Wow! Over a month has gone by since I posted anything. So much has happened in a month. Many of you that know us, know that Autumn finally has her palate closed and it was QUITE the ordeal (1 scheduled surgery, 1 emergency surgery and about 15 days in the hospital). She had a vein and muscle from her leg transplanted to her mouth and all areas seem to be healing well.

We celebrated Autumn's 4th Gotcha Day and Dale's 49th birthday both at the hospital.

When we went into the hospital it was Winter. By the time we came out, it was Springtime.

This is our March began...(building snowman mountain at night after the blizzard left about 4 to 6 feet of snow)


And this is how our March ended...(a hike through our forest with Kya, Autumn, Hope, Joel, ChinChin & Angel)


And a 3,500 egg Easter Egg Hunt....





And on March 21st, we celebrated our 1 year anniversary of moving to Maryland. Let me just say, we love Maryland. We love Florida, don't get me wrong and one day maybe I'd like to move back. But this experience of the different season, to experience it all is completely amazing to us.

Cannon Balls

Kya was mentioning how she missed doing cannon balls in our pool at our old Florida home. So.....she made do.....

A Wintery Hike

Fun in Florida & A New Puppy

We had a nice time with our family in Jacksonville, escaping the blizzards in Baltimore.




While we were away, Dale had gotten us all a puppy for Valentines! She is a Mal-Shi (Maltese - Shih Tzu mix). We have named her Angel and she is so sweet. She should grow up to be about 8lbs. THANK YOU SWEETHEART!!!






~more photos of our Florida trip can be found on Facebook.~

Travels! Travels! Travels!

The kids and I made it to Florida and are having a great visit. On Saturday we spent the day with our dear friends from Bits & Pieces. We love you Bella, Krista, Vito and Zsa Zsa! Can't wait 'til next time.



(more pics to come from Jacksonville)
(Tampa photos posted to Facebook)

"Just Take A Hike"

At some point and time we all cross a bridge in deciding how to handle a situation...


When you get turned away at the DMV because you don't have the right docs even though your DL expires in 6 days...just "take a hike". Seriously...even if it's 39 degrees and you've had no breakfast. Seize the moment with the little people in your life.






Then when you are all done, stop by Panera and have a pastry and coffee by the fire place.


~ Dawn & Autumn's unexpected date (thanks to the DMV). ~

Updates from Abroad

Some of my dearest, dearest friends are in China *right now*. About 1 hour ago they received their new 15 month old son. We were just able to video conference so I could see their sweet baby boy, Ethan William. Wow! I am full of emotions and beyond elated for my sweet friends. Here are some snapshots taken from our webcam.




My heart is so full, I don't even know what to say!
Thanking Jesus for this miracle!