New Pictures....

I have a few new pictures to post. We had a very busy weekend! Troy and I went to a dinner on Friday night to benefit cancer patients. We have some very dear friends who lost their son to leukemia a couple of years ago. They have a foundation set up to benefit other families battling cancer. We enjoyed and night and also won tickets to KENNY CHESNEY and KEITH URBAN for Saturday night! Sooooo...off we went to Soldier Field in Chicago for a great concert on Saturday. Hayden was in a parade in Geneva on Sunday...WHEW! We were busy! Enjoy the pictures!!!

Our New Swingset/Fort....wanna come play????

Papa Frank and Daddy built a new swingset for the kids this weekend....what a way to spend Father's Day weekend, right? They had a great time and were able to spend a lot of quality time together. The kids are so happy! They just love it and can't wait every morning to get out and play, especially Hudson!!! He is such a little daredevil, not scared of a thing. Oh and did I mention that the fort has THREE levels? It is awesome! I have even been out swinging a few times....it is quite fun!

Thank you PAPA and DADDY!!! YOU ARE THE BEST!

God and Devan

Yesterday we were driving and Hudson said, "Where is God?" To which I said, "he is in heaven up above those clouds watching over us". Well throughout the day, he walked around telling anyone that would listen that God lived with Devan....somewhere he misunderstood and thought I said God lived with Devan, not in Heaven....from the mouth of babes!

For Sale: Homemade Scarves and Kool-Aid

Hayden and her friends decided to sell Homemade Scarves and Kool-aid at their "Lemonade Stand" in May. Whoever said scarves and kool-aid don't go together in May in Chicago NEVER lived in Chicago in May! LOL!!! I thought the sign was cute that said it was to benefit the Animal Shelter. What great girls we have in our neighborhood!

Summer is HERE!

First of all, I do think that I need to apologize for my lack of posting here lately! WOW...the end of the school year caught up with me and I did not think I was going to get everything done. I did though and the kids are finally out of school. We enjoyed the day Sunday at the pool for our neighborhood pool party. It was a lof of fun and the kids had a blast. We stayed out a bit long and all had a little bit of a sunburn except for Mr. Hudson with his perfect skin! He just tanned and got cuter and browner than he already was. He is like the Coppertone baby...he already has a tan line!

We have been enjoying the beautiful weather here, in the high 70's low 80's so I definately will not trade with all you south Texas folks now! Here is where I can brag about how fantastic the weather is here and get you all back for doing it to me during the winter. LOL....no really, it is beautiful here, flowers blooming and everything coming back to life...so pretty.

My girlfriend across the street and I canned our strawberry jam for the year a couple of days ago. My freezer is stocked and the kids are happy. If you have never had homemade strawberry jam, you are missing out! We did not get to pick the berries this year like we usually do, but, we bought them picked and they are ready to go. I told my neighbor across the street when she realized how easy it was to make, she would not be nearly as impressed with me as she was before :)

Here's to a great summer, lots of rest and a little family vacation!
Mandy

Happy 3rd Birthday Hudson

Happy 3rd birthday to our sweet, sweet Hudson. We are so blessed to have him in our lives. I can't even begin to tell you the depths of love we have for this child. He is such a gift from God...a true gift from another country. He is so very perfect for us and for our family. We are thankful that God is allowing us to be his earthly parents. He continually makes us laugh, there are days when he makes me want to cry (LOL). He is so full of life and love for TRAINS! All he wanted this year for his birthday was a train cake and he wanted ME to make it. I am no baker, that's for sure, but I did give it a shot and I think it turned out okay. We love you Hudson and we are so thankful to have had you in our lives...here's to many more years together as a FOREVER FAMILY!

Our SPECTACULAR SPARKY

Hayden was involved in Awanas this year at our church. It is an organization that teaches Bible verses in a fun way. She started a little late in the year and completed her first book. The Awanas leaders gave an award to one child out of the class called "Spectacular Sparky". The director said the award was given to children who proved themselves to be friendly, helpful and show Christ-like qualities during Awana nights. Hayden won for her class! We were so proud of her and by the look on her face, she was pretty proud too! She did not know that she was going to get this award. We love you Haydie girl!!