Our trip to see the Durkees

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Gracie and I were able to spend some great time reconnecting with friends at their home in Arkansas. We spent the time touring their town, going to Branson, going to church for AWANA Sunday, visiting U of A to see Guy's name(totally cool) and hanging back at the homestead spending some quality time together. Gracie and Hope were able to get to know each other as big girls which had its challenges, but was so great to see. When we got back on the plane, Gracie was so sad and misses her friend to this day! When she sees the pictures she cries. That tells me she has GREAT memories and had a super awesome time!! She wasn't the only one! I totally enjoyed getting to pal around with my great friend, Jen! I truly enjoyed the chance to catch up and spend quality time together. Plus, we both got to meet the twins!! Grace and Nolan - 15 months - were so much fun!! I was completely taken by them! I am just amazed at their similarities and yet they are so different. It was so wonderful. Thank you to the whole Durkee family for making us feel so welcome. Thank you for the fun times and priceless memories. Words cannot express how much fun we had and what a blessing you both are to me. Thank you thank you thank you. I hope you all enjoy taking our trip with us...it was such a great adventure!!

Grace and Cael...fast friends

Gracie has wanted to meet Cael for so long! She is trying to get the concept of adoption, not quite there yet. But she does know she gets to have a new friend! That is the best part in her eyes. Cael came over to our house and brought his mommy and daddy. The kids were a little shy at first but quickly overcame that. Before we knew it, they were swinging together, eating together, and making BIG chalk prints on our driveway! (Thanks to Betsy, bringing the coolest toys!! Thanks Bets!) They seemed to bond pretty quickly. A few days later, we got to see them all at church and Gracie was SO excited to see her new buddy!! And just a few days ago, Bets and I went on one of our favorite shopping trips, but this time, brought both of our kiddos!! We rented the cool car strollers, went to our favorite stores, and ate a yum-o lunch. The only downer for me, the Disney store is officially closed in our mall. A sad day for all. So we needed to commemorate the event by having the kids stand on Mickey's ears and taking their picture. I will always remember that store fondly....moment of silence for the closed chain....thank you. After we left our friends, Gracie talked the entire ride home of her new friend and how much she missed Cael. I am so glad that our kids love each other. Thanks for sharing your balloons, Cael. You are one sweet little boy! And Bets, you know I love you!! We had so much fun. Thanks again!!

Betsy giving the kids a push.

Grace and Cael swinging in our backyard.

Our kids on the ears of Mickey in front
of the now closed forever Disney store.