Elijah

What a sweet sweet boy! Elijah (along with Hudson and Parker) have been such a sweet blessing to our lives. His smile and laugh radiate with joy. He loves balls, bats, tackling, airplanes, food and just about anything outside or sporty! I can't believe he is only 16 months old, he acts much older. He has the attitude and confidence of a 2 year old. Elijah adores his big brother and sister. His eczema is doing much better, thanks to our short stay in China! Who would have thought that it would clear up in China? We think he has a dairy sensitivity, so now he doesn't do any kind of dairy.....at least it's not gluten! He still doesn't do much gluten or processed foods which is fine with me, I just wish the rest of us would do the same thing:) Maybe someday. This boy can climb just about anything, has no fear and a strong will - I have a small fear that this could land us in the ER sometime in the next couple years. Eli Eli O we love you!

Faces in Different Places

Traveling through China

The second half of our trip was spent in south western China in the Yunnan province. It took us 2 plane rides and almost a full day to get there. I am thankful that Elijah was such a great and happy traveler.

waiting in the Kunming airport. This definitely was not my favorite airport, but we survived our long layover.
This is what greeted us when we arrived in Lijiang. I think this is the prettiest airport I have been to. It was very small, but really nice and beautiful.

Blank......

I really want to finish blogging about our trip to China. We had an amazing time and the Lord opened my eyes to more of Him and sweetly reminded me to engage the lost, find joy in the "day to day" and to pursue Him in all things. With that said, it has been hard to figure out what all I want to say about China and if I can figure it out is it something others want/need to read. Here are a few pictures for now and hopefully I will post more soon. an evening out at the coolest Starbucks I have ever been to (and I have been to one inside the Forbidden City). Such a neat layout and had a great "feel" Thanks to Brad we got to enjoy some great "kid free" time



Feeding gigantic coy and turtles at a Buddhist temple. This man was beyond excited to share his bread with Elijah.

Goo

Who doesn't love to make a mess? and all you need is a little corn starch and water

Dallas Blooms at the Arboretum

I thought I would take a little break from China posts and add a little something that we did this past week. On Monday we went to the arboretum to enjoy the tulips before they are gone. It was beautiful (as always)! The kids loved playing around. I tried to get a few good pictures of the 3 of them, but it is becoming an impossible task. Here are few (the good ones) of what I was able to get.
Hudson took this one

God's Beauty in China

I saw Your beauty in.....

the clear star-filled night
coffee with great friends
the faces of ethnic minority groups
those living simply
the greatness of Tiger Leaping Gorge
a time of worship with nationals in their language
fantastic dinners with even better conversations
the quietness of an extremely early morning
gorgeous gardens
a sleeping baby on an airplane
a great massage
the smiles of orphans
Elijah's laughter as he played with cousins
those who are laboring for the fame of Your Name

and it has led to deeper worship and a greater understanding of You.