snack today.  They may never miss home at this rate.

Shoes anyone?  Loved the market even though it was a little like a school field trip where I kept counting heads to make sure everyone was there.

Dinner on a stick anyone?

Time to go back, take a shower, and get ready for sleep!!!

Until tomorrow.....

Korea bound

Almost two years of waiting and we found all six of us on a plane bound for Korea.  That in itself was an experience and at times a test of patience.  I don't know how many movies these kids watched, but I know none of them slept until the last hour of traveling.  That is after almost fifteen hours of flying.  

I didn't take a lot of photos yesterday as I was busy trying to keep it all together. If I had to choose a photo of the day this would be it.  After much confusion we finally made it to where we are staying and crashed many in their clothes.  

I am grateful to be here and for all friends and family that have been there for us.  I know we are going to have a lot of adventures, but the first job is to get some rest.  

A couple more days and we will meet our little boy!

I had some thoughts today as we traveled:

1.  I am amazed at Brianna and her very deep in site of our family.        How many times today was I stunned at how in tune she really        is with all that is going on and so thankful for her.
2.  I saw Brian more stressed today than I can ever remember.  He        is my rock so when it became that way I saw Riley step up and        help in his usual calm fashion.
3.  I asked Katie how it felt to be on a plane with the majority of 
     people that looked like her and she said no they don't.
4.  What a beautiful group of people South Koreans are. I love how       beautiful they are especially the women all dressed up.                     

More adventures to come from Korea!

365 Day project-September

Another month of daily photos complete! Three short months of 2015 to capture and write our story!
-Our own little creative minon
-This young runner of mine has made it look easy
-Andy's first hunting trip made his year
-A weekend just the two of us
-Grateful for a garden that is still producing

-A son we are so close to meeting turned three this month
-Another scrapbooker on my hands writing her own story

- Lots of time at the cross country meets
-Fall beauty in my flower garden
-September 11th a day to never forget
- I was pregnant with this boy on that day
-Book reports for two nine year olds

-A volunteer day at school-adorable friendships
-More zucchini calls for some bread to be made
-Volunteering at a meet
-Saturday a day for soccer
-15 pumpkin harvest
-A whirlwind of a day

A new 3 year old that we wil meet next month!

Yesterday our little boy in Korea turned three.  It seemed like we needed to celebrate someway here for him.  We have now found out that we will be traveling to Korea the end of October.  It is hard to miss your childs birthday.  We will have some catching up to do on that subject.  We are all so very excited to meet him.  

The girls wanted to make the cake.  I am sure there will be a lot more "making" once he is home!  Home and a three year old again. Hang on we are in for some change!

Had to have a photo of someone with the cake. I took whoever would agree to another photo.

Starting to look through clothes for him.  The little shoes that I love.  Can't wait to see those little toes that will fit in them and the personailty that will be who he is.  You learn to love a photo. It doesn't talk, laugh, cry, or become upset.  Soon though it becomes real and I am SO ready!  Lots to do before then and then I will kiss this new three year old!

August 365 Project

Still working on my 365 day project.  Love how it makes me think outside the box.
-Trip to a craft show with friends...does life get any better?
-My sweet third grader loving the last days of summer
-A new treasure for my living room...loving it!
-A hug from my eigth grader...love that he still gives me hugs
-My garden...hang on don't freeze for a long time
-Canning...thinking of those winter days
-A photo of me...picking time

-My favorite photo from August
-So many kites on the beach this year
-Pool time on vacation
-Apparently I forgot to sunblock my stomach!
-Oh this red truck...LOVE
-Waves
-My new nine year old and his birthday gift

-Fingernail painting time...my poor tile
-A tea from a friend...homemade!
-My thirteen year old has bigger running shoes than me
-Po...Andy's  best friend
-Pool time!
-Perfect fifth

-Waterworld with all eight cousins
-A view on one of my many drives

-Some carnival rides to celebrate a birthday
-Oh my sweet niece...beautiful blue eyes
-A Happy Day...one huge day closer to Korea
-Back to school...summer was too fast
-Soaking up those last rays at the pool

On to September...lots more to come!

Tractor time!

Every photo session I do holds a special place in my heart. Some are planned and some are spontanious.  This was one of those for a friend whose Dad was turning ninety.  He was a farmer and had raised his kids on a tractor out working for him.  I have watched this friend on her tractor and my country loving soul could not resist the chance to take some photos for her Dad.

She too is a photographer, but every once in awhile those of us who are behind the lens needs to be in some shots. 

I know the values her Dad taught her are part of who she is to our community.  It was hot this day, the sun was high, but after all isn't this the time of day when I farmer works.  

What can I say about this one! I love a good hat!!!