4th of July and Sarah's Birthday

We spent the evening of the 4th in the small town of Haskell, OK at my great uncle and aunt's home. Several of my mom's siblings were there, as well as other extended family members. It seems that it is not the more "traditional" holidays that bring us all together. It is the annual 4th of July potluck.

Sarah and Papa conversing.

My wonderful mom.

Some of the more "mature" folks.

Andrew and his new friend watching the fireworks.

Getting a little cozy watching the fireworks.

The next day was Sarah's 6th birthday. Thanks to my husband's wonderful thinking, he came up with a party idea where we could have fun and beat the heat. We let Sarah invite a few friends to take to the movie Cars 2. She invited a church friend, a school friend, a life-long friend, and Andrew to come with her.

Yes, that is a Hello Kitty cake again for the 3rd straight year.

Andrew, her church buddy A, her best school buddy Charlie, and her life-long friend Avi Joy.

Avi Joy spent the whole day and night with Sarah. This sweet friend has been with Sarah every birthday, save the actual day she was born, starting with Sarah's 1st at the orphanage in Vietnam.

Summer Vacation

Part I

First stop: St. Louis, MO.

This was more of a one night pit-stop. Michael took Andrew to his first major league game.




Second stop: Louisville, KY.

We stayed a few days with my big (and only) brother and his family. I have pitifully few pictures to show from our stay, but we had a great time visiting the water park by the river, the zoo, and hanging out with them at their lovely new home. My kids always love seeing their cousin. And, our boys really bonded with Uncle Brian on this trip. Thanks for having us!

At the zoo with my sister-in-law and niece trying to entice the lorikeets.

One decided the flower in Sarah's hair would be a good landing spot.

Before we left Louisville, we got to see the one and only J & J at the seminary where Josh is studying. More importantly, we got to meet Josh and Jaclyn's brand new baby girl and their foster son. Tulsa is just not the same without you guys!

Sarah waited a whole long year to put her arms around Jaclyn.

Daddy-O Josh still has the touch with our kids.

Andrew could not wait to "pet" the baby and sing her "pretty lullabies."

Third and final stop: A small town north of Indianapolis, IN.


This was a little slice of Heaven, folks. Chilly mornings, warm days, rhubarb, great friends, quiet town, six kids under one roof all getting along..... We miss you all. Sure wish the road was shorter between us!

Lolly pops for breakfast.

Michael and Nathan with the 20 month old Samuels.

My sweet and beautiful friend Katie.

The Samuels

Babies together, middles together, eldest together. This is pretty much how they played the whole time. They were all like peas and carrots. Well, the Samuels might have been more like bumper cars.

Part II

We were home just long enough for me to vacuum up a week's worth of dog hair, spend the 4th with family, and celebrate Sarah's 6th birthday on the 5th. After that, we headed about an hour east of the city to a lake home for a few days, compliments of a really sweet church family. They graciously offered us the use of it.


Michael and the kids did a little fishing.




We did a lot of hammock lounging.

Sarah's friend A came with us the first day.

We did a little boating.

Navigating with Captain Bradley.

Poor baby kept tipping over in his life jacket.

Andrew out with Michael

Sarah out with me.

Then they were brave enough to ride together.

They did a lot of playing.



Rosie did a little swimming.




And, of course, we did a little snoozing.

Sleeping in the awesome sleeping loft.

The ride home.

This Morning

(Above) Tomato hunting is her morning tradition.

(Below) A few of the things in our yard that are surviving the heat.