Adoption Classes

This month has also been busy with adoption classes. Let me just say that my love for adoption is growing and growing. We have been attending classes on Wed. nights with about 6 other couples who are also trying to adopt. The first time we went Brett said it kinda reminded him of an AA meeting. But the more we went the more we enjoyed going.

We were able to attend some various panels that I found very informative. One of the panels had three different sets of couples who have adopted and they talked about how the processed worked for them. One of my BFF's--SueAnn-- and her husband Trent were there. They talked about how they adopted their 2 little girls. It was AWESOME to hear everyone's story and a little scary. All of the couples experienced a few bumps along the way, but eventually things fell together.

My favorite panel by far was the birth mother panel. It was amazing. My love for birth mothers grew so much that night. There were 3 women who gave up their babies, and they came and shared their stories with us. They talked, and cried, and it was so special. I think this process is making me a more understanding person. The spirit was so strong that night and I will forever be thankful for the lessons I am learning and how this process is shaping me into the person I am :)

Better late than never...

Does anybody know where July went? I can't believe today is the last day of July. We had a crazy, fun month and I am now going to try to do a quick recap. I had an awesome birthday this year because I got to celebrate it on the 4th. My birthday is the 3rd, so I got to enjoy all of the festivities of the fourth on my b-day. I love having my birthday so close to my favorite holiday. We celebrated with most of our yearly traditions.

We headed to the parade with our parade buddies-- Scott and Shari and their kiddos, and the last couple of years with Starling and her two cuties. The parade was freezing this year! Usually we are roasting but this year was cold! We had a Dutch oven BBQ that night with Brett's family and it was DELISH! That night we headed to the fireworks to top off the day. They were amazing as usual. I am so thankful for my freedoms, for my family ,and for an awesome birthday!

Daytona

This time in Florida we decided to try out a new beach. We drove to Daytona Beach. While driving thru the city we drove right pas the Daytona Speedway. It was much larger that I expected. I could only photo a fraction of it. We picked a good day for the beach. It was nice and warm but overcast so we weren't dying of heat. We loved how at Daytona the whole beach is a parking lot- park wherever you like. It was a great day at the beach!

The Speedway

We drove up and I thought-- how nice that they have umbrellas for you to enjoy for free. Ya right-- you have to rent them, but if I was staying all day I probably would have weakened and rented one.

He said I couldn't post any of him but I will sneak this one in. It's okay that you are a white Idaho boy with a farmer tan--I still love ya!

Forget something? You can buy it at the beach!

Brett is practicing his photography skills. Good Job!

Oh no-- another self photo.

Goodbye for now Daytona!

Animal Kingdom

Well- I'm finally getting around to my last couple of posts about our Florida trip. Last time we went we didn't go to Animal Kingdom, but this trip we decided to check it out. I overheard one family at Epcot saying that Animal Kingdom was there favorite out of all the parks. It was definitely different that all the other parks, and we enjoyed it. Brett kept saying that he felt like we were in the jungle and I have to agree. I have never been anywhere quite like it. It was also nice to have a day that was a little slower paced. Animal Kingdom did have one of the best rides-- Expedition Everest. It was awesome! (pictures are below). The food we ate was great and we saw a Lion King musical that was amazing. The worst part of the part was the heat. It was warm. It was about 98 degrees in the park that day. One of the ladies that worked their told me Animal Kingdom is always 5-10 degrees warmer that all the other parks. I am very glad we went though! See below for LOTS of pics--

Brett and I in front of the Tree of Life.

Ready for a day in the jungle!

Front side of the Tree of Life. This was the coolest tree ever.

There she is-- Expedition Everest.

Getting a little closer!

Love it! Especially when you go backward down the mountain in the dark!

This is Kilimanjaro Safaris. You basically ride thru an African style savanna in these sweet little vehicles. Keep your eyes peeled because you will see giraffes, elephants, rhinos, alligators, and much more. Our driver was great--he kept us laughing. We did have someone chasing and shooting at us. It was great fun!

This gorilla was "bringing home the bacon"

Ok- this little guy was so cute that I just wanted to load him up in my suitcase and bring him home:)

Apparently humans aren't the only one that get a little hot in the jungle!

Can you find the bat?

Can you find all 7 gators?

The largest frog I've ever seen!

Careful- this one like to try to camouflage himself with his surroundings.

Have you ever seen a blond monkey before? This was a first for me!

Poor guy! He couldn't decide if he wanted to be a horse or a zebra.

The next couple are just a few scenery that I thought were beautiful.

Can you tell he was getting a little tired of smiling for the camera? I can't imagine why after 5 days.

Dorks! Ever wonder what a self photo in the jungle might look like.

Brett is 6'5 so you can only image how tall this bamboo is. Awesome!

The tree lady. She walked around on stilts and acted like a tree. A little strange but I had to get a picture for memories!

I want to drive this baby to work!

The only time it rained all day was during the parade. What a bummer! It was a fun jungle themed parade.

Festival of the Lion King. A great way to end a great day!