Best Buds

Our lives have been far from normal. The groups of friends that are around us seem to frequently change, as we go from city to city. But we continue to praise God for the blessing of our family and that we get to do this process together. I have been especially grateful for how well Ethan and Elli play together. They really are good friends and love each other!

Snuggling under the blankets in the apartment we stayed at on our trip, they watched some videos before the power went off each day. Elli doesn't get into the videos like Ethan does, but she loves to sit with him.


This is in our new temp apartment. They love to play this game through the hallway. Ethan has also taught her how to push it on her own, and loves to have her show off her new skill to any visitor that comes to our home.

Our Artwork

Ethan LOVES to draw and his portraits have taken on a new style as of late. He gets a kick out of drawing silly pictures. I think they are great and wanted to share some with you.

This is "Superhero Ethan." In his right hand is his gun and in his left hand is his sword.


This is his airplane. I thought it was pretty impressive; complete with propeller, wings, windows and engines.

This one is my favorite. This is Ethan and Elli ("when she's a big girl and talks like me"). Elli's on the right and Ethan's on the left. He made sure to give her long hair and a dress.

The making of a big boy

As of late, Ethan has taken a new interest in being a "big boy" and doing it all on his own. And it has been mainly at bath time. I think a lot of it has to do with having spent a week with a home of 3 very responsible little boys. And he wants to be like them.

His independent process has included washing his own hair and suds-ing his body down.

Rinsing himself off (toes included) with the blue cup is an important part of the process. And as you can see, Elli is fascinated and observing the entire process.

And here he is, the squeaky clean big boy!

Greated with flowers

This morning Elli woke up to receive a little flower from big brother. He sure loves her! She wore her prize proudly for much of the morning, turning to display it to anyone she encountered.

"Puppy" is featured with Elli. He was an emergency purchase in Heathrow Airport, when we realized we had left our first puppy behind. Just like her older brother with his lion, she loves to snuggle with "Puppy." And in all the different beds, he's been a life saver!

Playing with Bubbles

Sitting on the kitchen counter top while I washed dishes, Elli discovered the bubbles. I scooped two little cups of just the suds and let her go to town. And she loved it!

Focused with 2 hands dunked in the cups, she was determined to figure it out.

"Do these bubbles feel like puppy does on my nose? Nope, they tickle!"


And then it was time for a refill


Loads of fun with mom in the kitchen. We did have to change her outfit by the end of the tactile experience.

Her First Pedicure

Yesterday I was touching up my toes before I went to my very diverse Bible study. (We're doing Beth Moore's study of Esther and it has been really great!) Elli was fascinated by the polish, so I thought I'd give her toes a try if she would sit still for it. The stillest she ever sits is when I'm clipping her fingernails and toenails. And her pattern held true.

She loved it and now has a cute little pedicure.

Her Purse

Elli loves to load things and carry them around. It can be anything from a tupperware container, to Daddy's tennis shoes. She has this little bag we've made into her purse.

She works hard to put things in it


Loves to take things out of it

And all in all is ready to go shopping!