Just can't stay away!

There is a special place we love to visit for many reasons.  There is no place like it, and we have become addicted.  We weren't going to go this year, because we are planning a Disney trip for this Fall/Winter. 
But we just can't stay away.
So, Hawaii...Pinkston Family, we'll see you in a couple of weeks!

2 years

Today marks 2 years home with Halle Grace!  After 5 weeks in Ukraine, bringing her home was a victory on so many levels.  Finally walking through those doors in the International Terminal and seeing so many family members and friends waiting for us was a moment that I will always hold in my heart.  This little 5-year-old, who didn't speak a lick of English, who had been traveling for about 3 days, and who didn't know any of these people, handled it like a pro.  It hardly seemed real seeing her meet her brothers and grandparents for the first time.  I can't imagine what that must have felt like.  It didn't phase her, though.  She just knew that this was where she belonged, and she has never doubted it.  Like she knew all along she was ours, and was just waiting for us to come and get her.  She truly has the gift of faith. 

I asked her today what were her favorite things about having a family.  She said she likes having parents, likes having brothers to play with, a room of her own, and a church where she can learn about God.

Her favorite things about living in America?
Any guesses?
candy and Hawaii.  The girl knows her stuff.  She said, "In the summer you can swim or go to Hawaii where they have clean beaches, not dirty ones like in Ukraine.  In the winter, you can stay inside and eat candy."
Ha! 

It's been two years full of learning, growing, and bonding.  We've been blessed beyond measure with this little girl.  People tell us what a great thing we've done for her and what a difference we have made in her life.  But for us, it's been the other way around.  She is a living, breathing testimony of God's faithfullness, as well as his miraculous power.  We are honored to have the priviledge of having her for our daughter.  This day is not just about her, but it's about the faith-building journey of a family.  It's a day to remember that with God, all things are possible.  It's a day to celebrate the odd number of 5 that now describes our family. 

Don't get me wrong...it's not all sunshine and roses.  We have the normal battles of tears and drama, tantrums. fights over what she wears, sibling rivalry, pouting, and dishonesty.  But it's nothing we don't all struggle with, deep down, right?  It's nothing God doesn't put up with from us on a daily basis in one way or another.  :)
Halle Grace is still learning what it means to have parents and how to communicate with us.  She's still learning lots of new things and having new experiences.  But she is ever kind and compassionate, always first to help out in any situation.  She is generous and sweet.  She's a a great writer.  She loves to swim, chew gum, create things, play games, and dance.  She wants to be a doctor, an author and illustrator, and an orphanage director.  And how wonderful she would be at all of these! 

Happy Homecoming Day to us!

Athletic

I just have to record this for posterity. 

Garrett has a new obsession.

 

Athletic clothing

. 

We have been battling every morning for a few weeks now about what clothes he will wear.  He will no longer wear jeans, or plaid or khaki shorts (much to his mother's dismay).  He will only wear "athletic" clothing.  Sometimes I can get away with setting out a regular t-shirt and a pair of "athletic" shorts.  But most days, he begs for an "athletic" shirt as well.  Where on earth does this come from?!?!

One day, he came home from school and announced with great pride that he and Bryce are tied for the most "athletic" clothes in the class (yes, he's keeping track, apparently). 

He has this one "athletic" outfit that we got from Target.  It's a matching blue athletic top and shorts.  When I bought it for him, you would have thought it was Christmas morning.  He was grinning from ear to ear and put it on immediately.  I asked him if he would want to wear it every day.  He responded: "Not every day, but I have a feeling it will be one of my favorites!"(said with that little Garrett grin that just charms the socks off you!)

Almost every morning he asks if his "blue suit" is clean.  When the answer is yes, it's a good day. 

Along those same lines, he was THRILLED the other day to announce that he won the track and field race and is the fastest kid in his PE group (2 and a half classes of kids).   He said it was the best day of his life.  :)

Must have been the "athletic" clothes.
(He He)