Family Vacation

This year we took our annual family vacation to Branson, MO.  I have to admit that I wasn't so sure about traveling 10 hours in a car with a one year old.  However, we had a great trip and Liam was such a good traveler.  We made some great memories.  We took Liam to see Noah's Ark the musical.  He sat still the entire show and even sang along (with his own words and melody, of course).  We also took a trip on the Branson Belle steamboat, ate a great meal, and saw a fantastic show.  We took several trips to the pool.  Liam especially loved the kiddie pool.  We ate fabulous meals every night.  Liam's favorite was KRAFT mac & cheese, which he had never had before.  Dave got his first professional massage.  He is now a big fan and thinks we should get them every vacation.
On the way to Branson we stopped at the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod museum.  They do a great job explaining Martin Luther's life and work, the birth of the Lutheran church, and how the Lutheran church began in America.  They have a replica of Luther's death mask and hands.  It was neat to see what Martin actually looked like.  They also have replicas of Martin and Katie's wedding rings.  They are so beautiful and carry such deep significance.  
On our way home we stopped at the children's museum in Saint Louis.  Liam loved all the interactive activities.  It was also good for him to get out, stretch, and let out some energy.
Here are some of the highlights...

Road Trip Day #1

Road Trip Day #2

Liam loved jumping on the bed.

pool time

On our way to the kiddie pool

The kiddie pool was perfect for Liam.  He loved splashing around.

Our room was on the third floor all the way to the left.

Liam discovered he likes lemons and limes.

I forgot Liam's bib and I didn't want him to get his polo shirt dirty, so he ate supper in his undershirt.  

Oh, so full!

Grandma Kusch took Liam to see the horses.

Happy Family!

Liam had fun playing on the dock near the Showboat Belle.

Liam had tea in the Alice Wonderland Exhibit at the children's museum.

He even got to drink tea with the Mad Hatter.

Liam really loved the water table.

A chef in the making

So easily entertained

What a great little bellboy!

Daddy gave Liam chocolate cake - oh boy!

Our newest niece!

Dave's sister Laura and her husband Jason are in the process of adopting a sweet little "China doll."  Lucy Fei will turn one on June 16th.  We are praying that God's hand will continue to guide the adoption process and that Lucy will be safe until her parents can bring her home.  We are so excited for the Penner family as they embark on this amazing journey!  God's plan and timing are always perfect!  
Here she is...

Three Years

It has been three years since I said goodbye to my twins Christopher and Connor.  In some ways the loss seems like a lifetime ago.  I have grown and changed in so many ways since June 1st, 2008.  Some days the painful scar feels very fresh.  Today, as I visited the cemetery I felt as though we just had the funeral.  Many emotions came rushing back.  However, in the midst of my sorrow I felt peace.  My sons are in paradise and I will see them again, once God's work for me is finished.  I choose to live my life now with a heavenly perspective.  Even if I live to be 100 years old, June 1st will always be a bittersweet day for me.  My small, precious boys have impacted my life forever.  I am a better wife and mother because they lived.  I look forward to our reunion.  I am sure Christopher (our energetic son, who loved to dance and move to music) will show me the angel choir.  Connor (our laid back son, who sucked his thumb and held his ear just like his Uncle Remi) will be sitting at Jesus' feet.  I will tell them how their short lives opened our hearts to adopt and that they have a brother named Liam.  It will be a great celebration!  
Happy birthday my dear, sweet boys.  I love you, miss you, and am so thankful to have been your mommy.