Tia's in Texas

   We had a great week last week! Aunt Kyra came to visit from California. Uncle Eric is deployed and will return on September 1st. So, Tia loaded up her car, grabbed Kadence her dog and headed this way. We couldn't wait! We love her and miss her so much. So when she is here we spend all of the time with her we can. She got to our house on Wednesday and we hit the ground running.  As soon as she got here we went to story time at the Library, took Rylan to get a haircut, went and had ice cream, and then did a little shopping.
     The next couple of days were fun filled. We will blog about them too.

Tia is so sweet, she is always thinking of her little man. She went to Disneyland and got Rylan this shirt and a Mickey Mouse hat with his name on it. Rylan loves Mickey Mouse and she knows it.

                          Rylan and Tia getting their silly time in!

Baby Aben

   This is a very sweet story that I want to share with all of you. Tyson and I have been blessed by knowing two amazing people. These two people have set a great example for us as advisors, friends, parents, spouses, and christians. They are a precious couple with a large love of God and family. Their names are Keith and Danielle Patteson.
     Tyson works with Keith at Christus Santa Rosa. Keith is Tyson's advisor and on faculty there. Danielle and I attend a bible study together (which she invited me to) and we will be doing MOPS together (which she invited me to). The two of them have a sweet, vibrant, funny little (almost) 3 year old. However, they recieved a calling from the Lord that their family needed to grow. Danielle did not get pregnant, God told them that their child was waiting for them in Ethiopia. They requested a boy who was preferably under 3 years of age. They wanted him to be younger than their son Joshua. After a long waiting period, court orders, and lots of paperwork they got word that they had been matched with a 15 month old little boy. Then through more courts, visits to meet their son, paperwork, and prayer they got word that their adoption was official. Through a difficult journey that took a year a half there family finally grew. It was a difficult long process for them, but they now have baby Aben home, and are adjusting to being a family of four!
     Last night there was a meet and greet for everyone to finally see baby Aben.  I loved visiting with Aben, and so did Rylan. Rylan now has a new friend because Aben is only 2 months older than him. 
     Their story is miraculous and motivating. They knew what God wanted for them and their family. They stopped at nothing to get their child home and now they have a healthy, handsome, sweet boy.  Keith and Danielle are a great example of what can happen when you let God lead your life.

I wanted Baby Aben to have something personalized for his room. When I made this frame they had not decided what to call him yet; Ben or Aben. It is normal for families who adopt from Ethiopia to change their child's name if they are still babies. Keith and Danielle wanted to keep his name similar as to not confuse him. But Abenezer is a really long and difficult name to say. So they decided to shorten it and call him Aben. Needless to say I need to send Danielle an A to add to the frame.

Always & Forever

Tyson,
     You are my best friend, my support system, my partner in everything, the father to our precious son, my better half, and the love of my life. Without you my life would lack friendship, laughter, and love. Through all six years of marriage we have continued to make each other laugh, to find time to talk, to cuddle, make it a point to do something extra for the other, put family first, love unconditionally and no matter what. You are my rock, and may the next sixty years bring even louder laughter and deeper love.     ~Love, Kayla

                                              August 7th, 2004 ~ Always & Forever

Sandy Beach in Granbury

     After a long day Aaron and Samantha figured that they should take Sophia home. We had a great time visiting and hope to do it again soon. Saturday evening after Rylan woke up from his nap, Nana, Tyson, Rylan and I went to the town square again for dinner. After that we figured what a beautiful evening we should take Rylan to the Sandy Beach. Nana had taken him the day before and said he loved it. So, we went again, it was right next to the hotel, which made it very convenient. Nana was right Rylan loved it! He loved the feel of the sand between his toes, the waves, and getting hand fulls of sand and throwing them into the water. Rylan had no fear of the water and would rush into it (fully clothed).  He got his shorts, shirt, hair, Nana, Daddy, and Mommy wet.  There is no greater joy as a parent than to see your child happy.  His laugh let us know that he was very happy.  It was a beautiful evening, very calm, relaxing and a great end to a wonderful weekend. We played there so long that we got to watch the sun go down over Lake Granbury, it was beautiful!

Rylan playing in the soft sand. It was still daylight at this point.

Rylan showing Nana how he has no fear of the water.

My sweet boys!

I love this picture. It was full a moon that evening.

This picture says it all, we had a great time in Granbury!

Family Gathering in Granbury

     On Saturday (in Granbury) we didn't have anything scheduled with the hospital. So, we decided that we would be tourists for the day. It is such a great little town with a lively and beautiful town square. Nana was already with us, and Uncle Aaron, Aunt Samantha, and cousin Sophia came and met us for the day. If by chance we do end up in Granbury, we would only be 1 hour and 45 minutes from Aaron and his family in Olney. We all met up at the town square. This was Rylan and Sophia's second time to see each other. The first time Rylan was 12 months and Sophia was 1 month. Now they are 14 months and 3 months. Rylan was so sweet to her and didn't even care when his Mommy was loving on another baby. I, of course, had to hold my sweet niece and give her all of my love.
   We went and ate at Babe's for lunch and then we did some shopping around the town square. To give you a better idea of the town I will tell you that it reminds me of Fredericksburg. It was a great day spent with the family. Between the five adults, we were able to handle the two kiddos! However, I will say the one who had the most fun was Nana. I think she was in heaven, between her grandson and granddaughter she couldn't get enough.

The Purdy family that continues to grow. I don't think Nana minds that at all.

Rylan kissing on his sweet cousin. Makes Mommy wonder how he will be with a sibling? So sweet!

Samantha and I decided to jump in at least one picture.

This is one proud Nana!

Oh, how I miss the days of napping in the stroller. Notice Sophia and then notice Rylan.

              One Cool Cat. Rylan sporting his new shades that Aunt Samantha got him. Thanks Aunt Samantha!