Road Trip!

Neylan has certainly endured many "firsts" in the past 2 months since he became a physical part of our family. Last weekend he started out on his first road trip and time away from home. This trip wasn't planned, but was necessary. Adam's aunt passed away last Thursday, so on Friday we headed home to be with family. Although the circumstances were less than exciting, funerals always mean one thing- family reunions! And since much of the family has not met Neylan yet, this was a great opportunity to get to see a lot of people. 

We broke up our drive on the way there and only did about 7 hrs Friday night and 6 hours Saturday. Neylan did really well with this set up and fell right to sleep in the hotel on Friday night. The ride home on Tuesday was a different story!

We have always been amazed with his flexibilty. And for some reason, we will often catch him riding in his carseat in this position! Ouch!! 

Neylan adjusted quickly to being in a new place with new faces around. He had a fabulous weekend (unfortunately it seemed he did better there than he does at home)

Our little Vol in the making. He's ready to say "Touchdown TN"

(and look!! he's standing in the grass!)

Grayson helped Papa blow off the sidewalk and deck to get ready for any visitors that might come by

Neylan and Papa have been quick to bond. They both share a love for food. If anyone walks in a room with food and Neylan spots you- you'll be his new best friend- as long as you share!

Neylan got to meet his Uncle Ben (Becca's brother) for the first time. He had never used an ipad before, so Neylan gave him the novice lesson and then Grayson came by and showed him how a pro uses it.

Neylan, the animal lover, was quick to make friends with Nana and Granddad's cat.

Mimi and her little boys

Neylan was so full of smiles the whole time we were there. (This smile is because someone was talking to him, NOT because he is an Alabama fan!)

Although Neylan was the new kid in town, Grayson got his fair share of attention. He played football with Mimi

He read books with Aunt Bekah 

He rode the horse that Uncle Ben rode when he was little

And he played cornhole with Granddad (on the appropriate team's boards)

It was a very short trip (only 2 full days there) and a lot of driving (over 2 days), but we had a good time. It's always great to see family when you live so far away from everyone. And this year was a little different in that this is the first year we have not gone home. We typically take a few weeks to go home during the summer, but with Neylan coming home we weren't able to do that this year. So, we weren't scheduled to go back until Christmas, one whole year since our last trip. So, this was an unexpected visit with family. We are so glad we went and are excited to see everyone again in a few weeks (another spontaneous trip planned- more on that later)

Baby Dedication

On Sunday, August 7th, we had the opportunity to participate in the baby dedication at our church. We dedicated Grayson when he was 4 days old, so this was Neylan's day. There is nothing eternally significant about the dedication, but it is an opportunity to pledge to raise our children according to God's Word, pray for our children, and build our family according to how God designed it.

It was a special time as we were able to participate with 3 other couples who are all great friends of ours. And, Neylan was not the only child being dedicated who had been adopted!

Everyone had a laugh when Pastor Steve slipped and called Neylan a girl. Adam quickly corrected him and Neylan immediately clapped!

Neylan was quite squirmy during the prayer, but we made it after passing him back and forth a few times.

Neylan meets his Foster grandparents

Adam's parents, Mimi and Papa, came for a short visit this week to meet Neylan for the first time. And since it was the first time since we have returned home, we had to have another birthday party! I believe this made party # 3. How lucky are these boys?!

Grayson was so excited about all of his presents

and Neylan's too! He thought he should help him unwrap all of them and test them out first. Yep, still working on the sharing concept here!

Grayson, that is Neylan's gift!

Uncle Jason came along too for his first visit ever! Grayson took this picture of him. Didn't he do a great job?

Unfortunately, they needed to leave more than a day early to get back to TN to be with Adam's aunt who is in the hospital. She continues to be there and really needs your prayers.

A Good Excuse

I have been meaning to do this post for a few weeks, but just haven't gathered the motivation to do it. But, better late than never!

On July 6th, PyeongChang, South Korea won the bid to host the 2018 winter Olympics. This will be the first time South Korea has ever hosted the winter games. Having lost the bid for the 2010 and 2014 games, this was a huge victory for the country. PyeongChang is a small town of approximately 43,000 located about 90 miles east of Seoul.

This is such exciting news as we have just returned from beautiful South Korea and want to go back as often as possible. So, I'm thinking this is a good reason to go back. I have always wanted to go to the winter olympics. I have been to two summer olympics and had a blast. This would be such a fun opportunity for the boys to see Korea in the winter and see some games. They would be 8 and 9 years old. Unfortunately, the games usually take place in February, right during the school year. But, they can always make up the work, right! We'll see what Daddy, the teacher, has to say when that time comes. For now, I'm hoping to go, so I'll start saving my pennies. I have 7 more years (although I would love to go back sooner!).