It's been a LONG time...

It's been awhile since I've updated this blog so I figure it's about time to add some updated photos. We've had a busy but fun summer... it's hard to believe it's almost over! Sam is doing great. He's busy, busy, busy! He started walking about a month ago and is now determined to run and jump just like his big brother. Because of this he's taken a few spills but being the tough little guy he is, he just gets right back up again.

Joey is growing like a weed and learning new things every day. He loves asking questions and trying to "figure things out". We hear something new every day and usually get a good laugh out of the things that come out of his mouth. He can tell you all you need to know about dinosaurs, fossils... and he is very interested in looking at cloud formations to determine whether a tornado (or as he calls it "torMado") is going to develop. It's a fun (and interesting) age!

Now, on with some photos from this summer...

Guess what Sam is doing?

Watching Joey's soccer practice

Joey trying to steal the ball

Sam's first ride on the swing

Cool dude!

This cousin of mine is hilarious!

Relaxing on the 4th of July

Just chillin'

Sam's favorite toy... Mega Blocks

The Dinosaur exhibit at the fair. Joey was a little leary of the dinosaurs at first but ended up loving it.

Joey and Grace loved the rides at the fair!

Anyone who knows Joey knows he is obsessed with monster trucks... needless to say he was pretty excited to see a real monster truck up close!

Re-finalizing our adoption in ND (July 28, 2010)

Sam getting ready to go on a bike ride with daddy!

Grace and Joey getting ready to load up on some candy at the parade in Dilworth

Bruizer is sitting with Joey... of his own free will! I think Bruizer is finally beginning to accept Joey as part of the family... it only took 3 years.

Joey holding his new baby cousin, Ernie

3 years ago today...

...we fell in love with a little boy after seeing his picture for the first time. It's hard to believe it's been 3 years since we received Joey's referral but I remember the day like it was yesterday...

Playing at the park...

Joey loves going to the park so we've been spending alot of time there this summer. Here are a few pictures from our outing a couple weeks ago.

4th of July

I don't think we could have asked for better weather this 4th of July... it was 80 degrees and sunny with a slight breeze. Perfect!! We went to Buffalo River State Park in the morning. Then Jess, Terrance and the kids came over at night. The kids had a full day of playing... and even stayed up for the fireworks. Joey thought the fireworks were cool at first but then got a little scared toward the end. I don't blame him... some of them were pretty loud.

Playing with snaps... the "kid friendly" fireworks.

Joey's first fish!

Josh and Joey went on their first father-son fishing trip this afternoon... and here's Joey with the first (of five) fish he caught...

Catching all these fish is hard work... time for a snack!

On another note... today marks the 2 year anniversary of the day we brought Joey home from Guatemala! We celebrated the occasion with an authentic Guatemalan meal... Sopa de Arroz Chapin. It was delicious!!