Gift #465- A Baby in a Kimono

My students gave Avery Grace this sweet little summer kimono (also called a Yukata).  She loved it!  Well, I think she actually loved the fuss that we made over here while she was wearing it!  But she sure was cute!

Gift #464- Our Very Own Little Patch of Dirt

Hank went on a house hunting adventure last week in South Carolina and found a perfect little patch of land for us to build a home on!  Building was not our intention, but the Lord placed just the right people in our paths and worked out every small detail.  We are so very excited.  We will have a super home that will fit this super-sized family!

Gift #463- Adventures with Good Friends

The boys went on a white water rafting adventure with their friend Spencer last weekend.  They had such a great time together.  The boys have been so fortunate to make some wonderful friends here in Iwakuni.  I love seeing the smiles on their handsome faces!

Gift #462- Getting your Fangs First!

Just in time for Halloween!
FANGS!

Gift #461- Approval for the Thomas Family to become a Family of 9!

We received our approval from the US Customs and Immigration Service to adopt from China.  We are one step closer!

Gift #460- Our Birthday Girl

She is her mama's daughter for sure!  

This year passed so quickly.  I can't believe that this little girl is already one! Avery Grace is such a bright little light in the Thomas house and I don't know what we would do without her.

Gift #459- 15 Years

I met this boy when I was 19 years old in Arden Jensen's American Literature class.  He wore t-shirts and steel-toed boots and told me that he would take me flying.  Our first outing was to see a  community theater play (for extra credit) and then to Applebees for milkshakes.  On our second date, he kept his promise and took me flying.  We married 6 years later.  2 countries, 5 states, 8 moves, 11 homes, 15 years, and countless kiddos later, he is still the one for me!  Happy Anniversary Hank.  These upcoming months and years will be full of adventure as we welcome our 2 little boys, move back home, and begin this 312 story! The best is yet to come.

PS- We ate at a Japanese style Italian restaurant for our anniversary dinner- Campagne.  My pasta came complete with crab eyeballs!  Gotta love Japan!

Gift #458- Josh's Birthday Dinner

We had a great time with Josh and his friends at Jan Jaka.  

We are thankful for good friends to share special days with.  

Gift #457- Sharing

I just love watching these two together.   Today, they are sharing popcorn.  

Gift #456- Josh Turns 12!

Josh had to spend most of his birthday sitting in class, but he made the most of it.  I might have emailed his teachers and told them that it was his birthday.  He came home with a few free homework passes and a big smile.  Jack made his birthday cake- a double layer cookie cake.  We had Soba Express for dinner and opened presents!  Friday we will take his friends out to dinner at Jan Jaka.  Josh, we are so proud of you.  You are smart and kind and helpful. Not a day goes by when you don't ask "is there anything that I can help you with?".  Thank you so much.  We hope that year 12 is your best one yet!

Gift #455- School Days

The kids started back to school on Monday.  Everyone had a great first day!  Macy started 3rd grade at MC Perry Elementary.  She is in Mrs. Brillant's class.  Josh started Middle School!  He is in 7th grade.  Jack started 8th grade- his final year before high school!  Both boys are at MC Perry High School.  They have great schedules and even have one class together.  Sam is home with me this semester.  We are brushing up on reading and math so he will be all ready to go when we get to Beaufort next semester.  So far so good.  But, then again, its only day 3.  :)  We were sad to see the summer end, but were ready to get back into a routine of things around here.   Happy School Days!