Saturday, September 29, 2012

Isa

We had an amazing experience this weekend. We got to meet Andrew's sister and her mom. We have known Isa and Kerrilyn for a few years but have never met. The kids were too young to really understand their relationship and we decided to wait until they were a little bit older. This summer, Kerrilyn and I made the decision to have them meet. It was an exciting, wonderful, difficult, emotional, unforgettable weekend.

The boys ran full force down the hall of the hotel to see Isa for the first time.

Their first group hug.

Kerrilyn and Isa asked us to stay and swim at the hotel for a while. It was a good way to break the ice for the kids.

Since it was Andrew's family day, he got to choose the day's activity. He asked to go to the zoo. We missed the dolphin show but still got to show Isa one of our favorite places to hang out.



Yeah. They look a little bit alike.


We found out that Isa loves to take pictures and is very good at it.

We found out that Daniel likes fish.

Schlemeel, schlemazel

 You have to have your picture taken in the kangaroo.

After the zoo, we drove into the city for some delicious Guatemalan food.






On Saturday, we hung out at home for the morning. During lunch, we found out that Andrew and Isa eat the same thing for lunch. Neither one of them likes bread so they eat meat roll-ups, cheese sticks and hard-boiled eggs. 
After lunch, we went to the park at the boys' school so they could show her 'their park'. 

Playing tag together.

Daniel has a little sister-crush going on.

I love this picture.

 A tearful goodbye.

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Birthday pictures of Manno!

We got pictures of Manno's birthday party in Haiti. The people who take care of him there are so awesome. They asked me to be part of the party and let me choose the theme. I sent down cakes, frosting, an outfit for him to wear and a DVD for the kids to watch after the party. It was such a gift for the boys and I to feel like we were part of his birthday party. 

Emily made his cake and he got to help.

4!!


Hanging out under the mango tree reading a Thomas book.


Monday, September 3, 2012

Happy Birthday, Manno!

Manno turned 4 today. It was a bittersweet day for us. We miss him and want him to be home with us for the big and little celebrations but we are so happy that he lives with people who love him and celebrate these milestones with him in special ways. 
The boys were very excited about Manno's birthday. Andrew woke up and immediately yelled, 'It's Manno's birthday today! Let's decorate the house!' 

We picked out some party plates and crepe paper and decorated the diningroom table. 




 We also made a 'Manno' banner for our chalkboard.



And we sang. 
Sorry that you have to mostly hear me singing but I was holding the camera and was closest to the microphone. Just sing along to the video and you won't even be able to hear me. :)




We love you Manno and we can't WAIT for you to be home with us.