Joseph's friend will be home Sat.!!!  So excited to have another friend in town for him!  You can follow his journey at
laurajonesjournal.wordpress.com

Our good friends are in Ethiopia right now!!  They are adopting our Joseph's other good friend, Luke.
 We are so excited for them!!
There are 2 brothers, 8 and 10 that need a family.  Praying that someone will step up.  They desperately
want a family.  We have met these boys and they are precious. :)
You can follow our friends journey at laurajonesjournal.wordpress.com

We finally have an updated picture of the kids!  Joseph continues to amaze us.  He has such a sweet heart.  We are so excited for our 2 friends that will be bringing a total of 3 more children home from Josephs orphanage!
Keep pressing on!!

Hope at Home: HELP AND HOPE FOR ADOPTIVE AND FOSTER PARENTS!

Hope at Home: HELP AND HOPE FOR ADOPTIVE AND FOSTER PARENTS!: We think once you read about our breakouts for Hope at Home 2012 that you are going to want to be there. Each breakout session will end w...

For Such As These: Waiting brothers—9 and 4 years old!

For Such As These: Waiting brothers—9 and 4 years old!: I shared about these brothers last week but I think they got lost in the shuffle. I have seen their faces and they have taken a piece of my ...

beautiful picture of marriage

Where Are God’s Men? Where Are God’s Women?

I am reading Beth Moore's Bible study on Esther right now.... It's all about facing our fears and trusting the Lord.

This morning the video spoke on Esther 4:16  "... If I perish, I perish."  When I finished watching the video, Mike shared with me that in his devotions this morning he read the following post, Where Are God’s Men? Where Are God’s Women? that spoke of this boldness of faith and actually referenced the exact same verse!

I want to encourage any of you that might be "considering" adoption right now.  When we began our journey we did not have everything "in order".  We did not have all of the financing in place, we did not have all of the space we needed, we did not have all of the answers ... we didn't have all of the FAITH we needed .... But GOD.  We did have a God whose steadfast love endures forever and shows new mercies every morning.  He was and is always faithful and He has and will always provide!  It was risky and required deep trust in the Lord.

Philippians 1:6  says, "He who began a good work in us, will complete it"  Beth Moore warns that sometimes we tend to "live with such self preservation that we miss our calling.  When Esther says, 'If I perish I perish', she went from self preservation to brave determination."

So, if you are are not sure about about adoption right now ... if you are struggling with indecision ... if you are 'on the fence'.  If it seems scary and risky.  Go to Him.  Pray earnestly.  God to His Word and Believe in His Promises ... and Trust in HIM!  This is what we God calls us to ... He doesn't need us to have all of the answers ... he doesn't need us to 'have it all together' when we are called.  He needs us to believe in who he is and what he says he will do for us.

Our Joseph continues to adapt and acclimate to our family amazingly well!  Unfortunately, I lost our memory card that had all of our recent pictures!!  We are searching and praying it will turn up ... but until we find it ... I have no new pictures to post.  

We are so thankful we obeyed the Lord with each of our adoptions.  It has not always been easy but we know and appreciate the Lord's love and faithfulness more that ever!

If the Lord calls us to adopt again, we will obey!  

Please take time to read the post above and be encouraged by Trusting in Him! 

beautiful

Fundraiser

Two of my friends are going to Uganda this summer.  They have some neat items for sale to raise support.

http://andsoweserve.blogspot.com/2012/02/your-bag-tag.html

A sweet family to pray for

Click on this--->There's no place like home!: It is Cancer and We Need Prayer...: This is not a post I want to post. In fact I'm not really sure where to begin... If it is not written perfectly please overlook the imper...

Hello ... this is Gabe Parker.  I am updating the blog because my mom doesn't have time. :)

I wanted to write some things I like about my brother Joseph.

1.  We like to play soccer down in the basement.

2.  He wakes me up early so I am on time for school.

3.  He is really good at lego's.

4.  He helps me clean my room.

5.  He is a very nice brother.

Gabe 

Wondrous Love

"It was like being on the shores of heaven".  These were the words of our dear friend Clarinda James in describing Friday's joyful celebration in which a huge gathering of family and friends joined together to welcome home our Joseph and Samuel.  Fighting back tears, my father-in-law shared similar sentiments ... drawing comparisons to what it might look like when the body of believers who have gone before us will welcome us home on that glorious day of our salvation.  It was powerful.  It was poignant.  It was overflowing with emotion.   It was an unforgettable display of God's remarkable love and provision celebrated in rich fellowship.  It is impossible to articulate the beauty of it all.  Glimpses of this glory are captured by Clarinda at The James Journal and our dear friend Laura at Seven from Heaven

Joseph is home.  I smile as I write these words ... finally home ... in the loving arms of his family!  His short time home has been very special ... his brothers and sisters have been so sweet ... acting as if he has always been a member of the Parker family.  Sasha and I cannot contain our smiles as we watch our dear Hudson play so naturally with Joseph.  He talks to him lovingly (and quickly) as if Joseph understands every word of his English (... which he does not).  The beauty of these exchanges ... is that this 'language barrier' seems non-existent.  It is a language of brotherly love - perfectly understood - that is spoken between these sweet siblings.    

We awake this Sunday morning, this Lord's Day, with grateful hearts.  We are abounding in thanksgiving as we experience God's grace and mercy with fresh appreciation.  We will worship with renewed vigor this morning as we reflect and rejoice in God's faithfulness.  For now, we say thank you to all of those that have so lovingly walked alongside us on this journey.  For the prayers, phone calls, emails, dinners, cards ... for all of the loving gestures of fellowship .... we humbly give thanks for the ways God has used his body to bless and encourage our family.  

1 Chronicles 16:8-25, "Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples!  Sing to him; sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!  Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice!  .... Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles and the judgements he uttered ... He is the LORD our God ... Sing to the LORD, all the earth!  Tell of his salvation from day to day.  Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!  For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised ..."

Joyfully anticipating the arrival of Joseph & Samuel ... the blessing of the body of believers!

Brotherly love ... Joseph and Gabe embrace for the first time ... beautiful!

Such a special moment.  Joseph in the arms of his grandmother.  A remarkable woman who embraced God's call to adopt many years ago ...  She has taught us much about God's grace, mercy, and faithfulness.  

Reunited at long last with my dear wife!  Nearly 5 years ago, it was Sasha who began responding to God's call to adopt.     I praise God for her faithfulness!  Words cannot capture my love for her.  She selflessly serves her Savior and our family without wavering each & every day.  Her love of the Lord is a daily encouragement to me and our children.  My beautiful blessing from the Lord!

The Parker Family with Grandma and Grandpa Dennis.  Only missing our sweet Hudson who was sick and couldn't make it to the airport.

Home!  (From Left):  Hudson, Joseph, Cara, Gabe, Mia, Jonah, and Ela

Life

It is Thursday evening and our time in Africa is coming to an end.  We have packed our bags, said our emotional goodbyes to the children at the transition home, and are now beginning our long journey back home – closing the chapter on what has been a powerful and unforgettable experience.

We are at the airport.  After successfully navigating the many ticketing, immigration, and security lines – we finally make it to our gate.  Joseph’s excitement is worn all over his face – his smiles have come early and often on this very special day … demonstrating the irrepressible excitement of a young boy whose longing for the love a family half way across the world will soon be realized. 

In the midst of this whirlwind of excitement and anticipation, I see Joseph starring outside the window at our gate.  It is rare moment of quiet reflection.  He seems lost in his thoughts (even if just momentarily) as he stares expectantly at the dark landscape that lies beyond the airport runway.  I watch and wonder what must be racing through his heart as he tries to absorb all that is unfolding.

As they make the call to board, Joseph smiles, reaches for my hand, and in an excited and thick Ethiopian accent says … “Dad … ready!?”.  He could never have imagined the depth and significance of that simple question.  The profundity is not lost on me.  In my humanness, in my sin, in my weaknesses … I know that I am not ‘ready’.  I am flawed and fallen… and more often than not, I am centered on self, rather than the needs of others.  And then, in that moment, I know that it is precisely because of my brokenness that I am exactly where God has called me.  I know that I AM ready … because I AM REDEEMED!  The glorious good news of the gospel is my hope … my strength.  It is my Rock and Redeemer that equips me for this journey.  This glorious truth lifts my spirits high … I smile at the remarkable beauty of adoption.  It is woven within the very fabric of our faith story … standing at the foundation of our hope and redemption.

I smile, take Jospeh’s hand, and answer with a resounding ‘YES’.  The promises of Ephesians 3:20-21 buoy my spirt as we begin our journey home, “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever.  Amen.”

Joseph ... preparing to come home!

Joseph

Here is part of an email from Mike:

Joseph is an incredible servant.  I think he is really excited to come home.  Just today – Joseph has: 

1.        Made his bed

2.       Made my bed

3.       Finished making Jonah’s bed

4.       Cleaned all of the dirty socks … by hand.. with soap in our sink.

5.       Perfectly folded every piece of clothing that we brought & packed the suitcase w/Jonah

6.       Is now helping me pack

It is so amazing to watch!  Such a selfless servant!

Wow!  I hope his skills rub off on the other kids!  Joseph is such a hard worker by nature.  Gabe has told us he truly enjoys helping people.  He also has a big sense of humor!

We did not have any of this info when we moved forward in faith to adopt him.  We are so thankful for the gift the Lord is giving us.  

Light

It is early Thursday morning on our final day here in Addis.  I have grown to cherish the quiet morning hours here in Africa.  They provide a rare serenity that has a way simplifying all that we tend to make so complex in our life and our faith.  I am prayerful and reflective … quietly processing all that has taken place on this amazing journey to bring Joseph home.  I am soaking in God’s word.  With another brilliant sunrise preparing to emerge on the eastern horizon, appropriately, I come upon Psalm 18:27-28 in my reading.  “For you save a humble people … for it is you who light my lamp; the Lord my God lightens my darkness”.

As I reflect on our time here in Africa – these verses capture so much of what we have seen and experienced.  We have seen the remarkable love and ‘humility’ of Joseph, Samuel, and the children at the transition home.  We have seen God’s light penetrate dark and often difficult circumstances in the way that these children surrender their own self-interests and sacrificially serve one another … as they serve their Savior.  Among the many experiences over the last two days that we will remember – none stands out more than the baptism ceremony at the transition home on Tuesday.  With Gabe and a fellow pastor presiding, the children sang praise songs, prayed fervently, professed their saving faith with calm assurance – and were baptized in a breathtakingly beautiful display of God’s covenant promises.  We celebrated with a short time of prayer and praise and we then took communion together … all in remembrance and reverence of our Savior.

Our days here have been full.  We successfully completed our US Embassy appointment, visited the National Museum of Ethiopia, toured churches high atop Mount Entoto, shopped in the market, and treated boys to the first scoop of ice cream they have ever tasted. 

We will spend our final day with the children at the transition home before we pack and prepare for our journey back home.  While we look forward to our return with great excitement … our final good byes to these precious children promises to be a heart-wrenching and emotional experience.

In his book, Adopted for Life, author Russell Moore writes of the importance of believers becoming, “other-directed instead of self-directed”.  I have witnessed this ‘other-directedness’ countless times over the last week and throughout this journey in the lives of Gabe, Connie, Joseph, Samuel, the children, and so many of the people of Africa.  They are living examples of Philippians 2:4, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” As the morning light begins to shine once again … I am praising God for the redemptive light and life He is displaying in these precious souls and through His powerful story of adoption.



The morning light begins to shine



Joseph and Jonah at the transition home



Joseph and Samuel



Gabe with the children before their baptism - one of the most precious and profound moments I have ever experienced in my walk of faith.

Jonah, Anika, Samuel, and Joseph.  This was the first time the boys have had ice cream!  So sweet.



I was able to talk to Mike on the phone today for the first time this week.
They have had a great trip!  Jonah and Joseph really enjoy each other.  Everyone is feeling much better.
Mike told me Joseph is known for being very disciplined.  Every morning he wakes up makes his bed and spends time reading the Bible.  Mike said he is very focused during this time of prayer and meditation.
The funny thing is that he has been making Mikes bed everyone morning also!
Only 2 more days until they get here!!

Prayer Requests

Could you pray for us :)  Wow this has been an intense week!  I know Satan hates the picture of adoption and will do anything to destroy it, or discourage.
It has been so weird to be watching my husband and 2 sons journey through a blog.  Phones are not predictable there.  I have been able to text here and there.
I think I have gotten 2 hours of sleep in 3 days. :)
 Pray for Joseph he is not feeling well at all... throwing up.  He doesn't know much English so its hard to communicate how he is feeling.
Pray for Mike as he cares for him.  I am usually the one that deals with the stomach thing with the kids.
I am so proud of Mike and Jonah!  They had their Embassy appt. and it went great.
Thanks for your prayers.

Hope

It early Tuesday morning as I type.  The dark sky is beginning to awaken with early glimpses of light that are certain to bring another magnificent sunrise above the city and people of Addis Ababa.  The air is crisp and quiet … with only the sounds of an Orthodox priest chanting morning prayers that echo over the valley in the distance.  My heart is full this morning as I recall the images, experiences, and blessings of this journey. 

Our reunion with Joseph yesterday, the emotional encounters with the children at the transition home, and the unexpected blessing of fellowship with Gabe and Connie (who flew to Addis yesterday from Mekele) has my spirit soaring with praise in these early morning hours of quiet reflection.  As I pause with a pensive stare to the landscape surrounding me … my mind is flooded with the images Joseph, Samuel, and the dear children still living at the transition home.  These images and the experience of ages, races, and languages melting into a time of rich fellowship, laughter, and love and have touched me deeply.  They have provided a glimpse of the glories of God’s provision - a tiny taste of what it must look and feel like in the “new heavens and new earth” spoken of in Isaiah 65.  Yesterday was the culmination of years of prayerful petitioning … the opportunity see the script of God’s beautiful story of adoption celebrated before our very eyes.

With all of the redemptive beauty and blessing that filled our day … my mind is brought to Romans 4:18 – 22.  Highlights of this passage include, “In hope he believed against hope … he did not weaken in faith … No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.  That is why his faith was ‘counted to him as righteousness”. This powerful passage holds deep meaning and significance in my life for many reasons.  It is a passage chronicling the faith of Abraham – capturing our deepest faith experiences. It touches upon the trial, trust, and triumph that we often taste on this side of heaven.  It is a powerful passage depicting prolonged brokenness, unwavering belief, and the beauty of God’s steadfast promises of provision. 

In many ways … it captures much of what I have felt and experienced on this journey to Joseph. 

This morning my faith is strengthened and I am praising God for the richness of his blessing.  I am also feeling a sense of the ‘not yet there’, the lingering effects of the Fall … the continuing hurt and uncertainty of those children that still remain at the transition home with no family bringing them home.  Beneath their beautiful faces, handshakes, and hugs …you can see the longing in their eyes for the love of a mom & dad … you can see the sense of brokenness they carry with no family to love and care for them.  They grasp for my hand early & often … and cling tightly throughout our visit.  Tears fall from their innocent faces as we say our goodbyes … it breaks my heart. 

Through this pain … I pray.  I praise God for our Joseph and for the Carlsons and Samuel.  For the Jones family and Luke.  For other families coming forward and for the amazing love stories that I know God is weaving together.  And I pray for those children still waiting … I pray ‘without wavering’.  I pray and hope and believe – fully convinced in God’s powerful hand of provision.

The sun has now risen … the light is shining.  Symbolic in so many ways.  I begin Day 3 … with a humble and hopeful heart.

Joseph (between Jonah and I), Samuel (front), Dibora (Larry & Krista's daughter under my arm), and the beautiful children at the transition home.

Praising God

Psalm 68: 5-6, "Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in his holy habitation.  God settles the solitary in a home ... "

WHAT AN AMAZING DAY!  Absolutley flooded with emotions!  We have Joseph and Samuel!!  So so much to write - but we are in the middle of our day here in Addis and still have lots on the agenda.  I'm rushing as I type - trying to get some picutres uploaded!  We are Praising God from Whom ALL blessing flow!

Joseph (left) and Samuel (right) - we are overflowing with joy for the blessing of these two incredible boys!

The Parker boys - Mike, Joseph, and Jonah

The Carlsons - Dave, Samuel, Mary, Anika

Anticipation

Today was our first day here in Addis.  It was a welcomed (and much-needed) opportunity to recover from the 17 hours of flying time and 9 hour time difference here in Africa.  Returning here only 10 weeks after our trip in November has been surprisingly … nice.  Dave, Mary, and I each commented that our second trip here brings with it an odd sense of connectedness with the people, places, sights, and sounds of Addis.  Everything feels very familiar … not at all foreign.

Tomorrow we will travel to the transition home, a short distance away from our Guest Home, and bask in our long-awaited reunion with our Joseph and Samuel.  We spent much of our day talking about the boys and all that lies ahead.  Our time together with Joseph and Samuel in November provided wonderful glimpses into their sweet personalities, prayer lives, and the servant hearts of these special boys. This blessed time of bonding that we experienced in Mekele fuels our deep longing to bring them into our care and into our families.  There is a very real sense of  ‘incompleteness’ without Joseph and Samuel alongside us.  We await our reunion tomorrow with eager & joyful anticipation.  

I’ll leave you with some photographs of our day here in Addis.  We are so grateful for the love, support, and the felt prayers of so many family and friends.  God is working.  The words of Isaiah 46:8-11 continue to strengthen, sustain, and showcase His sovereignty in our story and in all of creation. With our visit to an ancient Orthodox Church and its rich imagery still fresh in my mind (see pictures below) – the passage in Hebrews 6:18-20 brings further encouragement as we close our first day here in Addis.  It reads, “…we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.  We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor for the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf ..”  He goes before us … He is the sure and steadfast anchor for our soul! Soli Deo Gloria!

Another beautiful Sunday morning sunrise outside our room in Addis.

The view from the back of our room at the Ethiopia Guest House

We visited St. Raphael Orthodox Church – built over 130 years ago high atop Mount Entoto (elevation 9,000 ft). 

The amazing hand paintings that surrounded the “Most Holy Place” shrouded by a curtain.  The octagonal shape symbolizes God and the seven arc angels.  The paintings depict the stories of the Scriptures, the heroes of the Orthodox Church, and the martyrs of the faith

We dined at an authentic Ethiopian restaurant (Yod Abyssinia). We enjoyed fine Ethiopian cuisine and lively dancing

Our Journey Begins

I begin this post sitting in a cramped seat on a crowded plane high above the Atlantic Ocean on our flight to Africa.  I am lost in my thoughts – contemplating all that lies ahead.  I am excited.  I am expectant.  My heart is filled with reverence tonight as I reflect on this remarkable journey and ponder all that is unfolding with each passing hour.  My mind continually wanders to the many parts of this story that God has so beautifully & intricately woven together.  Jonah and I are traveling alongside our dear friends Dave & Mary Carlson and their daughter Anika.  This fact alone - is nothing short of miraculous.  In less than one week – our Joseph and their Samuel – best friends and orphaned for far too long by circumstances beyond their control - will be brought home into the loving arms of their forever families. The mere thought of this homecoming brings a rush of excitement & anticipation to my heart.

In his powerful and deeply moving book, “Wrestling with an Angel” Greg Lucas pens these words, “you never know when or where the breeze of God’s blessing is going to blow.  Grace is like that – unexpected, undeserved, and unpredictable.”  The reality of these words resonate in my heart tonight.  We have been profoundly grateful for the ‘breezes of God’s blessings” that we have seen & experienced throughout this journey.  Above all, however, I am most grateful for the way that adoption has helped me see with greater clarity and deeper sincerity … my own deep & desperate need of my Savior.  Adoption has awakened my soul to the eternal richness of God’s promises in Ephesians 1 and Galatians 4:4-7.  It has humbled me.  It has pushed me to my knees … ushering me to a proper place and posture of complete and utter dependence upon Him (Matthew 5:3).  This is the breeze of God’s blessing that I pray He continues blowing afresh on my mind, my heart, and my spirit in the days … months … and years ahead.

We are completely exhausted – arriving at the Ethiopian Guest home around midnight -nearly 24 hours after leaving our home in Wheaton.  It is now 2:00 am here in Addis.  I sit on the front side of this journey to bring Joseph home with the words of Colossians 2:6-7 ringing in my mind as I drift to sleep, “Therefore as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith … abounding in thanksgiving.” (emphasis added)  Amen!

Bringing Joseph Home

It's been a whirlwind 24 hours ... we received confirmation on our Embassy Date late last night ... we are booking our flights this morning (even as Mike is traveling for work). 

Mike, Jonah and the Carlsons leave for Africa tomorrow to bring Joseph and Samuel home!!

Praise the Lord!

Standing in Awe

I don't know where to begin this amazing story that the Lord has written ... or how to give Him enough credit.  We stand in awe ... there are so many amazing details, I will just share a few.

About a year and a half ago we were emailed a picture of a little boy.  The friend that emailed us had spent time with this sweet boy.  He had been in the orphanage for 6 years.  When we saw his picture and heard his story we were immediately drawn to him.

So, after much prayer and affirmation from God - we began the adoption journey again ... less than one year after we came home from Ethiopia with Ela.

As we learned more about our Joseph we quickly found out that he had a best friend.  My heart began to ache for Joseph's friend - they were always arm-in-arm in every photograph we saw.  I prayed and prayed for him.  I thought we should just adopt both of them instead of splitting them up.  Mike told me to trust the Lord, maybe one of our friends would adopt him. :)  (He also thought it might not be the best idea to have three 11 year olds under one roof! :)

About 6 months later we had the privilege of hosting a gathering/dessert for Gabe, the man who runs the orphanage in Mekele.  Our good friends Dave and Mary were there (http://www.gratefullyloved.blogspot.com/)
After an evening in which Gabe shared the many details of his amazing ministries, Dave felt the call to adopt (there is probably much more for them to share on this).  They began their journey about 6 months after us.
As we moved through the process, we expeienced a number of unexpected delays on our end ...  it looked like the boys would never come home near the same time (we live in the same town and the boys will go to the same junior high at some point).
But ... God!  He was always at work throughout this journey ... in His marvelous ways ... and in His perfect timing!
He hears the prayers of his children.  Which is what both Samuel and Joseph are known for ... their prayer lives!

This morning we heard from Embassy that we are cleared for travel!  We had been waiting to hear final approval on the actual Embassy date ... and this morning ... it came!  Tuesday, 2/7/12 ... the same day as Dave & Mary's appointment for Samuel!  We stand in awe ... praising our great God!  Joseph and Samuel will be coming HOME ON THE SAME FLIGHT!  Only the Lord could orchestrate this beautiful story!

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Isaiah 55:8-9

Super Bowl

This is such a great idea!  Instead of watching the half time show during the super bowl... This video has been made to replace it.  It encourages adoption.

Great Reminder

The Lains

This video is of a family we met while in Ethiopia for our court date.  Joseph and Dibora are from the same orphanage.  It was such a blessing to get to know this family!  We spent a lot of time together.  They are missionaries in Mongolia.
Watching their video brought back so many memories.... and made me really anxious to get our embassy date!!  Praying that it will be SOON!

Quick Update

Ela got glasses!  Cara got braces!  And we heard that we are submitted to embassy!
Now we wait for embassy to contact us... this could take a week or so.   Hopefully we will get an embassy date soon!  Something must be happening... every time we are about to travel the stomach flu comes through the family!  Poor Gabe has had it 3 times this season!

The little girl in the middle is Miriam from Ethiopia, her parents are in our small group.  3 years ago our church did an adoption class, we met Cameron and Christine in that class ( Miriam's parents).  Mia was just a newborn at that time!  So much has happened since that class took place!
 This picture was taken the other day while we babysat  Miriam... her parents were updating their home study.... this time for China!

Over Christmas  break we had the privilege of spending time with Mia's birth mother (Amy) and meeting Mia's birth Grandmother, Mary.  It was so neat!
We went to Monkey Joe's to get some energy out.  Everyone had a great time!  We are so blessed to have the gift of knowing Amy and her family.

(From Left):  Sean, Robert, Mia, Amy, and Mary 

Sean and Robert - Mia's half brothers

Sean, Robert, Jonah, Gabe, Mia, Ela, Cara, & Hudson

The boys watching & enjoying some of Jonah's movies.

The boys taking pictures on photoboth

                                       

great post

www.nogreaterjoymom.com
This post above and all the comments were so good!
Such a great reminder!