Court Date!!!!

We have a court date for June 5th!!!! We found out this morning on our way to the airport to leave for Dallas.

We are so excited!! This is when the boys officially become apart of our family! We get to travel about 6 weeks after a successful court date (if all goes as planned). Then I can post pictures of their faces!!!

School program!

Carter had his end of the year school program tonight. The theme was American Bandstand. Carter looked super cute in his 50's outfit!!!

Carter did a great job singing loud and confident up on stage! He was so excited, especially to sing We Go Together!

Last Day

Our last day in Ethiopia ended very sweet. The staff and children at KVI put on a closing ceremony for Carter and I. The kids sang, prayed, and my oldest son A shared a Bible verse for us. We all danced around, staff included, clapped, and sang! They cheered and chanted our names. I got to cut the bread and then it was served. They had presents for Carter and I. I got a traditional dress and Carter got a traditional shirt and a hat. Eyob and other staff members took turns saying very kind things about Carter and I. It ended with me saying a few words, crying (of course), and praying. It was such a special time!!

Again, it's so hard cause I have a ton of pictures from that night, but most of them have kids in them and I can't post them.

Carter hugging little brother good bye

Carter saying good bye to big brother

More Ethiopia Pictures

Our trip was filled with many great memories! I so wish I could post the many many pictures I have of Carter in Ethiopia. But so many of them have children from KVI in them and that is against Ethiopian law for me to post their pictures. But believe me that Carter had a super awesome time and I will not be surprised if someday he goes back for even a longer time.


Here are some more pictures from our trip to Ethiopia.

Carter and Noah bought some cool shades from this guy (only 20birr)

In front of our guest house

Handing out slices of pizza

Downtown shopping

shopping inside one of the many shops!

Welcome Home Malet!

Here are some cute pictures of Carter with Nahom and Malet. Mary and Gary's children. Malet and Mary and Noah just got home today!! Nahom had to stay back until he can be cleared for not having TB. Hopefully he will be home in about 8 weeks.

These are some very sweet children. I knew it from the first time I met them last June!!! They have a special place in my heart.

Day One in Ethiopia

I tried to blog while in Ethiopia, but it wasn't working, so here is the first post I sent.....

(On the plane to Ethiopia)

We made it to Ethiopia. We are all doing well!! Today we got to spend the whole day with A and F!! It was so much fun!! Carter loved meeting his brothers for the first time. After about 10 minutes of being at the orphanage Carter took off running with F and the rest of the kids. He fit right in like he'd been there his whole life!! It was crazy and so cool. Carter was born to take this trip to Ethiopia. He has such an amazing heart. He is loving it so much.
At one point there were some woman and children asking for food while we were in our van. Carter said Mom give them something. I dug out a few bars that I had on me and handed them to the people. While were driving away I noticed that Carter was crying. I said to him, it's hard to see isn't it? He said, I'm crying happy tears Mom cause we just fed 5 families.
Wow! Carter has already taught me a few things on this trip and I'm sure the lessons aren't done yet!!!

(seeing Ethiopia for the 1st time)

(Noah, Carter and Eyob)

It's so wonderful to watch Carter meet his brothers and instantly love them. He just opened his arms and hugged them. Held their hands, kissed them on the cheek. So beautiful!!

(Carter and F)

(Carter and F's hands)


(A and Carter playing soccer)

I can't post any of Carter with his two new bros faces though cause of the law. But I did get some pretty cute ones!! Once they pass court I'll be showing TONS of pictures of them!!!

(Mary and Noah with Nahom and Malet)

Thank you so much for all of your prayers! We had a wonderful trip!!

Update on Mary and the kids. Their Embassy appointment went well and they are about to get on a plane in just about an hour - Mary, Noah, and Malet!

We're off!

We leave tomorrow for Ethiopia. I can't wait to hear and smell and see all of Ethiopia again. I just LOVE riding around downtown Addis Ababa. Goats, sheep, people, kids, honking, yelling, smells of all kinds, there really is nothing like it! I LOVE it!!
I am so excited to watch Carter experience all of this for the first time! And for Carter to meet his two brothers for the first time!!! I'm so excited for him! I've seen Carter meet his sister Ana for the first time and his brother Durant for the first time. Those are such special memories to me. I can remember his face each time, so I'm very excited to add another moment to the memories.

Please remember us in your prayers. Please pray for:

• Safety for all of us (Mary, Noah, Carter, and me)
  

• Staying healthy

• Carter's time with his brothers

• Transition for Nahom and Malet (meeting their Mom and brother)
  

• God's presence to be thick!

Waiting for a court date

This is the oh so fun waiting stage of adoption. We are currently waiting for a court date for our boys. This happens in Ethiopia, but we do not need to be there. This is when the boys officially and legally become our children!! YAHOO!!!!

We are hoping to have a court date in the next couple of months. If all goes well at court we will be bringing the boys home about 8 weeks later.

I'll keep you posted. In the meantime, here are some "waiting for our new brothers to come home" pictures......

Matt's 30th Birthday!!!

Matt's birthday was on Monday!! We had fun celebrating! On Saturday his family came down to hang out. We also had an Easter egg hunt for the kids!!









Monday Matt got to play basketball with a bunch of his friends! He had a ton of fun. He also enjoyed receiving 30 presents from me throughout the day! Then Carter wanted to take him out to Famous Dave's for his birthday supper!





We had a fun day!!!

Happy Birthday Matt!! We love you so much!!! We are so proud of you!!