5th Birthday Party

So remember the festivities of Preston's To infinity and beyond 4th birthday party? Well, this year he wanted a superhero party. While in the states I prepared and bought a few things, but for me part of the fun is making things for the party. Of course this is made possible by pinterest and the millions of ideas it gives me all the time. I have a number of games that I need to make and prepare, but I finally finished his invitation yesterday. In anticipation of my boy turning 5 (can you believe it) here is the official invite!

Soccer Mania

 When Preston was about 2 years old he saw someone wearing a soccer uniform and we told him that he couldn't play until he was older. Somehow 5 became the year and he has anticipated the moment ever since that day. When we arrived back from the states we were able to get him on the team a little early. So almost every Saturday he plays from 8:15 until 9:30. Im not sure he realized how much work it would be, but he is really enjoying it.

 Bella screams YAY PRESTON...not really :) notice the bruising on her forehead. The bumps of walking at 11 months and no carpet in Hanoi. She is much more stable now.

I know Bella's birthday was 2 months ago

 Her favorite aunt Amy bought her, her first pair of tiny toms. Aren't they adorable.

 Bella likes them too!

 Above is the last of our months pictures. Nana Janis made onesies for each month. Bella only stayed on the blanket for a moment, and then like any one year old was outa there.

She is almost 14 months now and is beginning to say a lot. I think she will be verbal just like her brother. They must get that from Tim :)

O N E

I have so many things to say about my baby girl turning one. However, I'm not even sure I can put them into words. She has a smile that melts the heart of everyone she comes in contact with. She adores her big brother. Bella started walking at 11 months. She has the most beautiful red hair. Whenever she sees an animal of any kind she growls, even on TV. She has 4 teeth and can already say, "maama, daada, uup, and Pes" for Preston. She knows the signs for: more, water, eat. She waves bye bye and can blow kisses. She loves finger foods, and hates bananas. Her favorite food is avocado. There are so many things to love about my little girl, her giggle, her chubby legs, her brown eyes and stunning red hair. But, when I look at her I am reminded of God's grace on my life. I'm reminded that He loves me and cares for me. Im reminded of just what a miracle our baby girl is. Happy first birthday Isabella Grace Edwards!

The all American sport

Preston got to go to a Cardinals game, and loved it. Of course Papaw spoiled him rotten :) Preston came home talking about how the Cardinals lost, but he wanted them to win. He also talked about how the kiss cam that would show people on the screen and they would have to kiss, but some people didn't do it. His favorite souvenir was Fred Bird that he is holding in the picture below.  Papaw also bought him a base ball bat and ball and so far Preston has loved hitting the ball in the yard. 

                                        What game is complete with out an overpriced hot dog!

Illinois visit at a glance

Preston had a fun time picking tomato's and cucumbers in Nana's garden. 

Papaw taught Preston how to play baseball before they went to the Cardinals game. I'll post pics of the Cardinals game when I get them off Papaws camera.

 Fun times meeting up with Granny (Tim's grandmother) It had been almost 3 years since Preston last saw her. She is 89 years old and as sweet as can be.

 Fun times with cousins. The girl holding Isabella is also named Isabella. They are 2nd cousins to Tim.

 I have said it before that Isabella is a total mama's girl. However, she found a friend in Papaw. She has loved being held by him. Actually he is probably one of few people that she will let hold her while I'm in the room.

 Always good times on the Ranger out at the shed and more fun with cousins

 Amers and Bella bonding and getting to know each other. Amy was the first family member Bella met after she we born.

 Water fights to keep cool in the hot summer weather.

 Of course a photo shoot with PaPaws fire hat on the fire truck.

 Nana has been so gracious to cook so many meals for us. We have had  a blast reconnecting with family and eating some good all American food.

                                                                    Out at the cabin

No trip to Papaws would be complete without catching fish. Actually Preston decided to just watch after he threw in his line and caught Tim's leg instead. He kept count of who caught the most fish. Nana and Papaw tied with 6, Kyle 2 (but quit early), Jamie 4, and Tim with ZERO thats right folks NONE. Better luck next time Tim :)

The last of our village visit and our next adventure

The pictures can speak for themselves

When it was time to go we prayed a blessing over the family and thanked them for their incredible hospitality. Our next family adventure will be stateside. 4 states in 10 weeks. If you are in Fl, GA/TN, IL, or MN then send us an email we would love to get together with you while we are back. Meanwhile pray for our travels. We leave Monday the 30th and arrive at noon on the 31st in St Louis. 

community sleeping

When we arrived at our friends house, we walked in and saw 5 beds in a row. Each bed had a mosquito net and a curtain. They gave us a bed and the 4 of us slept together. This is the norm in the village. It was a fun experience and Preston kept reffering to our time there as camping. He would say, "Im so glad we get to go camping." Below the bamboo floor was a chicken coup. So, bright and early...actually all night we could hear the roosters and chickens. Needless to say don't go to the village if you are wanting good sleep. :)

 Isabella learned to sleep where ever we put her.

 The lady above loved holding Bella...she lost her husband 10 months ago in a motor bike wreck and you could see the sadness still in her eyes. I loved watching Bella bring her joy. I have prayed for this lady every day since we have left the village.

 After one of our big lunches, 2 of the grandmothers took one bed to nap in and in the distance you can see Bella napping in the other bed.

 When the trip was all over we were taken via motor bikes to the highway where we caught our sleeping bus. It was 10pm and our kids were exhausted. SO WERE WE!