State Fair...times two!

This past week we made two trips to the State Fair...one with my family and one with our bible study. During our first trip we hit pretty much all of the animal barns and of course ate just a little bit. Maryn loved seeing the animals, especially the cows. It was a fun day! Our second trip was a little trickier traveling with a large group, but we loved having Jeremy with us. We managed to eat just a little bit more and enjoy time hanging out with friends from group. I think we have all consumed enough corn dogs, lemon shake-ups, corn on the cob, milkshakes, grilled cheese and elephant ears to last us till next year!

A trip to the fair wouldn't be complete without a grilled cheese from the Dairy Bar...yummy!

up on Grandpa's shoulders to see the pig race

walking with Uncle Brad through the cow barn...so cute!

lovin' the cows!!

she was so excited to be able to go in and pet the calves :)

feeding the goats with Daddy

grilled cheese #2....yum, yum!!

Maryn and her friend Soren from bible study...

they share the same birthday!!

Maryn's conversation with the piglet..."Hi pig! I Maryn. What your name?"

Last stop...the Midway! No rides for us, but Maryn loved watching some of the girls from group ride the ferris wheel.

Lakin' with the BU crew :)

The last weekend of July our friends the Burnett's invited us down to their family lake house for the weekend. It was a great time, yet maybe just a little chaotic at moments...I guess seven kids 4 years old and under will create some chaos!!

the kiddos :)

gotta have a group photo...especially one with no tears :)

Maryn's first time to roast her own marshmallows!

one bite of smores was all she needed...good thing I had the camera!

4 of the kids on the torpedo and their lucky parents :)

Awaiting #2...

As many of you know, we are in the process of adopting our second child. We started the paperwork back at the first of the year and had everything completed in late March. Since then we have been in the waiting process of being matched with birthmother. Everyone always asks, "Is it so much easier the second time around?" and we always chuckle to ourselves. In many ways it is easier, we know the process and we have quite a fabulous distraction with Maryn, but at the same time it is still challenging. One of the biggest challenges is that we have no control over the situation...all we can do is wait and pray. If one thing has become clear to me over our adoption journeys, it's that God's plan always trumps my own. As the verse in Proverbs 16:9 says, "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." Jeremy and I have really tried to not get caught up in the timeline of when things will happen, but have instead prayed for God's perfect timing. Who knows at this very moment God could be forming a child that will become a part of our family!

As we continue through this journey, we would love for you to be in prayer with us. Prayer for patience, understanding, compassion, and for God's plan to be fulfilled. I have included a link that takes you to our "Dear Birthmother" letter on our attorney's website. If you should hear of a situation in which this letter could be forwarded please feel free to do so or to contact us.

http://www.indianaadoption.com/CM/Families/jeremy-rochelle-maryn.pdf

Thank you for loving and supporting us !

enjoying summer!

out for a bike ride around the block

we took Mimi to the Children's Museum to see the Barbie exhibit. My mom kept all of her Barbies and I played with them growing up and still have them in boxes in our basement for Maryn to play with.

our garden!

It looks a little bigger now that everything is growing

Maryn's 1st trip to the dentist!! She did awesome :)

so the other night we attempted what's called a "twist out" on Maryn's hair. She sat for an hour watching Curious George while I separated strands of hair and twisted it. It turned out pretty cute and our big reward was ice cream cones!

we made a stop at Butler's campus to see the bulldog and to play in the fountains...cheap entertainment!!

for Father's Day I got Jeremy tickets to see Jack Johnson. The concert was this past Friday and it was a great show!

this butterfly was clinging to one of our screens and I just had to take a picture. I think it's the biggest butterfly I have ever seen up close!

1st time at the MOVIES!

On Tuesday, Maryn and I went with our friends Deanna and Connor to the movies to see "Madagascar".. The local movie theaters have a great deal on certain days where they show a kid movie and admission is only a $1. It was Maryn's first time at the movie theater and she was pretty excited! Of course a trip to the movie theater wouldn't be complete without popcorn :)

Fluffy came with us too :)

Connor and Maryn

4th of July weekend

Last Saturday morning we made the trek north to the lake for the 4th weekend. Most of the weekend was spent with Derek, Heather and the kids. We had a great time enjoying the sunshine, water and hanging out together. There were several big firework displays and so we got a great show Saturday and Sunday night. Maryn loves the fireworks and kept saying, "I so excited" and "oh boy, oh boy!!"

it's so hard to pick which ice cream delight you want!

enjoying a refreshing snack :)

Maryn and Uncle D

Daddy and Maryn

Maryn and Aunt Heather snoozing

Maryn's 1st time tubing!!!

(not sure I was ready for this!!)

Oh boy!!!

happy 4th of july

silly face :)

watching the fireworks from the boat

Maryn and Mommy taking a swim to cool off

our 9th anniversary♥

On June 23rd we celebrated our 9th wedding anniversary...it's hard to believe 9 years has already passed by. I guess the saying is true, "time flies when you are having fun!" We celebrated the momentous occasion by having dinner downtown at Oceanaire. I LOVE their crab cakes!! When I think back it has actually been 14 years that Jeremy and I have been together. Who would have thought that that night we met would have lead to such a wonderful life together. While we have endured the heartache and joy that comes with living life, we have continued to keep our marriage grounded in our relationship with Christ. With each day we live together we have grown closer and learned to love each other in different ways. I am so very grateful for the man that I said, "I do" to 9 years ago. He is an amazing husband and father and my very best friend. I love you♥