Fun With the Cousins!

The Skura family (Eddy's sister) came to visit from Wheaton this past week. We don't get to see them very often, but when we do, we make the most of our time. The kids play so well together, and the adults actually got to have some true conversations this time! It was so nice!  Here are some pictures of our time together...

Since we only get together once or twice a year, we do one big birthday party for everyone at the same time.

The girls got matching dresses from their MiMi.

Karin, Jackson, and Kenzie tried rock climbing at Coolidge Park. 

Jackson striking a pose coming off our red-neck slip and slide.  Bought a tarp from the hardware store and put a little soap on it to "slick it up".  Oh, but did I mention that it completely killed our grass?  Oops. 

Linea taking her turn at the slip and slide ramp.

Brooks gets the prize for the biggest "AIR"!

No, maybe Jackson got the biggest air.  

Kenzie on her beloved horse, Silhouette.

She is learning to trot and steer at the same time.  

Look at that posture! Her trainer, Lane, would be so proud.  

This girl is happiest on a horse.

Every time we get together with the cousins, I love doing a photo shoot for them.  Some of these turned out great!

Handsome little Daniel.

This little guy has so much personality!

Brooks and Daniel hugging.

Beautiful Linea.

Karin came out and got in on the photo shoot.  Lovely girl!

Too bad Jackson was at baseball practice.  But a great shot of the five.

Brooks taught himself how to do a front flip. Scared me to death!

What a great time we had!  Thanks for the memories, Skuras!  We love you all!

Hilger 2 Haiti

The Hilger students are back from Haiti now.  My friends Shelley and Lois were accompanied by 12 Hilger students, and they had an amazing experience at Maison.  Here are some pictures and a video from the trip.  It is nice to know that Kervens is soooo happy during our waiting period.  

If I Can't Be With Him...

My best friend, Shelley, took a group of our Hilger students to Maison, the orphanage where Kervens lives.  She has been there for 5 days, and I have gotten numerous pictures and videos from her time there. She is getting to love on him and hold him and rock him and play with him and make him laugh and...  If I can't be with him, I guess knowing my best friend is holding him is quite a comfort.  Her last email said, "I love the way K runs to me when I go to his room to get him.  I adore your son."

It is always fun with GG (Shelley).  

One of my students, Susanna, holding Kervens during his nap. 

Of course he got hooked up with some serious candy!

Another one of my students, Beth, holding the little man.

Thank you, Shelley, for making our son feel special during your stay at Maison!  I am forever grateful!