Endale's Baby Dedication

We were honored to have Endale's baby dedication on his 2nd birthday.  We dedicated him back to the Lord after him being given to us.  It was special that my Dad/Papa was able to do the dedication.  Matt got to just be the dad.  

Endale's 2nd Birthday

Two years ago today, our baby boy, Endale was born.  He was crafted by God in the womb of another mother and knitted in my heart years ago.  We are so thankful that God entrusted us to raise this precious boy.  He is PURE JOY.  We have so loved having him in our family and look forward to celebrating many, many more birthdays with him!

 I made my first attempt at Ethiopian food for his birthday dinner.  It was injera, a flat bread served with most meals and Doro Wot, a chicken stew dish.  It turned out pretty good.  It was very spicy for the kids.  Next time, I will use less of the berbere Ethiopian spice.  I think it was a success!

Colorado Road Trip

The youth from our church took a Road Trip to Colorado, so I decided to tag along with the kids.  We stayed with Aunt Rachel and enjoyed some time with her.  Camden was busy hanging out with his friends and didn't end up in any pictures.  :)  Payton was tall enough to go on some big roller coasters.  He had no fear!

Rachel had purchased an ice cream cake we could celebrate the upcoming birthday boy, Endale and birthday girl, Maylee Grace while we were in Colorado.

While we were in Colorado, we also stopped by Focus on the Family headquarters to visit their kids place.  They have a large play place that is based on the Adventures in Odyssey radio shows that our kids love to listen too.  It included a three story tube slide and Whit's End Soda Shop where we got root beer floats.

Trip to Wichita

We went to visit Auntie Juli, Teagan, Tyler and Taco (the dog) in Wichita, Kansas.  Juli is my adopted sister and dearest friend of 12 years.  We had a great time spending several days with them.  Endale especially loved Taco the dog.

Tyler (3 months), Endale (almost 2!)

Tyler, Teagan, Maylee Grace, Endale, Taco

Cow Appreciation Day

The family donned their black spots for Cow Appreciation Day at Chickfila.  Anyone dressed like a cow received a value meal for FREE!  Even Endale got a free kid's meal...he made a really cute cow.

Aunt Rachel's visit

While Aunt Rachel was here, we took her up the Jemez Mountains for a picnic.  She also took Maylee Grace on date to Menchie's Yogurt Bar.  We also went to Tim's Place for breakfast one morning with Aunt Rachel.  Tim is the only known person with Down Syndrome to own his own restaurant.  He has great food, greets you at the door and gives out "free hugs".  You can see more about his story HERE.

Menchie's Date with Aunt Rachel