mini and brothers

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Friends

Our friends, the Mowen's were in town for a family vacation. They invited us to their hotel for a morning of fun. This precious family holds such a special place in my heart. They were there when we met our Sammer. They were in Ethiopia with Sam while we were home waiting to pass court (7 weeks). They are the ones that sent me these sad pictures of Sammer's shaved head.

Hard to believe these are the same little boys.

Sam and Jacob: April 2012

We ended our morning with a donut picnic.

Can't wait for our next time together!

Friday, January 25, 2013

Amazing Race Murray Style

Scott and I surprised the kids with 5 clues/tasks that lead them to an overnight at a hotel in Schaumburg.

They were totally surprised.

Happiness.

Sammer!!! Get your swimming suit on!!

Macker is becoming a little fish!

For a couple hours we had the pool all to ourselves.

Sam loved ever second!

We stayed up late watching movies!

Perfect 24 hour get away!

Basketball

My sweet Scotty started basketball for the first time ever a couple weeks ago. He had his first game last Saturday. I'm so proud of him!

I have not idea how, but Scott caught his first basket on VIDEO!

Free Day

We went to the zoo and had a great time. 2 kids wanted their picture taken, 2 did not.

Scott found a great seat.

We're walking... we're walking....

Again, 2 were into the picture, 2 were NOT.

Mean face.

Wow.

The perfect dance stage.

AZ

Scott and I took off for 3 days of fun in the sun without kids. Yes, I said WITHOUT kids!! Our friends GAVE, yes GAVE us tickets to spend New Year's Eve with them in AZ (have I mentioned we have really nice friends?!). It was the first time since Amelia was born 9.5 years ago, that he and I went away together. (Unless you count Ethiopia) My mom and dad took care of our babies and we were thankful!!

We spent time playing at the park.

Scoot and his buddy Adam.

We also got to see Scott's dad Tom and sister and brother-in-law. It was special to spend time with Tom's new girlfriend. Sorry I didn't get a picture.

On New Year's Eve Day we spent time cooking together.

Mikele had stomach flu the night before so she missed out on the cooking:(

Quick jump picture.

Scary gun.

Jen made fancy oranges dipped in chocolate.

We played with different setting on our camera.

This one is my favorite.

Our special night is about to begin!

Enjoying the sunset and the beautiful view.

Love.

Lifelong friends!

Fondue.

Me and Scoot.

The dudes.

Love.

Cool guy.

The chef.

Lancer.

The King's are notorious for making up the coolest/hardest games! This Amazing Race night was NO JOKE!

We started with a 3D puzzle, on to finding a rock in an empty lot near their house with the letter K painted on it. Then shooting 3 3-pointers and lastly a marshmallow game. Scott and I STINK at these games. We. Lose. Every. Time.