I love to see the temple

On August 1, 2009 we were sealed to our baby girl for time and all eternity. It was a beautiful day and one we'll always remember. I love, love that we get to take our little babies to the temple when we adopt. It's like Heavenly Father is saying, "You know, you've had a rough journey to bring your children into your family. So, I'm going to give you a treat. You get to have a beautiful, sacred experience with your little ones inside my temple." I've even thought before, man, I'd be so sad to have a biological child and not get to take them to the temple. LOL

I am so grateful for our little family. There is nothing more sacred to me than holding our little ones in the temple and being made a family forever. Truly the most memorable moments.

Thanks to Mom who made her the most perfect gown and to Marsha who made her a beautiful blanket. Thanks to everyone who made her day special by taking pictures (Brysha, Paul, Tabitha, and Steve -- for trying to help Carter smile) and to our friends and family who helped make it a perfect day.

Adoption Day!

The adoption of our baby girl was finalized on July 29th. We got a great judge who was adopted herself and so has a special place in her heart for adoptions. In the proceedings, the judges always ask why we feel this baby should be in our family. I got so choked up talking about how much we love her. It was a little embarrassing because I hate crying in public, but oh well! We are so excited to have all the legalities behind us.

Our sweetie did a great job but did spit up all over herself and her Momma. Small price to pay!

Amusement park

Mary and Mark came down in July and we took the kids to the amusement park. I've been promising Mary forever to get the pics up, so here they are! The boys had a blast but the girls, not so much! And yes, that pink little bulge is Mary's baby girl.

The boys did fight over who could drive the car, screaming at the top of their lungs, and made the teenaged operators vow never to have kids. And Carter refused to let me put my arm around him on the Viking ship and got so annoyed with me, that he scooted over to the very edge and stood up. I seriously almost had a heart attack. But besides that, fun for all!

For you, Mary

No words necessary. I might add, though, that Sam was not permanently harmed in the making of this picture.

Definitely not the Myrtle Beach of my youth!

We decided to brave the beach with the little ones this summer, but only because we had my two little sisters come to help. We couldn't have done it without them. Though our vacation was full of mishaps (Noah jumping in the big pool, me losing my anniversary ring, crazy elevators, Carter smacking some strange woman on the bum), we still had so much fun! The boys loved the ocean, especially when Dan took them boogie boarding. I joined them in the ocean but was always on the look-out for sharks. Darn that Discovery Channel shark week and Krista's paranoia. Even Carter told me on the oh so long drive to the beach that he didn't want to go in the water because a big shark would bite him ( a big thank you to the makers of the film "Earth".) Of course, he promptly forgot about it once we got there.

Carter was very into building castles (and Noah was very into knocking down castles). I thought Noah for sure would be loving on the smorgasbord of tan, smooth legs he ran into but I only saw him thinking about it once. I gave him a warning look and he stopped. Thank goodness.

And the baby just kind of hung out. She was a good sport and seemed to like the water on her toes.

I know it's a lot of pictures, but I hope you enjoy them!