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Sunday, November 15, 2009

One Less Orphan

Our good friends, Mark and April Short (along with their 2 young boys), are on an awesome journey toward adopting a little boy from Ethiopia. A while back (almost 2 years ago), God stirred their hearts toward adoption and they began the long process. As they've been on this journey, God has continued to deepen their love for their Ethiopian son (who they do not yet know, but are currently waiting for his referral), and God has given them a heart for orphans in general. As a result, they want to get the word out about their story and they want YOU to join them in their journey! To learn more, please visit the Shorts' blog page at: http://shortstoriestn.blogspot.com/

On their page, you will be able to read their story and also make a $5 donation toward their journey. Please visit their website and join me in helping to give an orphan boy a forever family!

P.S. Enjoy the pictures below!



Here we are with our friends right after they moved from San Diego to Tennessee


Me, Caleb, and Isaac (2 years ago)
Dinner at a Blues Restaurant in downtown Nashville

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Butano Canyon

Back at the end of October, we got to spend a fun weekend with Noah's family on the coast near the Bay Area. Noah's mom is part owner of a cabin/house called "Woodhaven" that is shared among a few other family members. Woodhaven was built by Noah's great-grandpa, sometime in the 1940s and ownership of the house has stayed within the family ever since. The house is nestled in a beautiful canyon filled with redwood trees, located near Butano State Park, between Half-Moon Bay and Santa Cruz (the house is marked by the red "A" on the map below). It is a favorite family getaway and we had so much fun taking Keira there for the first time!


Here we are at the airport, getting ready for Keira's first flight. We actually missed our plane, but thankfully they had open seats on the next plane bound for Oakland. Keira had fun looking at all the people in the airport.



Getting ready for take off!


Hey, what is this thing? I wonder if I can put it in my mouth?

Just lounging on the flight


This is the first morning at Butano. She looks a little shell-shocked in the picture, but she actually had a lot of fun discovering the new toys that Grandma Sheila brought.


Fun with Uncle Jonathan


It was a little cooler than what we're used to at home, so we bundled her up in her new beanie and mittens that her Grandma bought her.

Fun with Grandma


There's a big swing on the property that's always a fun activity. Here I am getting ready to swing.


And here is Noah swinging through the redwoods


Another fun activity is hiking to the nearby waterfall. Keira is ready for the hike! This was the first time she got to ride in her stroller facing out, rather than facing toward us while sitting in the car seat. Can you see how excited she is?!


Happy girl in the stroller


Surrounded by the redwoods


We made it to the waterfall!


Have you ever seen a happier baby?!


Just the girls


Before heading to the airport on our way home, we stopped at Pescadero Beach.


Pescadero Beach


Me-n-my girl


Our little family (minus Jack)


The Wardrip Six (plus Willy)

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Something to Celebrate

Yesterday Noah turned the big 3-0 and we had fun celebrating his birthday!


Keira helped set the festive mood as we decorated downstairs before Noah woke up.

Noah did not have to rush off to work, so we got to enjoy a yummy breakfast together: eggs, bacon, and cinnamon rolls...mmmm...


After Noah got home from work, it was time for more celebrating! We had tacos for dinner with Noah's favorite garnish: fresh guacamole. Here is Keira joining us at the table in her booster chair. Although she isn't able to join us in partaking of the food, she is usually content to play with her toys.

Wow, that's a lot of presents!
Gotcha!

Keira got to help open a few presents. Of course, she mainly helped by putting everything in her mouth. Here they are facing the computer to chat with Noah's mom, sister, and brother via Skype. Gotta love technology!


Happy Birthday, Noah!
We love you!



And this is just a bonus from today because I love this little dress with watermelons on it!

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Charger Girls

After church, Sundays at our house means football time, which means....GO CHARGERS! Keira is already a big (little) sports fan at only 4.5 months old! Here we are cheering on our favorite team:




Go Chargers!
Okay, I had to post this one too because she is just too cute for words!



In other news, Keira is getting very close to sitting up on her own. Whenever we lay her down, she fusses and does continuous ab crunches because she wants to sit up so bad. Here she is sitting on her own, with just the pillow supporting her.

Such a big girl!


A video of her sitting up while playing:



Enjoying the ball popper with Daddy: