6 month reunion of China group

The first picture is of the four precious Chinese children and the Mann's youngest and of course my grandson Payton.
The second picture is of Jayden and Payton having fun together.



This is us and the three other couples that traveled with us to China. We got together last Saturday at Herdmont (I think that's right) Park for a picnic. It was great getting together and catching up. All the children are doing great and have adjusted well into their forever families.

PC Beach

As you can see by these photo's Jayden loved his first trip to the beach. Look at that belly! Since recovering from his last surgery he has really started to gain weight. He is now babbling up a storm with his new palate. Hopefully he will soon start really talking. He says about 40 - 50 single words now. Brian and I are really enjoying being his parents and thanking God every day for this huge blessing.

Thunder Beach

Jayden and Daddy are loading up his three wheeler for Thunder Beach in the toy hauler.
Jayden is ready for his first motorcycle ride (except driveway at home).
They couldn't wait to put on their swim suits. Jayden's first trip to the ocean. He loved it.

misc Jayden

Sleeping with daddy
Camo paint night. Guess how much cold cream we had to use to get this stuff off!!!
What a way to eat supper!

Jayden's 2nd Birthday

A summer of 1st cont

Playing peek a boo.
1st popsickles
Playing with big brother Derek.
1st trip to Pell City Park Walking on the bridge at the park

A summer of 1st

This is Jayden's 1st trip to McDonald's.
As you can see Jayden loves the water. Payton learned to swim underwater and scuba dive this year. Jayden is almost swimming above water. By next year I believe he will be swimming.
All kids love boxes!
Jayden's 1st picnic. This was an old fashion picnic and fellowship that our church had this spring, what a great time.
Me, Jayden, and Payton with our medals.

Daily walks

We take at least one walk per day (.02 mile) to increase muscle mass. Jayden enjoys outside very much!

Payton & Jayden in sand pile

Boy's love their sand!

Sound asleep

Conked out in daddy's chair.

One Cool Dude

Is this cute or what?

First trip to the sand pile

Jayden loves the sand pile! He is discovering new and exciting things all around him. Some he likes and some he doesn't care for...like walking on the ground outside. It's very interesting watching Jayden discover the world. I am reminded of how much we take for granted everyday and I pray that this experience of watching him learn will teach me to be more thankful of all that the Lord provides for us. We are so blessed to have been born in America.

Payton teaching Jayden to play ball

I think I posted that the paperwork told us that Jayden's favorite toy was a ball. Brian and I went all over the island and finally found him a ball. When we got back to the hotel it was apparent that Jayden had never saw a ball before much less knew what to do with it. Children are so remarkable, in just a couple of week look at him playing with a ball. Thanks to uncle Payton for all of his help!

Traditional chinese "sword suits"

I hope to get professional pictures of these two in their "sword suits" next weekend. Guess who gave the suits their name?

Jayden and Payton

Payton spent the night with us the first Tuesday after we arrived home. Are these pictures not adorable? Payton was so sweet with Jayden. Even though Jayden is actually Payton's uncle...Payton wants to be called "Uncle Payton". I know that God will bind these two hearts together for life and that they will grow up united with love for each other.

Memories

This photograph is eerily just like a photo that was taken of Brian and his oldest son (Derek) 30 years ago. The same pose. It's wild to think of Brian being a father to children 29 years apart. God can sure take us on some fascinating journeys. What a joy to be children of the Most High. We never know what lies around the corner. He is constantly surprising us.