A farewell to summer break... and Silas' hair (boohoo)

We had lots of fun having Papa as a visitor for a few days. Grandma went to Milwaukee, so we were able to watch over Papa and keep him company while she was gone.

We had a fun picnic at the park. Below Grace and Eli loved riding the horses and talking to each other.

2 of my favorite guys

Si loves water

Ava loves water too.

My "bigs" love to hang out together. They have really been using their imaginations this summer.

Below is our sign that Papa is here. He always hangs our hats on our chandelier.

Nana came up for lunch and a trip to the museum. It was lots of fun. Silas loved to play in the car.

Cassie came too. It was great to see her.

The girls loved playing in the restaurant. This is Grace's big thing right now.

Gracie also loves playing dentist....and look at the handsome patient.

C-R-A-Z-Y Boy

Cutie Pie

Only Eli...making an impression of his....hmmmm?

Cassie kissing Cassie

I organized a quick trip for father's day. Eli was able to see the Cubs Vs. Cards with the best daddy in the world.

Eli is soooo sweet. He asked Brian for money at Steak in Shake to try and win Scooby for Grace. He did it. He is always thinking about others.

Safe? We decided to "beat the heat" and have our own amusement park at home. The daycare is over, so what else will we use their beds for?

Silas loved to watch the kids slide down.

I think I take too many pictures of the kids. This is Ava's new pose and Grace simply refuses to smile. Heeeheee! Eli and Silas aren't sick of me yet.

Even Daddy tried it. However, he is sore today. I tried it too, but refuse to post the picture.

Eli discovered that lying down makes you go more quickly.

Silas' new haircut. He looks like such a big boy.

Silas "pre-haircut"

Summer Buddies!

It is never too early to think about skincare, right?

"Dirt Dessert"...check out their reactions to it.

1 year ago today...

we were introduced to this handsome little guy.

This was the first picture we saw of our youngest son. We quickly learned that "Tariku" had an awesome smile. At the time, he was 5 months old and weighed 11pounds. We were told that "Tariku is a very happy little baby and he is very socialable".

And so began the longest part of our waiting and the point in our journey where we prayed the hardest over our son's picture and his birthmother's picture.
We love you Silas Tariku Hensley. We thank God for you everyday. Thank you for blessing our family.

We are still thankful for all of those who helped bring our son home.

Just hangn' out

We've had a busy summer, and August so far has proven to be the same. I'm transitioning between the home daycare and teaching outside of the home again, the kids are wrapping up their summer activities, and Brian is finishing up his internship.

Eli loves to play basketball at the park. He knows to stop and pose. I've trained him well and he isn't tired of me in his grill all of the time...yet.

My blue-eyed girl at the park.

I love making my "big girl" laugh.

Silly girl...this actually is a great reflection of her personality. What a stinker.

I love this photo because it reminds me of his "baby" look. He always held his face like this when he played with his toys. Oh....the concentration.

Eli loves sports.

Speeding on the bike trail.

Ava always stops to pose.

This hawk was perched on our playset looking for a tasty snack. Poor Toby shook for a few hours after going outside to potty and seeing this guy hanging out. I'm sure Toby equaled "bunny lunch" to the Hawk. The kids and I are on patrol to look for Hawks before sending Toby out back. We are all a little nervous, as he was spotted again the next day.

"Hmmmmm....that lady taking the picture looks plump. I could eat her for the winter."

The girls and I love to do each other's hair. I tried to take a picture of myself with the girls, but it didn't work. I had piggy tails as well.

If Blogger had a "dislike" button, Grace would pick it for having her picture taken. I think I have taken so many of her that she has become a little less than a fan of my camera. Heeeheee.

There are two things Silas has grown to love...climbing and eating. Here has has combined the two.

Ready for bed (or at least I was)

The kids love sleeping in their dad's t-shirts.

All smiles...all the time.

My littlest cub fan....sorry daddy. So far Daddy and Eli are Card's fans. Mommy, Grace, and Silas are Cub fans. Ava seems to be on the fence about it. Toby is leaning toward being a Cub's fan.

Bears Training Camp with Papa!

Silas playing with his sisters in their room.

My big girl in her rare piggy tail hairdoo!!

Ava loves make-up. During craft time, I found her experimenting with paints.

Ava is such a good big sister. She loves to play babies and I often find her talking to herself and her babies. To have a little brother to play with is just icing on her cake.

As you can see, Si is growing! He can barely fit in the stroller.