Special Times This Summer!

Our kids have an older brother and sister that were adopted by a family at the same time as we adopted our kids.  They live in WI.  It breaks our heart that they have been separated, but we try and do all we can to keep them in touch with each other.  We strongly encourage regular phone calls and try and arrange for the kids to be together in person every six months.  We planned a family vacation to WI in July.  The kids were surprised by the special gift of being allowed to stay for the whole month of July.  It was a chance of a lifetime experience, and we are so glad they had that time together.  There month together concluded in a road trip from WI to AZ.  The highlight of the trip was Yellowstone!  We know they made lasting memories together.

Juan and Ingrid's Family Birthday Celebration

The kids asked if they could have their own friend birthday party this year since last year we did a combined friend party celebration at our pool at our old house.  So we had two separate friend parties but one big joint family party with Grandma and Grandpa.  Because there birthdays are so close, this seemed like the best way to celebrate both kids.  Although they liked all of their gifts, we think their favorite ones were new skateboards from Grandma and Grandpa!  As soon as it cools down a little, they will have a great time riding at the park.  Although we celebrated both kids at the same time, they each got to choose their desert.  Juan wanted a birthday pie and Ingrid wanted an ice cream cake, which Grandma made for her.  As part of our normal family tradition, the kids got to pick out there own special sugar cereal.  Ingrid chose Lucky Charms and Juan chose Cookie Crisp this year.  I think this family party was a big hit!