What happened to my summer?

I know, I know, I am not keeping up.  I want to I write  an entry everyday but when night falls I can't bring myself to the computer to write.  Forgive me.  I wish I could sit down and right all of the funny things and stories that have been going on but that might take too much time away from the family which means I will miss those funny stories and memoriable moments.

We spent July fourth with our sweet friends the Hocutt's we have been watching the fourth of July fireworks with them for at least 8 years. 

I spent a crazy amount of time doing adoption paperwork after the kids went to bed. I wish I had a picture of this packet I dropped off.  I have to admit I was nieve in thinking that I could do it quickly.  Just to give you some idea there were fingerprints to do, lifestories from both of us (these were very detailed), birth certificates, marriage certificates, letters to write, online classes to take (a total of 8), forms to sign, things to decide, medical reviews, background checks in three states to apply for, contracts to sign, passports to apply for, pictures to send off and then we had many of these documents notorized. Finally these have been completed.

  Of course we had no lull in life. We had to turn around and start focusing on Rise Graduation.  It was Josiah's turn to walk down that aisle and stand and honor him as he graduates.  Have I mentioned how awesome that place is.  If I haven't it is. I made these super cool little gifts for his classmates.  On the bag they said, "Owl Miss You".

I'm sorry but that is the cutiest thing I've done in a long time.  I LOVE IT!!!
Then there was the big night.  Here is that funny boy showing everybody were he is headed for Kindergarten.

They do a several skits and Josiah's was precious if you don't mind me bragging.  His song was "Leaving on a Jet Plane" by Peter, Paul and Mary.  He was the ground crew and he lead the "airplane" in and unrolled the red carpet. Precious I tell you, Precious! I have tried to upload the video twice but to no avail. Drats!

Of course to make things interesting we let Elaina partake in a Summer Camp. Not the kind with bugs and tents but the kind with music and dancing.  Little E took part in a muscial camp.  This was put on by the Community Musical School based out of the Music School on the University Campus. (Another great program) The musical was Beauty and the Beast and I have never seen such wonderful milk maids. 

(she was also a knife in the "Be Our Guest" scene)

I know what you are thinking, "What about the other 2 kiddos?"  Well they are the only ones who really got a relaxing summer.  Korinna and I spent a lot of time playing, running errands, watching TV and letting Leila entertain us. Here is just a few of summer nonsense and mayhem.

Daddy Daughter Date

Attempting to play Memory

We really did have a great summer.  I just have to remind myself to stop and sit in the floor with the kids and listen to their stories and have a conversation with them.  I love learning their personalities and finding out more about them.  I want to remember these times.  I don't want to be so caught up in the busy life part that I forget how to live in the everyday mundane part. 

I hope to share with you again soon.  Until then I hope you go sit in the floor with your kids or if you don't have kids then please encourage a mom or dad to go sit in the floor with their kids.