Sunday Snapshot ~ one step closer....

To this little guy.

Our son.

Liam.

We headed here last week.

For fingerprints.

For our dossier.


It's about a four hour trip.  One way!

But so worth it!

So, we decided to make a day out of it!

Packed up the girls, and Grandma, too.

(My mother lives with us so she needed to get her fingerprints done as well.)


Some friends of ours, who made this visit a few months ago for their adoption process, recommended that we go to the Italian neighborhood.  (Thanks Dave and Rhonda!)

What a great recommendation!
We loved it!!!

It was so nice to get out of the car.....eat and walk around for a bit before our fingerprint appointment.

First stop:  LUNCH!

We browsed a bit.

Then we ordered.

Then we feasted!

The day was perfect for eating outside.

Second stop:  Dessert!!!!

Grandma wanted to chill and read.....

We were off to find the bakery....

What is the world???

Really???  I digress.....

Found the bakery!

Score!!!

Got some Gelato.....

Yummmm-meeeeee!

And a whole box of the most delicious Italian cookies EVER!!!

Last stop:  Fingerprints!!!

woo-hoo!!

Of course, I couldn't take pictures inside. ;)

Things went pretty well.....

Shea was the only one who 'beeped' as she went through security.
Not sure why?
But the nice security officers let her in anyway.

Grandma had to give up her {metal} hair pick and finger nail file.  (oops!)

Apparently, my finger pads are worn out.  ha!
It took about 30 minutes to get some decent prints.  (oh brother!)

Hopefully, we will receive our I-800a approval this week.

THEN, we will be able to send our Dossier To China!!!

One step closer, baby!!!

Check out the other Sunday Snapshots here:

Sunday Snapshot: the park, finally!!!

We have a neighborhood park that the girls just love.

We FINALLY made it there this weekend!

Between the weather still not being spring-like (up here in the north) and our busy schedules......

Our park play has been delayed.


Boy, were the girls ready to go!

First order of business:

Kick off the flip-flops.

Next, get the sand toys ready.

Shea wanted to perfect her cartwheels....outside.  (She been practicing in the house.  Not cool!)

Avery wanted in on the video action.  Of course.  lol  She has perfect the fine art of crossing the monkey bars.

Next on the docket, some swinging!

Last but not least....gotta get in some bubble time!

The girls had a fun time.  Love these little stinkers!

I enjoyed them immensely......AND was able to get caught up on my reading for my online Bible study with all the wonderful ladies over at Ni Hao Y'all!!!

It was a win-win kind of a day!!!

Check out all the other Sunday Snapshots!

Update on my boy!!!

I work up this morning to this!

Been crying like a baby.....

What a great way to start  my day!!!

And this.

And this!

And this!!!!!

LOOOOOOOOVE!!!!!!

Is he the cutest little guy? Or what???

Ann at Red Thread to China ROCKS!!!!

I ordered a package for Liam and requested an update LESS THAN A WEEK AGO!!!!  BAM!!!

I probably would have received an update sooner if I was really on top of my game......just sayin'.

I highly recommend her!!!!

Oh yeah, I found out the following:

He is in good health.  He is flexible (?), loves to climb, likes 'free life' (again ?), isn't a fan of being constrained.  (lol, love this!!!)

However, he seems to be a bit shy....and doesn't talk much.

*Well, my little boy.....I'm sure your sisters will love you to pieces and do ALL the talking for you!!!


Oh, and I'm so in love with this little guy!!!

deep sigh.....

Thank you Jesus for giving me another child, another son!!!

I am so blessed!!!

Sunday Snapshot {Father/Daughter Ball}

What fun!

How special!

So....

We bought the tickets.
Saved the date.
Picked out dresses, shoes, and hair accessories.

Shea and Avery were so excited to go dancing with their daddy.

And Daddy was pretty excited to go dancing with his little girls.

So off they went....

They danced.
They laughed.
They enjoyed some yummy cookies.
They even made a special handprint art project.

Most importantly, they have a night of special memories.

A knight in shining armor and his princesses!!!

The Princesses know they are loved.
They know they have a knight in shining armor who will always be there for them.

And this mommy feels blessed on so many levels!!!

Almost Wordless Wednesday {Easter Eggs}

What fun, what fun!

Pretty intense stuff here!

Little Archer was rearing to go.......

Next year sweet baby boy!