2 years as a family of 4!

July marks 2 years since we officially became a family of 4, after we brought our daughter home from Hungary. We have seen her change so much since then, we've had some great times as a family, yet we still have our struggles. Here are some of the highlights of fun times from the past year:

First winter in Texas - I think we had 4 hours of snow, until it was completely melted. :)  We enjoyed it while we could, making snow angels and a snowman, and eating it with chocolate syrup.  She really likes playing in the snow and copying her brother.

First Trip Roller Skating - one day when we were perusing a thrift store, little girl saw a pair of roller skates and asked me what they were. I showed her, and she thought it was the coolest idea ever to have rolly things on your feet. She used her own $9 that she had been saving up to buy them, and EVERY DAY after that she spent about 20 minutes in the garage practicing with them. Her coordination is still a little rough so it took a couple of weeks to figure it out, but before long we heard her holler "Look at me! I'm rollerskating!" 

So as a reward for taking the initiative to learn by herself, we took the kids to a roller rink for the first time. This was super fun for about the first 20 minutes, then their feet started to hurt and we go this classic shot of whiny faces. Ha...we had fun though. 

Spring in the Blue Bonnets - We were learning in school about the Texas symbols (bird, animal, flower, flag, etc.) and we learned that the state flower is the Blue Bonnet. It just so happened in April that nearby is the Blue Bonnet festival so we drove there for the day. We romped in the flowers which covered the ground for miles and miles, and walked around a fun little art festival. There was a driving tour that took you around the countryside to all of the Blue Bonnet patches. We loved enjoying natures beauty together.

St. Patrick's Day fun - After learning about the history of the holiday, and how St. Patrick really was a missionary in Ireland, we did some fun dressing up and treasure hunting. I gave them leprechaun binoculars and special glasses there were supposed to help see them, and they went around the yard finding leprechaun nuggets (green baking soda balls with coins inside) that they dissolved in vinegar. 

Fun family outings - The Sprinkles cupcake ATM was the highlight of my day...we've also visited the zoo, and gone out for lobster. I dressed up my lobster because he looked like he was glaring at me, I thought he needed a hat. 

 Six Flags over Texas was a day of discovery - little girl really came out of her shy shell and started being more brave than her brother when it came to rides. She loved the roller coasters! She is a little adrenaline junky, like her dad. Next time we go I know those two will be riding all the big rides, and the boy and I will be chilling on the smaller ones. She said "I want more roller coasters!!"

Swimming fishies - swimming with some of our best friends. The kiddos just love swimming, and are just like little fish. Two years ago our little girl wouldn't even walk into the pool because she was afraid of it, but now she's swimming like a little fish. 

Trip to the farm - Gramma and Grampa had the kids for a couple weeks this summer. It was a great bonding time, a time to learn about hard work and earning a little spending money, learning how to change the oil on a Semi truck, and repair a Combine, and learn about crops. Little girl had a little cowgirl brought out of her with a new hat at the rodeo, and they got to ride in the semi with grampa. Great memories! 

 After two years she has melded into a part of our family, and most of the time I forget that we've only known her for 2 years. She is coming out of her shell and her personality is starting to shine, and we are happy as a family - so glad that God blessed us with our new addition!