Star Wars Birthday Party!

Nadia's 5th birthday
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This photo sums up Nadia’s total and complete excitement about turning 5!

As the children arrived for the party, we took a photo of them in front of the Darth Vader stand up that our friend Cynthia let us borrow.

Nadia's 5th birthdayNadia's 5th birthday Nadia's 5th birthdayNadia's 5th birthday

Then we headed outside for “Jedi Training” which was a blast all the way around.

Nadia's 5th birthday

First the kids had to run or jump from hoop to hoop.

Nadia's 5th birthday

Then cross the lava pit.

Nadia's 5th birthday

Then more hoops.

Nadia's 5th birthday

They had to cross Sarnac’s pit and not get swallowed up.

Nadia's 5th birthday

Then they received their lightsabers and had some practice hits on the cones.

Nadia's 5th birthday

Then they battled Master Dwimble.

Nadia's 5th birthday

Nadia's 5th birthday

Nadia's 5th birthday

Nadia's 5th birthday

They finished it off with a lightsaber free for all!

Next we told the kids that their was a meteor shower in our backyard and they had to find them all. (it was foil wrapped candy).

Nadia's 5th birthday

We came inside for pizza and wookie cookies. Then cake!

Nadia's 5th birthday

Nadia's 5th birthday

Since the kids like to see the presents being opened we had the giver sit next to Nadia again. They are all so cute!

Nadia's 5th birthdayNadia's 5th birthdayNadia's 5th birthdayNadia's 5th birthdayNadia's 5th birthdayNadia's 5th birthday

Nadia's 5th birthday

Nadia and Aunt Paula.

Nadia's 5th birthday

Nadia and Grammie.

What a wonderful day! Thanks to everyone who joined us to make Nadia’s day so special.

Nadia's 5th birthday

PS. here is Yoda on the way home. Somehow I missed getting a photo of him overseeing the party. Thanks Cynthia!

Advent kick off

I had been looking for a little kid friendly Advent devotion. Nadia is really wiggly so I was also looking for something hands on. Enter “Truth in Tinsel” an ebook by Amanda White.  It’s very well thought out, a good level for little kids and the kids can make their ornament each day. I bought it at 11 pm on November 30th, but since we are an arts and crafts house I had what I needed for the first 3 days on hand so we were ready to go. Nadia  was also given the Star Wars Lego Advent calendar for her birthday from Papa and Grandma Brooke.

Advent 2011
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She is so excited to start!

Advent kick off 2011

Working on our devotion for day one: Isaiah 9:2-7. The ornament was a candle.

Advent kick off 2011

Amelie holding her chocolate Advent calendar (at this point she doesn’t know it contains chocolate). She was REALLY excited when the door opened and chocolate popped out 🙂

That night we headed to church for dinner and Advent candy chain making. It was a great night with friends.

Advent kick off 2011

Advent kick off 2011

Advent kick off 2011

Advent kick off 2011

‘Merry Christmas’ – by Third Day

This song made me cry the first time I heard it just thinking about adoption. The original lead singer of Third Day was waiting to adopt when he wrote this. In fact they were ahead of us by 1 week in 2007 since their daughter was from the same province as Nadia. Last year I really cried a lot listening to it because we were actually waiting for Amelie through the Christmas season. This year I still cry thinking of all the families waiting for their children, but I am so grateful to be seeing Amelie’s delight about all things Christmas!

There’s a little girl trembling on a cold December morn
Crying for momma’s arms
At an orphanage just outside a little China town
There the forgotten are

But half a world away I hang the stockings by the fire
And dream about the day when I can finally call you mine

It’s Christmas time again but you’re not home
Your family is here and yet you’re somewhere else alone
And so tonight I pray that God will come and hold you in his arms
And tell you from my heart I wish you Merry Christmas

As I hang the tinsel on the tree and watch the twinkling lights
I’m warmed by the fire’s glow
Outside the children tumble in a wonderland of white,
Make angels in the snow

But half a world away you try your best to fight the tears
And hope that heaven’s angels come to carry you here

It’s Christmas time again but you’re not home
Your family is here and yet you’re somewhere else alone
And so tonight I pray that God will come and hold you in his arms
And tell you from my heart I wish you Merry Christmas

Christmas is a time to celebrate the holy child
And we celebrate his perfect gift of love
He came to earth to give his life
And prepare a place for us
So we could have a home with him above

It’s Christmas time again and now you’re home
Your family is here so you will never be alone
So tonight before you go to sleep, I’ll hold you in my arms
And I’ll tell you from my heart, and I’ll you from my heart
I wish you Merry Christmas