Family Summer Vacation - Grand Finale

And it was GRAND! Instead of making the 12 hour trip back to Texas during the night. We drove about 10 hours to Oklahoma during the day. Much better way to travel with our babies. And it was about time we went to Oklahoma because we had to meet our new little friend. She just moved here in April from Ethiopia!

So let me introduce you to Miss Abigail.

Some wonderful friends in Oklahoma City were in the adoption process waiting and waiting and waiting so patiently, when we moved away to Texas. They had announced that they were adopting internationally a few months before we finalized our decision on domestic adoption (so before Holden). So we had been placed with 2 babies during their adoption process and wait. And that was hard. Telling him them about Paxton while they were so eager to receive a referral of their child. But you know, they rejoiced with us and loved on our 2nd son, just as they had done with Holden. And now it has been their turn! There daughter is home. It was such a blessing to spend and entire day (plus a few hours here and there) with our friends and letting the kids play for the first time. Abigail is a delight. She has a fun little personality and has quickly bonded to her mommy and daddy. I saw such an incredible change in our friends as I watched them in their new roles. Adoption still amazes me. The stories I read (normally through blogs) and the ones I get to walk through with friends. Often times, in these stories, the hand of God is so evident. And it's an encouragement and joy to see other families share our passion. Adoption has definitely become that to us: a passion. Here are a few pictures from our time in Oklahoma:

I realize that no one is looking at the camera, but it was hard to get all 3 at the same time.

I know they don't look very enthusiastic, but aren't they beautiful?! And they have a similar, little button nose. Something that I didn't recognize until this picture. Abigail is about 3 months older than Pax and about 1 year younger than Holden.

After our fun visit with friends, we packed up to head home. We made one last stop and had lunch with M, Paxton's birthmom. Since we were in the area, we couldn't pass up the opportunity to see her and let her love on Pax. He gave her a slobbery kiss, which I'm sure she loved. I did take pictures, as I normally do, but I keep those private for Paxton and M.

Here he is enjoying his lunch visit with M.

And the drive home, was quiet and peaceful with 2 boys napping (most of the way). Family Summer Vacation 2010 is over and I am already looking forward to the next.