The Wello Waterwheel

Our kids come from a part of the world without access to clean water. Part of the boys' job at the orphanage was to go down to the river each day and collect water. This is a fabulous idea!

For more information, check out the Wello website. I'm praying this idea spreads to the rest of the underdeveloped world VERY quickly.

Gymnastics

The girls' gymnastic teacher invited parents to class last night to see what the girls have been working on this year.  The classes are offered at our local seminary and give the girls a chance to learn new skills but without the pressure to compete.  Its been a great experience for our girls, though I'm afraid they want to play soccer come fall and not continue with gymnastics.  I (Amy) always wanted to do gymnastics as a child so of course I hate to see them give up the chance to continue but this year has helped tremendously with their core strength and balance (both of which were severely lacking due to early deprivation).  

The girls begin each class with stretching. 

Left split

Right split

Front split.

Chloe did the best splits

Back bends 

The girls then moved to the beam.

Pirouettes

Soccer Champ

AJ has been playing soccer for our local middle school this Spring (even though he's only a 4th-grader), and it has been great fun for him and a very good experience.  AJ finished the season with 9 goals, and last night the team won the Salt River Conference Tournament Championship.  (AJ scored the game-winning goal with 4 minutes to go in the semifinal game.)  We are very proud of AJ and the team for this accomplishment.  

One of the parents takes great pictures during the games.  Here are some from last night:

AJ in championship game action

Celebrating a 2-0 win at the final buzzer

Running a victory lap

2014 Champs

A little post-game McDonald's celebration

Hoop Dreams

Anyone that knows Matt, knows how much he loves basketball.  He's been very patient with AJ, allowing him to develop his own love of the sport. AJ recently dragged home a basketball goal and our cul-de-sac has quickly become the neighborhood basketball court. 

A little family hoop time

A family shoot around quickly turned into a  little competition

Happy Birthday, AJ!

Saturday was AJ's 12th birthday!  It is amazing how much he has grown.  Here are some highlights from our little celebration:

AJ decided he wanted a donut cake this year.  (That's supposed to be a soccer ball.)

Awaiting the end of "Happy Birthday to You"

Blowing out the candles

Drawing supplies from Meemaw and Grandpa Neild

Aunt Buffy always gives the cool shoes.

A Kentucky basketball jersey from Grandpa & Grandma Kinnell

A Clint Dempsey Team USA soccer jersey from Mom & Dad - just in time for the World Cup!

AJ's big request for a birthday present was for a weight set.  Mom found a great deal on this (very lightly) used set on Cr**gsl*st.

Our birthday boy - all wrapped up with a bow

And, finally, the obligatory "remember when" photo.  This is AJ at the orphange in March of 2009 when we were in Ethiopia picking up our girls.  Little did we know that a little over a year later we would bring him home to join our family.  How we love him, and how he's grown!

Saturday Hike in Red River Gorge

While Amy was off working on a sunny Saturday, Matt and the kids made the drive down the Mountain Parkway to Red River Gorge for a few hours out in nature.  We explored the Koomer Ridge area of the gorge.

Hidden Arch

Our kids really do have a lot of fun hiking.  Especially if there are rocks to explore.

Chloe loves to find "rock seats".

Looking back through the arch

Chloe

AJ and Essie out on a ledge

We love finding holes in the rocks

Climbing twins

We are firm believers that kids need a little daring activity in their lives.  (Within reason, of course.)

Chloe

Chloe was very photogenic today.

This camera angle makes AJ look 7 feet tall, even though he's not.  (Not yet anyway.)

Dozens of amazing things seen today, but we just can't stop talking about the black snake along the trail.

Under the Silver Mine Arch

Believe it or not, the hike up these 79 stairs was not nearly as easy as the climb down.

This frightening picture has a very interesting story to go with it.  As Chloe was getting a little too close for my comfort, this conversation happened:

Dad: "Chloe, get back from there. I don't want you to fall."

Chloe: "Why?"

AJ: "Because there's not two Chloes. That means you're valuable to the world."

To understand what a big deal that statement by AJ was, you would have to have been with us a few weeks ago when he stated during a movie that it was a good thing that a character died, because they didn't have enough food. Our son is slowly overcoming the harsh realities of his birth culture and beginning to think with compassion and see the value of each individual life. Thank you, Jesus. 

Getting weary, but we still have a smile for the camera.

Heading back to the truck, tired and ready to go home.