Fifteen years ago today!

On August 26th, 2006, we touched down at KCI with two tired boys and two even more tired new parents.  It is hard to believe it has been fifteen years, until you look at the new senior in high school and the new junior.

The summer has come to a close, and although we have taken several steps backwards in the efforts to get out of the pandemic, it was still a successful time.  You can still fish during a pandemic, that is for sure!

One thing that still amazes us about our adventure 15 years ago is the lucky timing.  The chart on the left shows the number of international adoptions to the U.S. from all countries.  The chart on the right shows the number from just Russia.  The blue arrow shows the date that we began the process!

For as hot as it has been this summer, Mummy has still managed to cultivate a lovely garden.  Look at this prize winner!  She feeds her three boys so very well, and keeps very healthy meals on the table.

This was a fun event shared with Mema and Grandpa.  Union Pacific's Big Boy 4014 came through Lawrence and we all braved the 100 degree heat to watch its arrival.  Both Grandpa and his father worked for the railroad.  Man, that thing was huge.  And loud...

We've documented the family's love of the Liberty puzzles and how they have helped us through our sheltering-in-place.  We really took it to the next level with this one, choosing to piece it together upside down!  Smink wanted everyone to see our progress.

Smink was enthralled with the puzzles, but also with the Olympics.  This blew us away: while a particular dressage event was going on, Smink stopped and stared intently until the horse was no longer on the screen.  Her sister couldn't have been less interested, but we thought this was cool.  

We are so happy the heat of the summer is fading.  Hoping the numbers from the delta variant start fading and the number of vaccinations rises.  We should have some updates on Carson's running and Conner's scouting next month!