Random Pics

Since I have been bad about updating on a regular basis for the past 6 weeks or so, I will take the most boring route and throw a bunch of pictures out here for the far off relatives and readers who like to watch my kids grow up.  For all the rest of you - feel free to skip this one (although I have to tell you - I don't really trust anyone who doesn't think I have great kids!)

 We have been doing a lot of swimming (at other's houses and at ours)

Swimming and diving....

Or doing something fearless off the diving board (this kid couldn't swim last year and hasn't had any lessons to change that but has managed to pick up enough skills to keep from drowning)

Or trying to drown themselves (or look at the bottom - whatever....)

and doing it all with great friends and neighbors!

So, have I mentioned that we are adopting from Bulgaria?  Well this is what sealed the deal for Eric - I sip (shot?) of Bulgarian brandy.  He decided he must visit and bring home a child from a country that can make something smell so sweet and taste so awful wonderful.  (please read that with LOTS of sarcasm)

 He did like the beer though (actually I think one of those is Ukrainian - but we love that country too)

 

Never did figure out why my daughter decided to dress up as a flamingo for an afternoon.  She ran around the neighborhood looking like this.  Hmmmm.....

 

So I mentioned that we were in the midst of 4-h madness (and lovin' almost every minute of it.)  This is Hank getting hosed down before a little walk.

Uncle Brian (my baby brother) plays "judge" and helps Michael learn a thing or two before show day.

We waited at a pharmacy for several hours so each of the kids could get physicals and our two bio kids could have their TB tests read for the homestudy.  Joseph and Jonathan test positive for TB and have been x-rayed (negative) and treated with 6 months of antibiotics so they are in the clear.  The kids were actually very good and we got through them quickly.

Aren't they sweet?  Jonathan was in trouble (again) and not able to join in the fun.  It's been a rough summer for that little monster.

 Looking through pics on Michael's camera to see if he had any shots for his poster - notice how my mom's head is turned away - she did that as soon as I came over to take a group shot :)