time with our cousins...

this weekend was an exciting opportunity for us to see joshua's dedication at his church. unfortunately, i didn't get any good pictures of the actual event (especially when joshua kept trying to reach down his mommy's shirt while they were being shown on the big screen), but it was yet another emotional moment for me (yes, maybe just those pregnancy hormones kicking in again) to see how God has so blessed joshua, as well as his parents and siblings. makes my mind wander down the "what-if" road... what if angie and phil hadn't adopted him? what if he was still in an orphanage in china and spent his entire childhood there... most likely never learning about Jesus and how special he is in God's eyes. and of course, the what-if road makes me think of all those other children out there, desperate for a family to embrace them...

ok, emotional ramblings done for now. we then enjoyed a fun afternoon at our cousins' house. nothing like 5 kids (not counting their dads or uncle) enjoying sugar-filled cupcakes and trying to run it all off stuck indoors (i'm pretty sure it was like 140 degrees outside. ok, or maybe 114 or something, but really is there much difference?) anyhow, thanks angie and phil for great food and a great time. and happy birthday, grammy!

bennett enjoyed sharing his boyhood energy with caleb...

(yes, that is caleb licking bennett's forehead.)

grace announced the kids would be putting on a show for everyone.
allow me to introduce to you... "the garlic press" taught to the kids by uncle chad. (although i'm not sure he does it with his tongue sticking out.)