. Cuddle Bugs .

Twice the Kiddos = Twice the Cuddles

 

And We L.O.V.E. IT!

REWIND: Christmas Guests

Christmas time was actually a pretty busy time for us- 

We came back from our vacation in our language city on Christmas Eve, Opened gifts via Skype with family, had to get the house prepared for some national friends we had invited over to celebrate this beautiful holiday.

Needless to say- we were EXHAUSTED :)

Don't you worry though- 

that didn't stop us from enjoying every wonderful package that was send from AWESOME family members & friends.

You guys ROCK!!!

Nor did it slow us down from jumping right in to get things ready and throw our first Christmas party in our home in South Asia:

Here some of our guests with whom we got to share why we celebrate this AMAZING day:

Love these precious faces:

Sharing the Christmas story:

Enjoying American toys :)

Our auto driver & his nephew with Craig & Levi

and his sweet wife

(who lost their two month old in October- please continue to pr@y for them to heal through the Father's Love)

Our house helper (beaming) with her children by her side

These two ladies were such great help as they jumped right in to help me serve the other guests!

Our dear friend whom Levi affectionately calls "Bhaiya" & his cute kiddos.

And then we all took a deep breath and RELAXED for the rest of the evening on CHRISTMAS:

(All in our new PJs, wrapped in our cozy throw blankets, snacking on delicious American Christmas snacks & ready to watch The Polar Express

- Thanks to Grammy & Aunt JoJo)

Our FIRST Week with Riley Joanna

Here are some photos capturing Riley's  FIRST week with us: 

2.27.2013 - 3.6.2013

Lots of precious cuddle time with Papa (and Mama)

Finally found some pink to look pretty in :)

 

Our little blessing was COVERED in kisses from her big brother:

(This is one of my favorite parts about having TWO now... watching the way Levi loves on her, learns about her, giggles when she hiccups, loves to help out, and so much more- LOVING IT!!!)

 

She MAY or may not have made her first trip to Starbucks :)

(Take it easy y'all, it's not every day that Starbucks comes to South Asia!!! 

And this Mama cannot pass up a Java Chip Frappaccino- I think she will totally understand one day once that yummy goodness touches her lips ;) )

Every day I can see Levi grow in his love for his little sister... 

 

 

So proud of this Big Brother~ He's doing a FANTASTIC job making his Little Sister feel special and a part of our family!

 

We think our little girl is A.D.O.R.A.B.L.E

whether CUDDLING....

 

SNOOZING....

Or Soaking in the SUN :)

 

Riley Jo~

What a sweet first 7 days we have had with you in our lives.

We know the  days ahead have LOTS more wonderful memories in store.

So glad we get to be a part of each step of the journey in your PRECIOUS life!

We LOVE you with ALL our hearts,

Mama, Papa, & Big Brother Levi

REWIND: Breakfast Get-Together

Back in the ol' language city during our December vacation- 

we joined our house helper, LeeLaa Jii, (from our time there) at her own home for breakfast.

Remember- her son was also one of our language teachers and good friends-

Here they are doing what they do best together... goofing off & laughing!

Like Mother... Like Son

She had prepared some delicious food (as she always does):

She even let me help ball the dough that she used to roll out (like roti) then deep fry to make "poori"

Sounds like the perfect "light" breakfast, right?

haha- 

ok ok, well the food always tastes great, but there are never promises of how healthy it will be :)

While food was being prepared the kiddos enjoyed running around on the roof:

This is one of her neighbor girls who comes over occasionally just to spend time with her.

So sweet!

Of course Levi's favorite part was climbing up and down the stairs the whole time...
He is a true climber at heart... and that couldn't make his Mama & Papa more proud.

Sweet Sweet woman!

Praying the Lord continues to draw her to Himself.

The pet birds are always a hit with Levi:

Their Christmas Tree:

Ok... Quiz Time:

Notice anything strange in this picture????

Look very CLOSELY!

Did you see it????

Yep- a stair case on the top of someone's house that goes to...

????
Maybe it's a staircase to heaven- wanna try it?

:)

Levi had a blast seeing and playing with old friends- and we, too, enjoyed our time!

I love getting to travel with this little guy by my side and spending time with good friends.

Hope you enjoyed more of our visit!