Trip to the States

We got home last week after spending 3 wonderful (quick) weeks in the states. We enjoyed spending time with family and friends, a wedding, a pool party, visiting two of our churches, a July 4th firework show, a zoo and so much more!
It's always hard for me to find time to do email and keep up with my blog in the States. So I'm sorry for the delay. Now, that the kiddos are back in a routine and our lives are getting back to normal, it's time to post some photos..... Tiago, our manager at Fiel, came to the states with us. He and Ricky had the opportunity to visit a Pastor in Michigan. The day we arrived in Miami, Tiago casually informed us that it was his birthday. So later that night.......my parents took us all to Carrabas. What a treat!!James was so excited to ride his Jeep again. It was all he would talk about in the weeks leading up to our trip. So my parents made sure that the battery was charged and ready to go when he got here. Just two days after we arrived, my mom, the kids and I went to Nashville for my college friend's wedding. My sister flew it to meet us and we made a short weekend out of it. Here is mom and Lilah at the Nashville Zoo. James insisted on taking a photo on top of the Lion's head at the zoo. He gave the camera the biggest smile.
I had the opportunity to meet up with some college friends at the famous Pancake Pantry. I hadn't seen these girls in 7 years! I was happy that they finally got to meet my kiddos too.
After breakfast, we drove over to the hospital to see Ginny and baby Scarlett who safely arrived the day before. Unfortunately, I don't have any photos of her as the nurse carried her off as soon as we got there. :(My sister Carol is the fun-loving auntie to Lilah and James. We said our goodbyes at the airport and Carol headed home to Raleigh, and mom, the kids and I flew on to Florida.We got home around 11pm and the kids were zonked out in the car seats. They didn't even budge when I slid their pajamas on and gentle put them in bed.

Sleeping Habits

Yeah, we found James sleeping like this one morning. This is not a common scene at our house. In fact, this is the first time that she has fallen asleep in her chair. Poor thing, she wore herself out.
We often play hide-and-seek with the kids as it is James' favorite game. We divided up into teams: Mommy and Lilah vs. Daddy and James. The boys hid in my closet and gave us a scare when I opened the door.

Lilah is always making friends. She had a fun night celebrating Johann's 3rd birthday.

James and his friends enjoy his new table we bought for him to use for homeschooling. The neighbors love to come over and play too.
Another care package from Nana arrived....wow, are we spoiled now!
James liked the piggy bank Lilah received.......his alligator squirt gun was a real hit too. Thanks Nana for thinking of us........we know how much you miss us.


A fun photo of Lilah watching the kids play soccer at our neighborhood park.

A photo from last month of our nephew Adam and college friend Mark having lunch with us.
We took Lilah's play center toy next door for little Vinicius to use.
"Sharing is fun.....but I think I want it back Mommy".
Loving on V.
Sweet photo of Li-Li.

Lilah Colors!

Here is a mini video of Lilah coloring for the first time at Sunday school. Her little friend's name is Ana Julia. Lilah will be 11 months in one more week. Enjoy!

Slacker!

Yes, that's right...I am the Blogger slacker. But you already knew that. Sorry, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and friends. My apologies. Where should I start? Hmmm..... Finally, a tooth has come in for Lilah. The Brazilians say that a tooth has "been born." (nasceu) She had 4 fussy days before it finally broke the surface. Double-click the photo to see "toothers."
I really like this photo. It is so sweet to see James and Lilah start to play with one another. She loves watching him and following him around the house. And I love the mornings when Lilah wakes up first, I get her out of her crib and together we go to wake brother. I let her climb all over him and she squeals with happiness. James wakes with a smile on his face too.
This is the position that James usually carries Lilah around the house. I hated him picking her up at first but he is strong and she loves it.

Here Lilah is posing with neighbors Raissa, Marina and baby Vinicius. Lilah loves being over at their apartment. Usually, when I open our front door, she bolts to the neighbors door. I need to get it on video....I am sure she is the fastest crawler in the mundo!
I took this photo to show you how sweaty Lilah gets when sleeping. It is winter right now in Brazil but our winters are very mild.....usually sunny and warm during the day and then cold at night. So it is hard to know how to dress her because it is hot when she goes to bed but then cools off later in the night. It's kinda a pain to wake her up and put more clothes on her before I go to bed.
Here are my two "goobers" playing nicely on their little sofa.

There is no doubt in my mind that Lilah will be walking within a month. She is always cruising around the place, holding on to the coffee table or cabinets. She likes to pull herself up while hanging on to my pants while I am cooking or washing dishes. (James didn't start walking until he was 14 months old.)

A care package from Nana arrived........Yahoo! It's like Christmas around here when we get a little "love" from home. (books in English, small toys, Cheetos, and other goodies.) Thanks mom, it was a lot of fun! (especially, the dinosaur egg that hatched in water....the excitement lasted for days!)
Lilah was playing more with the box than it's contents.
For over a month now, I have been hanging out in the nursery during the morning service at church. Lilah cries like crazy when I try to leave. Normally, I would let her cry it out but the Brazilians can't handle the crying..............they get nervous and come and get me. So hopefully this phase will pass soon.Lilah and Sofia coloring. So cute to see her sitting in a big chair....it didn't last long.
James covered in ice cream. He loves ice cream as much as his parents do!
Another photo of Li-Li and V. If the Lord allows, his little family will return with us to the states in November for two months ( just to vacation) Vinicius' father works at Fiel with Rick and can still work on design while there........just like Rick.

The Fiel College Conference

Early last month, we had our 5th annual College Conference with over 300 young people in attendance. The theme this year was "Knowing God's Will." The speakers shared about God's will and how it relates in every aspect of our lives. ( i.e. career, relationships..etc.) I heard several say that they were really encouraged from the messages and thought this was the best year yet. Overall, we had a great group and the Lord used this time together for His Glory! James and Lilah having a snack picnic in the back of the auditorium during one of the messages. Unfortunately, it rained 2 out of the 4 days of the Conference. When the sun finally came out, everyone was ready to play. Here is a photo of the relay races getting ready to start. There was also horseback riding, hiking, paddle boat, fishing, swimming (although too chilly) and there was an organized treasure hunt that lasted several hours.The children getting ready to watch the relay races. Here is a photo of us at lunch after morning messages. Our nephew Adam ( green jacket) and his friend Mark (first on right) came down from the states to participate and travel a bit. They just went home last week. We enjoyed their company.Here are the children of our Fiel Ministry team members sitting down watching an impromptu puppet show in one of the cabins.
And little Lilah all bundled up at night. Look at that little red nose.....she was cold....we all were!