Family visit

 The boys have a new baby cousin. Another boy in the family.

 We went swimming w/grandparents!

Photo Friday

Fun at the water park!

Brothers!

 

Every time I see these two interact my heart skips a beat. They are so cute together and adore each other. Cole can’t wait to be just like Nataga! Nataga thinks Cole is the best thing since peanut butter. They are two peas in a pod. Nataga’s name means “gift of God” and Coles name means “precious son”. I know both boys are precious gifts from God. I can’t imagine life without either of them, they are awesome. I think God daily for them, the wonderful gift of adoption, and the ability to have a biological child. Nothing is greater than being their mom and I am enjoying every second. My heart breaks to know that Nataga’s parents are gone and will never get to know this sweet child. BUT I’m sure that he is a piece of each of them and I have enjoyed getting to know them more through him. He is amazing and I hope some day our family is blessed with more wonderful children just like these two! If not, these two are more than I’ve ever dreamed about or imagined and I’m happy just to have had them and the moments I’ve got to spend with them.  

It's been a little while...

Yes we're still here! I've got behind on blogging as our two sons keep us very busy! Below are some recent pictures of Nati picking blueberries

Patriots Victory Day

Today is a great day of celebration in Ethiopia – Patriot’s Victory Day! 

Patriots’ Victory Day is commemorated by Ethiopia every May 5th to give respect to the Ethiopian patriots who fought for the independence of their country’s capital, Addis Ababa, in 1941.

Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia made a grand entrance into Addis Ababa on May 5, 1941, to mark the end of the Italian occupation. Selassie had deliberately chosen that date because exactly five years earlier, the Italians had entered the city and initiated a period of occupation that halted Ethiopia's long legacy of sovereignty. However, the intervention of British forces and other Allies, as well as the heroics of Ethiopian patriots, helped preserve Ethiopia's independence. Ever since, Ethiopians have annually commemorated Selassie's famous arrival into the capital.

In Addis Ababa, government leaders, diplomats, patriot associations, and city residents turn out to honor veterans who fought in the resistance movement between 1935 and 1941. A dignitary often lays a wreath before one of the city's monuments commemorating Ethiopia's various military victories. Army brass bands also perform to mark the occasion and many schools and universities take part in the Patriots’ Day celebration as well by holding programs and educational plays for the students to familiarize the history of the holiday. The local government of Ethiopia and the Ethiopians all over the world never fail to celebrate this event in the country’s history.

Nati

I like these pictures as this is what we usually see of Nati now (full of energy and running) he doesn't slow down often!