Here is a short video from the soccer jamboree. We only had the camcorder for the last day and, in an effort to keep the video short, trimmed it down quite a bit. In this video you’ll see David score a couple goals, then the coach talks about him as she hands out trophies. Following that, we cut to Daniel’s game where you’ll see him show his footwork and make a great centering pass. Unfortunately, nobody got the ball into the net.
Daniel’s Autobiography
Daniel wrote a short autobiography as a school assignment. He did a stellar job so we asked him to read it for the camera. Check it out here.
We love soccer!!
The boys just finished their first soccer season. They learned a lot of vocabulary, and although they knew the basics, they learned how to play the game. Practices started in August, the same day we arrived from our trip to California for Janel’s wedding. Back then Daniel was sporting a blue cast on his arm and the weather was hot and beautiful. Ahhh!!! Between both teams, we had practices every night but Fridays. It was a bit crazy for a while. Once school started Daniel couln’t go to Monday practices because of Bible Study and David’s team only met once a week. Mom took advantage and spent one on one time with the other kid doing homework, reading, and talking about the day, at least for part of the practice. Then she worked on her homework while that kid got to play. Overall, we only used our big umbrellas two or three times. Last weekend we spent all weekend (6 games) at the Turkey Jamboree in freezing weather! Brrrrr!!! The boys didn’t seem to care if it was sunny, rainy, or freezing cold – they just wanted to play. They both had great coaches and very nice boys on their teams. As newbies, our family was blessed by a very positive experience (except, of course, for all the laundry and very stinky boys). Both Daniel and David say they want to play again next year. We’ll be ready to cheer them on and record their progress!!
As usual, click the photo to see more. Note: Daniel played for the Wolverines and David played for the Rockets.
Birthday Party
The boys love to swim so it seemed appropriate to hold their birthday party at the Puyallup High School pool. Because we had a busy month, they had to wait a while for the big party, but it was worth it. We had a great turnout, with friends from church, school and soccer in attendance. In addition to many great gifts given to Daniel and David, our guests donated money to the Adoption Ministry and, specifically, to the orphanage where the boys lived prior to our adoption. We are grateful that we were able to present the ministry with over $750. That blessing goes a long way in Ethiopia. Thank you for honoring our family this way!
Click the picture to see more pictures of the party.
Washington Wedding Reception
On October 15, we had the privilege of hosting a reception for Janel and Ryan. It was fun to dress up again, and very special to meet with so many friends and family who came to celebrate with us and to congratulate the newlyweds. Heartfelt thanks to those who gave their time and talents to make this a memorable occasion. As you can imagine, it took hours to transform the facility into a “park,” prepare the food, take care of dozens of details, and then clean it all up at the end of the evening. The food, flowers, cupcakes, shrubbery – all were exquisite! Click the first picture to see more pictures of the reception.
Click the next picture to see more pictures of the setup.
NOTE: Some very kind soul(s) left birthday gifts for the boys – two large boxes of Legos / no card. Unfortunately, parenting at this advanced age has had a serious effect on the memory and mom cannot remember who it was. The boys would love to send a personal thank you. Please make yourselves known!
David’s Birthday
David celebrated his second birthday, turning 8, on October 12. He was recognized as a star at a school assembly (no connection to his birthday). And, once again, we celebrated with dinner at Red Robin. I suppose I should clarify that each son was allowed to choose the dinner location and they both chose Red Robin. We had a great time.
Click the photo to see more.
Birthday Dinner – Injera
Injera is the staple food of Ethiopia and it will always be a favorite for Daniel and David. We try to get to an Ethiopian restaurant about once per month. In October, we went to Lalibela on October 9 – between Daniel’s and David’s birthdays. Grammy & Grandpa joined us, as well as Julie, Cindy, MacKenzie and Mason – for them, this was a new food experience. The food and the company were excellent. Click the picture to see more.
Daniel’s Birthday
Daniel turned 10 years old on his second birthday, having not celebrated birthdays in Ethiopia (nor knowing when his birthday is, actually). He told us that he didn’t understand what we meant when we told him about his birthday last year, but that he was very excited in anticipation of the big day this year. There was no school that day so he didn’t have to rush through the opening of gifts. That evening we celebrated with dinner at Red Robin.
Click the picture to see more.
One Year in America
This post is a bit late… 
We celebrated one year in America on September 18. Since we seem to be in full American mode now, it seemed only appropriate that the day was quite busy. David had a soccer game, their friend Aliyah had a birthday party, and then we had a quiet, “just the four of us” bit of celebrating. At the Supermall, Daniel and David tried rock climbing. Daniel amazed us by heading straight up the wall without a moment’s hesitation. He rang the bell while showing his huge smile. Then he went up the more difficult route, but it didn’t seem difficult to him as he again ascended without problem. David tried hard, but could not quite make it to the top.
After that, we went to Red Robin (what could be more American?) and had a great dinner. Red Robin quickly became one of the boys’ favorite places to eat, so it seemed appropriate to celebrate there. Click the picture to see more.
More from the Wedding Reception
Ryan & Janel
It’s been a while since Janel & Ryan married (July 31) and we mentioned how much fun we had, but we didn’t include a lot of pictures from the reception. Well, now we’ll post some of these pictures. We had an amazing time at this reception. And by “we” I think it’s safe to say we mean all in attendance. For those of you who were there, these pictures will bring back memories of a great time. For those unable to make it, here’s a glimpse of what you missed. Click the picture to see more.