Pumpkin Patch

Liam on the tricycle coarse

king of the hay bails

waiting patiently on the wagon to go to the pumpkin patch

Mom and Liam on the wagon

Liam was so excited to see so many pumpkins - he took off

Liam had to pick up each pumpkin before deciding if it was the right one

Wow, so many to choose from!

beautiful day at the pumpkin patch - there were even hot air balloons

What better place to eat a donut than in a tire.

Liam loved pretending to drive the tractor.  Dave got to ride on one of these with his Grandpa when he was Liam's age.

Liam loved the goats and even gave some of them kisses.

Enjoying Little Moments

I'm really trying to soak in all these little gems of moments I share with Liam.  He is learning and growing so much, I just want to enjoy every second.  I am always amazed at what he learns.  Lately, he's been speaking so clearly and thoroughly.  You have to understand... Liam talks ALL DAY LONG.  So, sometimes I tend to drown out the constant chatter.  But lately, I remind myself to stop and listen to what's going on in that little head of his.  
Right now, Liam is REALLY into rockets, space, and airplanes.  I'm not sure how the fascination started, but we have been fostering his interest and creativity.  He likes to watch shuttle launches on the IPad and is getting better at counting backwards before the 'byastoff.'  He can identify the planets Mars, Pluto, Earth, and Saturn.  I'm not sure how long this interest will last, but we're going to enjoy this phase while we can.

Liam watching a shuttle launch while his rocket blasts off to space

Liam's new planets in his room (they glow in the dark).

Liam's bedside table always has some sort of rocket or airplane on it.  We won't let Liam sleep with them (like he would like), so we let him set them next to his bed.  That way they're ready for him first thing in the morning.

Soli Deo Gloria!

If this post has typos, I apologize.  I am writing it while tears well up in my eyes.  I am completely overwhelmed!  Today, we got an update on our matching grant.  It is so humbling to ask for help, especially financially.  However, in doing so we have seen the power of the Holy Spirit work in mighty ways.  There have been many times that I have wondered if we are doing the right thing.  I often ask, "God is this really your will?"  Then, God reminds us in big ways that He is faithful to His promises and He will finish what He has started.  We started this whole process on a leap of faith, not knowing how God would provide, but trusting that He would.
Thank you to everyone who donated to the grant.  I really don't know how to express my thankfulness.  I hope you know that we appreciate it from the bottom of our hearts and when we see and hold our daughter for the first time, you can take pride knowing that you made it possible.  Thank you especially for your prayers.  I know the power of prayer is effective.  Keep it up - we still have a long way to go.
Here are the most recent numbers (a final update will be sent to us on Friday, in case anyone sent money today)...
money raised by family & friends - $6,465.00
money from grant - $5,000
total money raised - $11,564.00
Soli Deo Gloria - To God Alone be the Glory!

Perfect Weekend!

This weekend, amid the business of dossier paperwork, we took a break for a family trip.  We went to Chain O Lakes on Saturday afternoon to hike, play, and enjoy the beautiful fall colors.  The weather was a little crisp, but we still had a great time.  Liam loved exploring nature and found many treasures.  Daisy walked all the way around the lake.  She is such a good dog.  She found many new scents.  Dave and I enjoyed reminiscing about the time we came when we were just dating - (we hiked, ate hot dogs from the grill, and danced in the headlights of the car).  We have decided to make this an annual event.
After going to Chain O Lakes, we came home and ate hot dogs and beans (Liam's request) and then made a fire in the fire pit.  We roasted marshmallows and Liam ate his very first s'more.  We then all took baths/showers (even Daisy), threw our clothes straight into the wash, and snuggled on the couch before going to bed.  It was a perfect fall day!

Liam playing at the park with Dad.

It's a good thing we didn't touch this... poison ivy

We wore Daisy out - it was long hike for a little dog