Jackson enjoying his birthday rocket

Building Pal

Jackson sliding down

What a day!!

We had quite a day yesterday. We started out at the children's museum, but unfortunately left, because the playscape room which Jackson LOVES was closed until next week. He was so disappointed, but I managed to get him out and promised a fun day. We headed for the bounce planet and had a great time bouncing! Afterwards, we headed to build a bear and he and Emmaline made matching bunny friends. He named his bunny Pal and Emmaline named her bunny Yu Yu. Pal spent the rest of the day with us. I let Jackson play on the equipment at the mall for a little longer and then we met Daddy for dinner at his favorite restaurant. It was a long day, but I think he had a great time :-)

Jackson's 4th Birthday Message

Happy 4th Birthday Jackson!!!!!

We woke Jackson up singing to him this morning and he was so excited and said, "Mama, am I 4 today?" When I told him he really is 4 today, he was SO excited! We are going to spend the day at the Children's Museum and then have a small dinner out tonight to celebrate. The big double birthday party for the kids will be Saturday.

Thank you dear Lord for this precious little boy! He is such a wonderful, kind, and caring little person and we are truly blessed! When I think of how his personality has developed in these 4 short years, I cannot believe who he has become. He loves to laugh and tell jokes like his Daddy! He is so smart, and loves to talk and ask question after question. He is also so observant! He remembers everything too and there are many times he reminds me of what was said months before! He is a sensitive child who loves his family. He adores his big brother Jacob and loves his counsin Michael so much too! Spending time with the "Big Boys" is his favorite thing to do. He is a terrific big brother to Emmaline and has truly amazed Bob and I during the transition period in welcoming Emmaline home! Jackson has the most keen sense of smell and is the first to tell me when we need to change Emmaline :-) He loves Jesus and reminds Bob and I constantly how lucky we are to be children of God. Four years ago today, at 8:01 p.m. we met our precious little boy and I cannot wait to see what God's plan is for this beautiful boy throughout the years. Happy Birthday my little man. You, Jacob, and Emmaline are truly the joy of our lives!

Emmaline Waving

My first attempt at you tube with our short video of Emmaline waving :-)

Aunt Debbie fresh from Hawaii!!

Aunt Debbie came for a visit after her Hawaii trip. Doesn't she look so tan and pretty? And, the last pictures show again what a big help my almost 4 year old can be!!!!!

Adoption Presentation

This is a wonderful video on adoption from you tube. Enjoy!

We're on a roll!!

The happy morning faces of a well rested family! How many days does it take to become a habit?

She did it again!!!!!!

We had another terrific night of sleep last evening! Emmaline went to bed with out much of a fuss at 7:30 p.m. Bob and I have been so sleep deprived we fell asleep at 8 p.m. Poor Jacob was left to handle Jackson and get him to bed. He is such an amazing big brother and got his jammies on and put him to bed. The Akers household is starting to return to a new normal and we couldn't be happier!!!

Emmaline Slept ALL Night in her own bed!!!!!!!

We had a busy day yesterday playing at the mall playground. Maybe she was exhausted, but it was a wonderful night for Bob and I. She slept from 7:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. (...and we woke her up!) in her own bed!!! I am trying to get the kids on a better schedule before I return to work in a week. We're off to a terrific start!

Fun times!

The first picture is Jackson getting a bath in the utility sink. I had given Emmaline her bath eariler in this sink and he wanted to get in too. ( For the record, he barely fit!) The other pictures are Emmaline and Jackson playing together in their playroom. Jackson has been asking for Emmaline to "play" with him in the playroom often and I finally agreed yesterday. They had so much fun!

Jackson's Volcano

Jackson has taken a liking to volcanos, so we made our very own volcano. He was so excited to see an eruption with hot lava first hand :-)

Emmaline's 1st Birthday Portraits

I scanned these photos so you could see Emmaline's 1st Birthday Portraits. They are small, but if you click on the photos you should be able to see them a little bit larger.

The Chinese New Year Continues...

This weekend will include days 10, 11, and 12 of the Chinese New Year.
These days are traditionally spent entertaining friends and relatives
for dinner. It is thought that serving an even number of dishes will
bring "double happiness." If serving whole fish for dinner,
some should not be eaten but left to symbolize abundance.

The photos today are of the kids opening up special surprises from cousin Di.

I wish I could do some of the things my big brother does

Happy Valentines Day

We had a nice romantic... I mean a nice family Valentine's Day dinner at home this evening;-) We got out our special china dishes and nice glasses and enjoyed being a family who loves one another. Bob and the kids had a little dance afterwards to some Michael Buble. It was a fantastic Valentine's Day for the Akers Crew!!!