Meeting new family and friends

This last week has been a time of fun and new friends for Liberty. On July 4th, six of her cousins came out and went to the lake with Chad and the girls. Liberty went on the ski-tube again, which just amazes us. She really is a brave little girl! As long as she's with her "Je-Je's" (older sisters), she's happy and content. In the evening, we went to Chad's brother's house for dinner and fireworks. It was so fun and relaxing.

On July 5th we got up early and went blue berry picking. It was super hot but so fun! The girls picked their hearts out and we reaped the rewards with a yummy berry cobbler later that evening!


After picking we went to the farmer's market with Chad's parents, then spent the rest of the day cooking on the bar-b-que and swimming. It was nice to have them out for a few days. Liberty had fun with them too!

Today, July 6th, was our first day back at church since returning from China. It was really special. Liberty is already so loved, and we are so blessed to be a part of such real and loving believers. She did great in Sunday school but we're sure it's because Hannah and Tiffany stayed with her. :0) Tonight we went to the Smith family's house for dinner. The Smith's are very dear to us because they adopted their daughter Emma from China 2 years ago. God used their family to "plant the seed of adoption" in our hearts. From the time we received Liberty's information and picture from the adoption agency this past January, they have been praying for her too. Emma started calling Liberty her sister before we even went to get her! They played together all afternoon and Emma was so sweet and patient...especially with Liberty not speaking English! I know they will grow to be close friends.

Today was also a special day because 2 years ago on this very day, Liberty was found abandoned in Shan Hu Park. I cry for her birth mother when I think of what she went through on this day ( just writing this makes me cry), but I'm so happy that Liberty has found her "Forever family", and she'll have a chance to get the care she needs. We have truly fallen in love with her!

Lastly, just to explain a few pictures...Liberty is potty training so if you see photos of her with something on her forehead, it's a sticker she received for going potty. For some reason, she likes to stick them right in the middle of her forehead! The only reason I'm even mentioning this is because a few of you have asked.

Also, Hannah and Tiffany love to dress her and do her hair. This last picture is of the "latest style" that they came up with. They wanted me to post it so here ya go...