It was cold here in our tiny corner of the world on New Year’s Day. But instead of staying inside our warm and cozy house, I bundled the three little ones up and took them to our local lake. It had been raining the past few days, and I thought we should get out and enjoy this first day of 2011.
(of course when I say “bundled up” I mean I put them in jeans and a long sleeved shirt — we are in southern CA, remember!)
Andrew and Aislynn rode on the path…
and I tried to keep up while pushing Aria in her stroller.
We stopped often to check out the water.
and to take a few “capturing the moment” photos
Andrew was happy in this shot
but in a mood during this one. 
He’s handsome even when he’s sulking.
Pretty lake view!
It’s an exact mile walking around this lake. We come here a lot. The kids like to ride around, and I like the exercise. Oh, and we like to feed the ducks. Although on this day I noticed for the first time the sign that read: DO NOT FEED DUCKS and then listed all the reasons why it’s bad to do so. Where did that sign come from! ( I guess our duck feeding days are over. Now that I’ve seen the sign, I can’t claim ignorance if caught. Darn!)
Aislynn & Andew
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Such a sweet family you have! I remember going to feed the ducks with my mom…so much fun. Such a bummer that they won’t let you do it anymore. Beautiful setting for exercise! Thanks so much for linking up to my party. Hope you’ll stop by Serenity Now again soon.
Hi Katrina- thanks for stopping by and for your sweet comment! Your photos have me yearning for warmer weather- we keep getting dusted with snow and ice here in MD. Your family is so beautiful- I’m expecting my 3rd daughter in early March and I really hope there are more little blessings in our future!. I’m a Catholic mom too- thanks for being so open about sharing your faith!
Looks like a lovely day!
Visiting from Serenity Now!
Your post reminded me of a park we used to go to as kids especially to feed the ducks. Your kids had to have loved doing that and it’s sad that you can’t any more. The walk around the lake looks gorgeous. Exercise would be easy in this pretty setting.
I’m visiting from Amanda’s party.
Oh my goodness! I found your blog from the Mckmama blog and was looking at your adorable large family when I came across this post and gasped! I lived there for many years and now only live about 20 mins from there when I’m home from college. Such a very small world! 😀
GREAT pics, love them!
Oh hey! It did work! Very strange… but here I came to retype it… LOL
I just wrote you a long message and it said it was too long and then it was deleted! UGH!
I will try again tomorrow!
Hi and nice to “meet” you! Thanks for stopping by my blog.
I really do understand your emotions. I dont’ know why so many husbands and wives are not in agreement on adoption. I worked hard [read argued] with my husband to go forward with the girls adoption. I don’t know that I would do that again… I can’t regret it. But I know as a Christian wife and woman that I was most likely to pushy and missed the submissive part.
I would love to adopt again. TODAY! But my husband is at the point of no more. So I am praying a lot! It is so hard on the heart! I know God will make a way, and if He calls you to it He will see you through it. But to have His answer be no… or to wonder if your husbands no is the final answer from God is so hard. I know many husbands have changed their minds as their wives prayed. Prayer and honesty… thats’ about all the advice I have. I’ll be praying for you too!
As for special needs, there are many children available that do not have special needs that will require life long care from their parents, but will lead normal independant lives!
We fully believe that Tavi will be one of them. She is blind, but oh so smart and capable. We can totally see her living independantly, getting married, raising children, having a job… whatever she wants! Just something to think about…
My husband was very intimidated about the girls coming home. He was intimidated to be alone with them, with me gone for the first 3 months or so of them being home. Since then he does just fine, and is adoring being their daddy. Still, it was a completely new experience for him… both of us actually.
You ahve a beautiful family, love your pictures! My goodness, what scenery!
I am jealous living here in the flat Kansas plains! 
Things that helped us move forward were finding a country with easy travel, a stable program, a hague country so we could apply for grants, prayer… lots of prayer and a couple of bible passages… Luke 12:48 and 1 John 3: 16-18. Along with so many of the verses that showed Gods heart for orphans.
Have you read Russell Moore’s book “adopted for life”? I very highly recommend it! It might even help empower and fire up your husband!
Again nice to meet you! Are you on FB? I am as “kelly mayden”.
Happy New Year! Thanks for stopping by my blog! Your kids are so beautiful and I love love love that they all have A names!
We are originally from Southern, CA, too. We lived in Riverside before the Army moved us to TN. REALLY missing those warm winters right now! haha
I love your quote of the month, too! Thanks for raising children who will love my children… even if they never meet.