Picture it. Just strolling through the store after the 4th of July last year. I spotted a shirt on clearance. Liked it. Bought it.
"Daddy's little Hero" and "Dad's American Boy"
When I showed a picture of these shirts to my friend Amy, her comment was:
What in the world? Who bought those for you?
Um, I did.
Until July 29, 2013, we only knew that a precious someone 4 years old or younger would be joining our family So, when I purchased the "Dad's American Boy" shirt for Joey, I truly had no other information about our next little one. All I knew was that I'd have to wait until we were matched. The wording on the shirt NEVER. CROSSED. MY. MIND! Just like I don't think "Oh, I need to call my Chinese mother" or "Let's go visit my Chinese aunt". Of course, Samuel became a US citizen on January 23, 2014 when we arrived back on American soil. I'm just a little more sensitive about him feeling comfortable in his family and wanting him to "fit in". Last year, I was proud of saving a few dollars. After all, the 4th is Russ' favorite holiday. This year, feeling silly. Lesson learned. Now, all I can do is laugh. It hides the shade of embarrassment on my cheeks.
This year. Picture it. A wonderful super heroine suddenly appears out of nowhere, embroidery machine tucked under her arm and talent like no other. That SuSu - she's a keeper! SuSu has saved the day! Thanks so her, we had super cute shirts that even matched cousin Cross'. These handsome fellas wore their shirts with pride!
Three little guys celebrating a day of freedom!
We Must Hit the Pool
Samuel had experienced the lake when we went camping a few months ago. Maybe it was the crowd or the fact that he couldn't see his own toes through the murky water that allowed the hesitation back then. But, oh the interest in the swimming pool at Su Su and Big Joe's was like a moth to a flame. Both boys love the water, which we are thankful for. The littlest boy has not an ounce of fear, especially when leaning over the edge while fully dressed. That encourages a wild growth of gray hairs on his momma's head. The cautious boys were wearing more flotation devices than is allowed by law. In fact, they were floating so much, they almost drifted up out of the water.
Samuel's first time in a pool
Joey is still a little fish (as long as he has no less than 3 floatation devices attached)
The pool boys getting to work
Haven't We Met Before
We took Samuel to a Stell family reunion on the 4th. He had never met 95% of the people there, but I guess we had forgotten to tell him that. He walked in the place giving high-5's and hugging stranger's legs as if he had rehearsed the script. That kid knows his family. He just does. And there was a swimming pool there too. The bigger fish jumped in with no hesitation...once the proper floatation devices had covered almost ever inch of his body. The smaller fish wasn't quiet sure. Joey can be so gentle and encouraging at times. He genuinely wants to help his little brother. And it was sweet to watch Joey ease Samuel off the steps. We could hardly see their little faces for all the floaties and rings and vests meshed together. Then, there were glow sticks, sparklers, and fireworks. Apart from the loud booms, they were captivated by the display of vivid colors and lights. And so begins the interest in fireworks and interesting conversation on the way home...
Joey: "Next time can we get sparklers and light a napkin on fire? That would be so cool."
OH MY! There will be many many conversations about safety before next year!
They loved the sparklers!
Glow stick or light saber...you be the judge!
Our little firecrackers have enjoyed the day celebrating our great country! We are so grateful for the freedoms and endless possibilities protected by many hard working men and women. For our littlest firecracker, he's spending this day on the opposite side of the world from where he was just 6 months ago enjoying freedoms he has never known before, and best of all - family. And we are grateful for the freedom to praise our God who has allowed us front row seats as He writes our family's story!
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