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This weekend we had a "Hooray for You!" party for the kids in our small group. Our thought in planning the party was... a) let's surround our family with friends who love our kids, pray for our kids, and cheer for our kids; and b) well - who doesn't need a little encouragement? First, we encouraged and celebrated our kids, then we encouraged our adopted Ethiopian kids by painting cards for Beza and Obsa, and finally washed it all down with ice cream sundaes! Here are M, E, and C's "hoorays"!

Baseball with the Royals and cheering with the OTE 4th graders!

Well, our 4 year old started school last week! After LOTS of discussion as to what she would wear (how can you force an outfit on the first day??), we finally settled on a "less than at the top of the list" ensemble. Ha. Anyway, she is loving school, and we're so thankful for her! P.S. Today she said, "Oh no, she di-in't!" (shaking her finger) Get it? Hmm. Sisters or tv?

We celebrated Labor Day with Ben & Elizabeth at her aunt and uncle's house, and loved every minute of it! The paddle boat with a HIT - especially with Hampton and Caroline!

Well, we took a little trip to the upper reaches of Missouri on Saturday night to watch ACU play Northwest Missouri State. Madison, Elizabeth, and Caroline dressed in ACU/Blue Valley North cheerleading uniforms. We didn't have an ACU uniform for Madison and actually stretched the limits of Elizabeth's midriff-bearing uniform by adding a tank top to her ensemble! The stadium was packed with Bearcat fans (what is that anyway), and only one small contingent of ACU fans.

Soon after we arrived, I realized we left the camera in the car so I took the long hike out to the field to retrieve the camera. Since David said the car was parked at the end of the field, I walked hurriedly all the way to the end, feeling anxious because I now realized I REALLY needed to go to the restroom. I looked to the left, no car. Looked to the right, no car. Feeling more and more frustrated, I now realized I would not make it back to the stadium before I had to find (or make) a restroom for myself.

I finally pushed the unlock button on the car and heard the beep across the field at the other end! I rushed to the car and searched frantically for the camera, opening every door and searching every place David might have put it. Soon, I could wait no longer. I gave up on the camera, after calling David and getting no answer. Now the search was for any unwanted audience members for my "restroom break" in the field. After heading back to the stadium and being heckled by a truck full of rednecks who were too cheap to buy tickets to the game, I was proud to have fertilized their "parking lot".

ACU won, and we all had a blast! I hope to download some pictures from my phone later. GO ACU!