EK's Friend Party

For the past few months EK has really talked a lot about museums and really wanted to visit one. A wonderful Children's Museum opened in Greenville not too long ago and we decided that would be the perfect place to celebrate. She invited just a few friends and we all met at the museum last Friday. It was the perfect morning... all the kids and adults were completely involved with all the many exhibits. Just a few of EK's favorites were the grocery store, the wind area, the farm, and the water area... just the best way for kids to learn.

Funny story about EK's outfit... completely by chance that she had this cute ensemble to wear. Savannah came home Thursday night with this adorable shirt her boss had made for EK in the shop where Savannah works. As soon as I saw the fabric, I knew I had some and decided to make some boutique bottoms to match. I thought she looked pretty cute... thanks to Savannah and The Monogram Express!


This was probably the most special part of the museum to me... a heart that I could open and look at and think about ShayleeJoy. How wonderful that God allowed me that time to stand and think about His creation and a little girl far away in China waiting on her forever family. I already pray for the surgeons who will one day open her heart that very same way to make it well and she will be healed.

The Grocery Store








Cake decorating was a big hit!


The Farm- riding a horse!


The Water Area




The Moms! :)


The Girls and I should have gotten one of the dads


Ate lunch and had party at Chick-fil-A


Then we were off to the Greenville Zoo and Park!






The big girls weren't big on the museum and zoo so they opted for a little window shopping. We all hooked up downtown Greenville for dinner and ice cream. I guess it's ok to say they all take my breath away when I see them together... I LOVE this pic!


The babies...


These two know how to have a good time!


These two are very much like twins although almost 7 years separate them.


My best friend, soul mate and the love of my life!!!


EK had the best of birthdays! :)

Blessings,

FedEx Surprise

I'm sure all my adoption friends are thinking special delivery for me but the package was not for me. EK received a big box with gifts from Josh.



The box was full of animal stuff... 2 horses, a horse book, the 3 Wonder Pets, stickers, and a card. She has played all day with her new animals... rescuing them from dangerous situations. Thanks so much Josh for making a little girl's day!!!

Blessings,

EK's REAL Birthday!

Wednesday was EK's REAL birthday and she had a really fun day. I made her birthday pancakes with a candle and I sang HB to her.

Then Amelia surprised her with a very special gift! Because EK has always LOVED Amelia's fish so much, she bought EK her very own. EK just stared and really couldn't believe it was hers.

Really Mimi?


And her very own fish food!


One excited and happy girl!


Funny Story: We asked EK what she wanted to name her fish and she couldn't come up with a name. I suggested Bella since it rhymed with Ella and that was a go for about 2 hours. While on the way into Atlanta, the Blue Bell ice cream commercial came on and EK announced, "I am going to name my fish Blue Bell." I suggested Blue Bella.... NO- "It's my fish and I want her name to be Blue Bell." And that was that... EK's blue beta fish is named Blue Bell. Completely original and just perfect!

We went into Atlanta for an afternoon of birthday money spending and to meet daddy for dinner. When I asked EK where she wanted to eat dinner, there was NO hesitation... Red Lobster! Every time we ever ask her where she wants to eat she says this and we decided to take her. Although she does LOVE to eat shrimp, that's not the reason for RL... she wants to see the lobster tank. Just another clue that my child is animal crazy! :)




While in Target, we found the perfect home for Blue Bell. Here she is in her new home. I can't tell you how much EK LOVES her fish and enjoys talking to her, feeding her, and just watching her!

Blessings,

EK is 5!

As tradition would have it, we are in the middle of EK's birthday WEEK. We started Sunday with her family party and today is her REAL birthday and Friday she will celebrate with a few friends on a birthday outing.

Because Scott works in Atlanta and we wanted to do something on her special day, we are going into town for a little birthday money shopping and dinner at EK's favorite restaurant... Red Lobster- not because of the food but because they have a lobster tank. I LOVE how her little mind works. EVERY single time we ask her where she wants to eat, she says Red Lobster but we never go there. This morning when I asked where she wanted to eat for her bd, she didn't hesitate a second... Red Lobster! So that is where we are going! :)

Now to the best part of the post... EK's 5 birthdays so far. From baby to little girl... more beautiful with each passing year- inside and out!

Just home from a 36 hour flight from China to home.
1 Year Old


2 Years Old- Easter Egg Hunt Party


3 Years Old- Princess Party


4 Years Old- Horse Party


5 Years Old- TBA!!!

God is so good and I praise Him today for all my many blessings!!!

Blessings,

EK's Family Party

EK will be FIVE on Wednesday... OMW- where did the time go??? I can't believe she is already 5! Since we were all going to be together eating lunch for Easter, we also had a family party for EK's birthday. She is the biggest animal lover ever and wanted a dinosaur cake for her bd so I bought a little cake at Publix (yum) and decorated with her little dinosaur collection. We also bought relighting candles and she thought that was amazing! It was a fun little party with cake, ice cream, presents, and family!!! The best!!!

Blessings,