Samuel is 12

On October 21 we celebrated Samuel's 12th birthday.  He has been with us for my birthday (in China), Jim's birthday (our first day home), and Justin and Tessa's birthdays, so he was definitely ready for his own "happy birthday"!

Before school he opened presents from mom and dad.

A shirt . . . 

 . . . a Lego set . . . 

. . . and what could this thing be??

Well, it's the football he's wanted for the last two months, of course!

During the school day, I took some cupcakes for him to share with his class.  I didn't get any pictures of that, unfortunately.

When he got home from school he had presents waiting that had come in the mail.  Birthday money from Grandma Altman, which has since been spent on another Lego set . . . 

. . . and a basketball and shirt from Grandma and Grandpa Beck.

For dinner, Samuel chose to eat at Country Buffet.  Brittany, Brad, Tessa, Taylor, and our friend Mark came with us.  It was a yummy and fun time.  After that, we came back to the house and he got his watch from big brother Taylor.

And a fun new game from Brad and Brittany.

Playing his new game with Caylie while Justin shows off his Science project?  Hmm . . . 

Nana, Papa and sweet baby Tessa.

Brad and Mark.

Caylie enjoying her cake.

Brittany and two of her "little" brothers, Keelan and Taylor.

Happy Birthday, Samuel XuDi!

School Pictures

School pictures have come in!  And they all came out great.  When I was putting Caylie's in the frame, I noticed how much older she looks this year than last.  And also, I'm not sure why they did this pose, since I asked for the headshot, but oh well.  She looks cute and has a little attitude, LOL.  This is her second year in kindergarten and she is 6.

When I picked Samuel up from school on picture day, I asked him if he'd smiled.  He said, "Little bit."  Then on the day he brought the pictures home, I asked him if he liked it.  He said, "Little bit."  Silly kid.  I think he looks very handsome, even if he's just smiling "little bit".  And he was very happy to see his photo in a frame along with his siblings.  :)  He is in 5th grade and just turned 12.

Justin was very excited to wear a sport coat and tie for his picture.  He looks very handsome and grown up!   He also is smiling "little bit" for some reason, LOL.  He is in 7th grade and is 13.

Most people who don't know Keelan think he is in his 20's.  I think he likes it that way.  He's definitely becoming a young man, and not a kid anymore.  He is in 11th grade and is 16.

I am way behind in blog posts.  I will try to get caught up!

A Few October Pics

Jim has been doing a lot of football.  Usually the games are on Friday night and/or far away on Saturday, but occasionally they are close to the house.  This was a Saturday morning game just a few blocks away, so Samuel and I went to watch Daddy officiate.

Keelan had his first band concert of the year.  

This one was combined with the choir, so there are a lot of performers on the stage!

Our adoption agency, AAC, had their Fall Festival.  Caylie always likes to go and see her friends.  Here she is with Willow, who is also from Jiangxi Province.  (Notice how 3-year-old Willow is pretty much the same size as 6-year-old Caylie!)

Pooper Scoopers in the back yard. 

 There is a lot more, now that we have two big dogs!  

A couple of my kids wore this pumpkin costume when they were small.  I tried it on sweet little Tessa the other day.  

Isn't she the cutest 'lil punkin?  

Samuel finished his first school project.  This one is about renewable and non-renewable energy.  I'm so glad he is able to continue learning to read and write in Chinese.

Please continue to pray for our family as we strive to become a cohesive family of 6.   There are still plenty of difficult times, and we are trusting God for much wisdom and grace.  

Thank you, friends.