unexpected blessings in the concrete jungle

Sometimes I get so far behind in blogging that I'm not quite sure where to start. Then I just stop blogging altogether. But then, well, that's just silly. How 'bout I just start with where we are now? Hong Kong! Actually, I wasn't really looking forward to this trip to HK, but it's been such a gift because we are having a GREAT time. Because Kevin's passport has to be mailed to the US for a new visa, we are sticking around for longer than we have before. And it's giving us time to stop and smell the roses, so to speak. I wasn't sure that was possible in Hong Kong; what a crazy-fun place! The last few months have been filled with a little more busyness than normal. I mean really, where did the time go? Weren't we just here in Hong Kong doing our visa turnaround? I'm so thankful we've had these last few days because it's made me stop and enjoy my family in a new way and think again about how good the Lord has been to us. I simply could not ask for more. With all our medical and dental appointments out of the way, we've had some time to play the last few days. So far Kevin has taken Grace for her first ice skating experience (or maybe we could call it "ice walking") and we've had lots of time to play at a local park. Turns out Trinity loves it when big sister pushes her on the baby swing. And today, we took the plunge and headed to Hong Kong Disneyland for the first time! We had been waiting until Grace was old enough to really enjoy it and boy, it did not disappoint!! Today was one of the sweetest family days we've had in a long time. One of those "talked-about" days that you remember for a long time because everyone was simply having a blast. (Well, Trinity, you'll just have to take our word for it sweet girl.) But because I'm coming off an adrenaline high from today and nodding off as I write, I'll save pictures for next time. Until then...

a trip with Daddy

Grace has wanted to accompany her daddy on one of his countryside trips for quite some time. She loves to be on the go and try out new places. And she wanted to go see a new little friend she made a few weeks ago. So because of the nature of this latest trip, Kevin thought he could take care of his responsibilities while having Grace tag along. They left Saturday and get back tomorrow (Monday). Right before they left, Grace told me she would be a sweet girl on the trip. She kissed me goodbye and headed out the door. Then I heard her say, "One more thing, Mommy." So I opened the door. She asked, "Mommy, will you be a sweet girl too and take care of my pets?" (meaning her stuffed animals). "Will you take care of them so they don't cry?" Made me grin from ear to ear. She seems so much more grown up lately. Here they are looking so proud before heading out to the bus station. I've been resisting the urge to text message all weekend questions such as, "Did you take her to the bathroom?" or "Has she eaten healthy foods today?" I know she is in very capable hands. I'm so thankful to have a husband who is also an excellent daddy! I talked with Kevin tonight and he is pretty tired but I think the trip has gone as well as could be expected with a little girl tagging along. A little girl who still gets pretty overwhelmed with lots of well-meaning strangers who want to gawk at the foreign kiddo. In the meantime, I've had lots of extra snuggle time with my other baby girl.

Trinity is 8 months old already! Somebody make her slow down! In the past week alone she's gone from eating barely any baby food to chowing down on soft finger foods like bananas, avocado, and papaya like there's no tomorrow. And although she isn't crawling on all fours she's starting to scoot on her belly. And babbling much more. Before long she'll be going on trips to the countryside with Daddy, too!

But for now I'm kissing on these chubby baby cheeks as long as I can.

And loving her chubby baby hands and wrists. Don't you love little baby hands?

Speaking of babies, my brother Chad and his wife Erin welcomed a new baby girl yesterday. Welcome to the world Macy Gerlt!!

just like home

Even though we live overseas and life is a bit different, there are lots of "normal" activities our kids are able to participate in from time to time. On Oct. 31, just 4 hours after we got back from our latest trip, we attended a little Fall Festival that some friends had graciously put together for the foreign kids in our area. They were even so thoughtful as to share bucket loads of candy sent from America! Grace had already said she wanted to be a "ballerina," and since I put in approximately 0.1% brain power into planning a little costume, we put on some dress-up clothes and called it good. Here are my little ballerinas right before the party. (Poor Kevin stayed home since he was feeling really sick.) Baby Macy was an Aggie cheerleader. :)

"Whoo-hoo, lots of kids to play with!"

A hungry little Indian checking out the snack table

There was some trick-or-treating,

games such as pin-the-stem-on-the-pumpkin and bobbing for apples,

and even a cupcake walk.

But Grace's favorite part? "Playing on the grass." Oh, and getting candy.

Good times were had by all. I can only imagine what the neighbors thought about these crazy foreigners.

Together at last

It is such a beautiful thing to witness a sweet baby boy bonding with his mommy and daddy

who prayed and hoped and waited for years for just the one God had chosen for them.

J and J, thank you for allowing us to come and meet precious Sterling! He's absolutely perfect! You both are naturals and it was pure bliss watching you as parents. Praise the Lord for his goodness.