Monday, July 6, 2009

Celebrating America's Birthday

Caleb (wearing blue jeans) and Steven (blue shorts) leaving the yard with Daddy to go watch the 4th of July parade
Caleb, Steven, Kevin and James in front of our old-but-fun motor home

Caleb with his bottle of water. Bottled water is given to all parade-watchers by our church reminding everyone that Jesus is the water of life.

Our church float: Scheri was the Statue of Liberty; Teresa and Billy riding along
They were advertising our upcoming Vacation Bible School


Steven and Caleb sitting out on the park lawn beside Daddy




Steven, probably our town's newest American citizen, holding Old Glory






I can't believe I actually got this many pictures of Steven's face! Usually I end up with fuzzy shots of the back of his head





Caleb and Steven enjoying hot dog, fries and pop lunch at our City Park


Teresa and Scheri enjoying lunch with young friends from church and community

Hot, sweaty, red-faced Billy sitting beside his Grandpa. Billy had been pushing a stroller all over the park pretending like he was mowing the lawn.

Kevin and Joy's Mom seated on chairs, Steven and Caleb in front



Our first family pictures as a family of eight:James, Teresa, Scheri, Joy, Billy standing; Kevin seated with Caleb and Steven on his lap




Caleb and Steven buckled in for the block-long ride back home from America's birthday party

10 comments:

amyl4 said...

I am so overwhelmed with emotion looking at all of these pictures of Steven with your family. What a darling little boy! I wonder what he thinks of all these changes and being out of the orphanage. He looks like he is taking it all in and loving it. I think he resembles my Caleb, maybe it's those beautiful blue eyes. Congratulations again Joy!
Amy

Carson's Mom said...

I am sooo glad you are now all home together. Steven looks like he needs some home cooking. I will be praying for you and your family as you all adjust to each other.

Kayla

Arizona mom to eight said...

Meghan said Ma (Roma) when she saw Steven, after almost two years, she remembers him, she did really like him. I am overjoyed, he is home with you now, he has a family, Little Steven HAS A FAMILY. It means so much to me to see him with you and AWAY from where he was.

I am so happy for you all Joy and family.

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for posting pictures! I'm so happy for all of you. What a beautiful little boy Steven is...and what a great name!!!

Miranda said...

Yay. So good to see him home. He's beautiful!

Alice said...

The pictures are wonderful. So glad he is safely home!

Anonymous said...

wow, he just fits right in doesn't he? The boys look like they will be thick as theives before too long! Congrats, so worth the wait.
Amy O.

Charissa said...

What a beautiful sight, those two little Ukranian boys holding hands in their red and white stripes. Congratulations!!

Alice said...

Joy,
I hope you are doing well. I just wanted to let you know I am still praying for Steven and the rest of you. I sure hope the little guy isn't totally overwhelmed! Lots of love, Alice

ArtworkByRuth said...

Fabulous photos! Was checking in to see how things are! Can you believe the journey is over yet?