8th Grade Night

Last night my nephew Blake had his 8th grade night for basketball. As a former coach & player, I love watching my nieces & nephews play basketball.

My sister Tracy, Blake, & my brother-in-law Brent

Calling the plays as the point guard.

Taking it to the hoop!

After leading the team to victory, Blake takes a seat on the bench.

Great game last night, Blake. Good luck as you start regional play next week!

P.S. ..... My niece Gracie was also at the game watching cousin Blake. She was lucky enough to have someone give her the cheerleading uniform that she has on. Isn't she a cutie???

Gracie & her friend Bailey

P.S.S. We are on our way out the door. Trying to get to a gymnastics meet before the ice storm hits.

Just Another Reason....

One of our favorite Christmas Cards always arrives a week or two after the holidays. This year was no exception. Look what was in our mail just last week:

Yes, a Christmas/ New Year's card from Zoe's orphanage. We feel so blessed to receive this every year, knowing not all orphanages do this. And you know the best part????

It arrived on Zoe's Gotcha Day!!! Couldn't have asked for another reason to celebrate seven years of gotcha!

7 Years Ago...

A scared little girl was placed in our arms at a hotel in China. How our lives have changed! Neither Paul nor I can imagine life without Zoe Gwen. With her radiant smile & caring personality, she is a blessing to so many people. And...growing up so quickly into a beautiful girl with such a tender heart. Happy Seven Year Gotcha Day, Zoe! We love you more & more each day.

Where Have I Been?

Things have just been plain crazy around here. Zoe is competing in gymnastics for the first time. So, between her practice in the gym & traveling to competitions, we seldom find ourselves at home. Zoe is loving it though & wouldn't have it any other way. She competes as a Level 4 USA gymnast.

At her first ever compeition November 13th (held near Chicago), she placed second All Around. (missing 1st by 0.15) & her team captured first place. As you can imagine everyone was thrilled.

At the second meet December 11th, Zoe got first on the bars, vault, & floor; second on the beam; & won the All Around title. Her team once again captured first place.

Even though Paul & I are rookies at this gymnastics thing, we are amazed at the skills that the gymnasts on our team possess compared to some of the other gyms we compete against. We contribute our team's success to their coach. She is awesome, knows her stuff, & gets 110% out of our girls every time they are in the gym.

It's going to be a fun season. We are headed back up north this weekend for a big meet. I'll be sure to update you all when we get back home.

Way to go, Zoe! We are so proud of you!!!

Happy New Year

Wow! Hard to believe that another year has flown by. Where does time go? We've been very busy. (so busy I just can't seem to find the time to update this blog.) However, one of my New Year's Resolution is to post at least three times per week. I use this site as our family scrapbook so I need to get back in the habit of posting. So, I have a post in mind for tomorrow. Hope you'll check back then!