Welcome Karolina

We welcomed Karolina from Norway to our family on the 17th of July.  The kids were a bit nervous to meet her but had their worries washed right away as we seen her and realized she was our daughter/sister for the year.  We already love her and have enjoyed learning lots about her.

 On our way towards baggage claims to find Karolina.   

The kids sure were proud of the signs they helped mom make.

The Old Place

 Fence and trees are now gone.

 Lots done and still lots to do.

 The shed next to where the swing was is now gone.  :)

 Another pile of wood to burn.

 Love her spunk!

 Love these two cute kids!

Jake loves that he can walk through the backyard without navigating through old sheds, and fences.

Fireworks and Fun

 Goofing off in the back of the van before fireworks.

 Beautiful sunset before the fireworks.  Almost as great as the fireworks.

We had the chance to sneak away during a busy work day on the farm to go to watch the fireworks in Twin.  I had really no clue where to go so I just found a parking lot with an empty spot and parked.  The kids and I had fun being goofy and enjoying some free time.  Then when the fireworks started I realized I had parked in the parking lot directly across the street from where they were lighting off fireworks.  It was a great night and my only regret was that I had forgot my big camera at the Old Place, and had to use my pocket camera so I was not able to capture any great shots. 

Elena "Last Photo Shoot"

 We will miss you sweet girl!

 Elena asked me if I would go out with her and take some photos before she went home.  It was a really hard thing for me to do knowing that this was the last time I would get to do this with her, and that she was going home in 2 days, and that I would not know when I get to see her cute face again.

 

 Such a beautiful, photgenic young lady.

I have no doubt in my mind that I will see her again, the hardest part about saying goodbye in not knowing when that someday will be.  Thank you Elena for filling our hearts with love and laughter this past year.  You were a perfect exchange daughter, and a great big sister for my kids. 

I love you to the moon and back!

The Old Place

 Ray met his match with some old wood. 

This is how Jake spent most of his time. 

 Ellie has been begging for a swing, so daddy cut some branches out of the way and made her a swing.  She spent a lot of her time right in that spot.

 We had a visitor with us in Idaho for the week.  Clairisa asked if she could spend a week with us, and we were happy to have her spend time with us. 

 These two girls are very goofy.  I love when cousins get together and make memories. 

 Of course their memories will be full of giggles.   :)

 Clairisa the Jake whisperer.  Seems like everytime Jake sat on her lap he fell asleep.

Bobbie came down and took the kids for a ride with her horse and buggy.

Saying Goodby to Elena

 Time went by to fast and we had to say our goodbyes to Elena

 The kids tried to keep their composure, but it was hard

 Watching bags go through inspection

 Jake now realizes that this is goodbye.  But not forever he says.  We just have to say goodbye for a minute cause Elenas German family misses her.  He is sad, very sad!  :(

 Ellie finally realized it was pointless to hold back the tears and then was heart broken that it was time to say our final goodbyes to Elena

 One last picture, and Elena convinced mom to be in the picture. 

 Making sure she had all of her important papers in her backpack.

 Getting ready to head to the line where we had to say goodbye.

 Thisbeautiful girl has forever left an imprint on our hearts. 

Blowing kisses goodbye!  We love you to the moon and back.