Merlefest and Mother's Day

Merlefest was a bit wet this year, but we still had a blast.  We are forever thankful to Amber and helping us attend Merlefest.  This is one of our highlights as a family every year.  Gray loves the music and the people.  In fact, this year he came back (also thanks to Uncle Mike) wanting to play a banjo.  I don't think we are going to skip on the music lessons this year...

We listened to great music, played in the little pickers area.  Bubbles on a cold, wet day?  Sure, why not.

The headliner this year was the Avett Brothers.  I think Steven and I both enjoyed this show more than some of the past.

After the show on Sunday we headed over to Uncle Mike and Aunt Nita's for a much overdue visit.  It was quick, but little man was happy to have seen them (and of course I was too).

I had a wonderful mother's day this year.  Little man made me a gorgeous hand-print flower at Ms. Dana's.  He was so proud of it, and so excited to give it to me.  Such a sweet boy.  

On Saturday we took Steven's mom out to see a play at Steven's school, headed over for a quick visit at the Montessori school that Gray will be attending in the fall, and then dinner at the Roasted 'Tater- one of my favorites!  On Sunday, Steven asked what I wanted to do, all I wanted was a day outside to work in the yard (he thought this was bizarre).  I was able to get so much done, and even planted some more plants.  It was so relaxing just the time to myself out there.  Afterwards, we all headed to the greenway for a walk.  

Stuck between a rock and a hard place

Pointing out the deer tracks

Throwing rocks in the stream.  We have a 'secret' spot that we head to on the greenway and it is perfect for throwing rocks into the water.  

In true grown up fashion, here I am teasing Gray as he is trying to catch me.  I promise he was laughing.  As all little boys do, Gray loves to run.  It has been something special to me when he says, "Momma, I run.  Momma, I'm a runner".  Yep, kiddo.  In my book you're a superhero too.

Celebrating Earth Day with a treasure hunt!

To make our Monday hike a bit more special for Earth Day we celebrated with friends and a treasure hunt!  We headed to Riverbend Park and used our treasure map, binoculars and treasures satchel for our hunt.  We found most of our items- acorns, leaves, fairy magic, water, and treasures (rocks).  We also found some wildflowers, listened to the birds, paddle boats (i.e. fallen logs), watched a Momma Hawk (thank you Ranger Lori), and watched the swallows over the river.  We had a great time exploring today!

After the mad dash to get on the trail, they right away started finding treasures.  We never hike a long distance...usually we are spending so much time playing and pretending that before we know it we are past lunch time and ready for nap time!

Best buddies.  

My little brute doesn't play well with other little girls typically.  Yet somehow he is spellbound by an older woman (5 yrs. old) who has got to be one of the most delicate little girls I have ever met.  She loves pink, fairies and puppies.  He loves alligators, pirates and dinosaurs.  Somehow it works.

Montessori Mud Run

Gray participated in his first race...and a it was a mud run at that!  We had so much fun.  They offered a mini half mile fun run with obstacles that we did as a family and with Steven's sister, Nicole.  Then Nicole and I did the 5K mudstacle after that.  I had a blast!  It was the first mud run event I had ever done, Nicole's 4th...and she said this was the most difficult she's ever done.  I did all but one obstacle and felt pretty good.  It was long and tough, but how often do you get a chance to play in the mud?!

It's official...just a phone call away

So yesterday we received the news that we are finally licensed with the state of NC for our adoption.  This has been a l-o-n-g process, and we still have an unknown wait time ahead of us.  The average being 18 months.  We have already spent the last year and a half just to get to this point.  Really, I am trying not to be impatient.

So why the journey of adoption?  Some people have just been curious.  Some people can not simply understand why a couple who can have biological children would choose to adopt.  Well...it's not a simple answer.  There is not one exact answer...and not one that is the same for the both of us.

Yep, we had trouble having Gray.  But nope, it has nothing to do with that.  I feel certain that if we had wanted another biological child we would have had one.  We knew we were going to adopt well before we even married.  I knew before I ever even dreamed of getting married, or had even had my first kiss.

This hasn't been easy.  It's scary.  In many ways scarier than having a biological child.  There is so much out of our control.  I have often let my life just be guided and placed in the hands of God/the universe/what is sacred and this has been no different.  I knew this is what I was meant to do, so I know it will work out.

This has been about meeting needs.  On so many levels.  Needs of waiting children.  Needs of women making tough decisions.  Needs of the world to reduce its human population/footprint.  Needs for us to complete a family.  Needs for us to be the change we wish to see in the world.

I am no savior.  I am not a perfect mother.

I am someone who sees life practically...we wanted to decrease our human footprint.

I am someone who see life emotionally...there are children...babies...that need families.

I am someone who realizes that life is not black and white...whatever your stance on abortion, you have to look beyond the decision.  If you are not going to support the woman, then you at least need to support the child that is born.  Otherwise, what would be "pro"- life about your stance.

We are a family excited about our journey.  Excited to have a sibling for Gray.  We are a family who is also scared to death.  What if we don't blend as we dream?  What if there are unknown, unforeseen problems that show up years from now?  What if our son doesn't attach?  What if...but we can't play the what if game.  The fears are not for me to handle alone, and the future is not for me to know.

Luke 12:7 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

http://www.childrensrights.org/issues-resources/adoption/facts-about-adoption/

http://www.pbs.org/pov/offandrunning/adoption_fact_sheet.php

http://www.davethomasfoundation.org/

DC trip

Over the Easter weekend we took a long weekend while Steven was out for Spring break and headed to DC.  The last time I had been there for any length of time, was as a little girl with my Grandma Lareau and I still have such fond memories of that trip.  I was excited to be able to share that with my family.  We rented a place through airbnb and it turned out to be perfect.  We were in the Mount Pleasant historic district and were able to walk to the zoo and to places to eat all super close by.  The place we rented was perfect too- complete with toys for Gray!

Sunday was spent at the Museum of Natural History- Gray loved the insect zoo!

Fun at the National Zoo

My little naturalist :).  He loves using his "knock-ulars"

"He's saying hi to me!"

Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers

My Great-Grandfather's headstone in Arlington