Gift #523- A Dream Come True

I took these photos as I was leaving to go get my boy from China!  I was feeling anxious and excited.  It was hard leaving the kids, but I knew that it would just be for a short while and that I would be coming home with a treasure.

Gift #522- Girls Day

Macy had her first pedicure a few weeks back.  We had a great time together.  She giggled as they massaged her feet.  I think that I have created a monster though- she can't wait to go back. 

Gift #521- Hometown Radio Stations

I love being home and being able to listen to my favorite radio station-  92.5 WPAP.  As a kid, we would listen to the Gospel Greats on Sunday morning as we got ready for church.  In the afternoons we would listen to the American Country Countdown with Bob Kingsley.  As I was driving to pick up lunch yesterday, Mr. Bob Kingsley was announcing the top 2 songs of the week.  Made me smile!  Happy Memories for sure!

Gift #520- The Rat Pack

Jack and Josh made some very good friends in Iwakuni.  They made some very happy memories together.  We will miss these kids for sure.  Hank and Jack stayed behind in Iwakuni a few weeks to get the house packed up and cleaned.  These are pictures from Jack's farewell.  I might have cried my eyes out when I saw them.  I am so very thankful for the friendships that we have made along the way. 

Gift #519- Sonic- America's Drive In

Our first stop on the way to Panama City was Sonic!  Oh Sonic, we have missed you so!

Gift #518- Welcome Home Banners

We had a very warm welcome home!  Pat picked us up at the Atlanta airport.  He had Chick-fil-a waiting for us in the car.  The drive to Panama City the following day was wonderful.  Wide Open spaces and lots of green!  We arrived home to this welcome banner hanging on the back door.  It feels good to be home.

Gift #517- 'Merica

It was hard to leave this little place that we have come to love.  

But we are so happy to be heading home!

Gift #516- One Step Closer

That's our little guy!  Right in the middle!  Our new friend Mike Rottina (back row) is in China this week.  He raised money to take some of the kids out for their birthdays!  This is such a treat for the kids.  They went to a park and then to McDonalds!  We received our final approval from US customs this week!  Our last approval gave us permission to adopt 1 child from China.  This approval gave us permission to specifically adopt Bo!  His name is on the approval notice!  The notice is officially called a Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee as an Immediate Relative.  I just love the sound of that!

Gift #515- The Avery Aftermath

This is what happens when I get preoccupied- Avery Grace entertains herself!  I am not quite sure how this qualifies as a gift.  But it does make me smile (after I finish crying.)  :)

She loves to knit!  She and her Mimi are going to get along famously!

When she runs out of yarn, she likes to play with the toilet paper.

And when the toilet paper runs out, it is always fun to put the dog food in the dog water bowl and watch the food swell up to four times its normal size.  All really fun things!

Gift #514- Empty Cupboards

It probably seems strange to be thankful for empty cupboards.  But in this case, the emptiness is welcomed!  It means that we are heading home soon.  A few months before each PCS we start going through the pantry and cooking with the items that we have on hand.  It is actually kind of fun.  We have come up with some strange dinner combinations over the years.  Each time I looking the pantry, I am reminded that we are almost home!  I am thankful!

Gift #513- Henry is 2 months old!

2 months old!