Memorial Box Monday-vacation and friends

As a family we continue to do Memorial Box Monday and add things to our box to help us remember what the Lord has done for us. I haven't been good about blogging about it, but as I have time I will post about some of these things in our Memorial box. Today we are adding a wrist band from our little trip to the Arizona Grand Resort.


Two friends from our agency, Mona and Tania flew into Phoenix this weekend with their baby girls - Mona was coming straight from Ethiopia! We got to all meet in the airport and share in the special moment of bringing her little Janissa home to the US. Leah, another friend from our agency, planned and provided a weekend for our 2 families at this nearby resort/water park which gave us a place to meet up and hang out with the others. What a blessing! Not only was this our first "vacation" with all the our new boys, and a blast for my family, but it was also special for us ladies to have time together meeting and talking about our experiences and babies. The babies were even sweeter in person (the mommies too :)).

The moms - Mona, Tania, Me, Leah The babies (all 1 yr old) Janissa, Sabah, Jeremiah, Aslynn

The view from our rooms

Leah insisted on taking me to get a facial-you know me - Ms. cheapo struggled with that, but it was a wonderful treat. That was my first facial/real spa treatment and it was over 1 hour. The lady massaged my arms, shoulders, neck feet and calves in addition to all the face treatments! Wow- I thought a facial just meant the face! Javier thankfully took on all 8 hungry kids all morning so that I could enjoy that and some time in the steam room chatting. Here is proof that I got to sit and relax a couple of times at night.

Javier said this was the most relaxing time he has had since we brought the boys home. I have to laugh because that is pretty sad - because yes it was fun, but both of us were busy, busy with watching the kids almost every second - so if that was relaxing, that tells you how normal life is :). I think what helped make it relaxing was that he had a chance to watch some sports during nap time and at night with his beloved cup of coffee once the kids went to bed. The kids are always awesome about going to bed at night (nap times are another story) - what a blessing!

Josiah is never short of love for his baby brother

Jameson - just a gem the whole trip

A yummy buffet breakfast our last morning

Ready for breakfast - do you see Camelback mountain in the background - those not familiar with AZ you should see a camel laying down - the left hump is the head and long nose, then the hump on the back is the bigger bump (I think)

I was stressed out the first day (Friday) because the water park was so busy and it was really hard with 5-non swimmers and everyone wanting to go different directions. We tried getting on the lazy river, but it was crazy trying to get the kids in tubes with the current and some were still standing on the deck others crying in terror as they were holding on for dear life just to keep their heads out of water. So we just all got out and ended up with our friends at one of the quiet hotel pools. Each day we got better at pairing up the kids with their buddies and taking the big kids to do the slides etc when the littles were napping or contained with one of us in the kiddy pool. They have 2 - 8 story high sheer drop slides and a curly slide. I was so proud that all 3 big kids were brave enough to go on the slides with us.All ready for the water park

Jeremiah and Janae

Jameson, Daddy and Joanna Jordan and Jacklyn

Josiah Josiah (pink car), Julia, Janae, Jeremiah - waiting for the waves to turn on

The kids also enjoyed some movies, card games, chess, reading and spending time with Leah's kids and the Ethiopian beauties. Although it was a little crazy at times, it was a perfect first attempt at a vacation with all the babies - only a couple of days, not a far drive and plenty to do. Thank you Litty family for your generosity.

So once again we praise God and are in awe of how He continues to provide above and beyond the basic needs of our growing family. I am also so thankful for all the friends we have made through this adoption experience.