Bye Blogger!

Well, I've decided to relinquish my title as "blogger." While it's been fun, the main reason I started the blog was to capture every moment of our time in Colombia, and this certainly accomplished that purpose. This silly thing keeps us smiling and laughing and on our toes. 

But we wouldn't have it any other way. To keep up with the Stinsons, you can find both Ford and me on Facebook and me on Instagram. For now, so long to the blogosphere! 

The Orman Wedding

We officially welcomed Breanne Markey into our family last weekend. She and Blake were married at the Abita Quail Farm in Abita Springs in an outdoor ceremony. It was beautiful, and the night was a blast! Michael was the ring bearer, although he only cooperated because Uncle Blake promised him M&M's at the end of the aisle and we promised him a tractor. Bribery at its finest...

It was so great to celebrate with family and see off the happy couple. Welcome Breanne! We love you!

Copyright Beth Burris

Blake and his best man and best friend, Drew

*tear* ;)

My two handsome boys



Special Day!

September 15th was a special day for the Stinsons. A Louisiana court formally recognized Michael's adoption. This means we can get him a Louisiana birth certificate, which will make things much easier when we sign up for t-ball and a driver's license. ;) Thanks to Uncle Doug and Judge Robinson for everything!

Geaux Tigers!

We took Michael to his first LSU game in Tiger Stadium this year. He was a little intimidated by all the noise and the crowds but warmed up after a while. It was a fun day for all of us. We even made it to the 4th quarter!

 

"I don't have nothing to do."

From the time I became a mom, I wondered when I would hear the words "I don't have anything to do." Maybe it was because I remember saying it to my parents. Maybe it's because my dad told me a story about his mom (my Nanny) and his older sister Mary Nell telling Nanny when she was little one day that she didn't have anything to do and Nanny, who was watering plants in the greenhouse, turned around, squirted Aunt MN with the hose and said "Now you have something to do. Go dry off." I always thought that was so funny and a nice reminder of Nanny, who we lost too soon. Well, what comes out of Michael's mouth tonight after dinner but "I don't have nothing to do." He's 3 years, 7 months, and 10 days old. I really thought it would be much later. ;) Nevermind all the toys, puzzles, trains, trucks and cars we have around here!

Summer is blowing by. I can't believe it's the middle of July. We've been spending a lot of time in the pool. Michael loves the water and is getting pretty good at swimming. He is fearless and will jump off the side of the pool with no hesitation. Last time we were in Franklinton he went swimming with Uncle Blake. Bre caught these two pics. I'm glad Blake caught Michael. ;)

Happy summer!

World Cup 2014

We are having so much fun watching the World Cup this year. Of course we are cheering for USA, but we've also been cheering on the Colombian team. 

About a week ago, Nana delivered Michael a Colombian soccer jersey that a friend of hers had bought for him. We were so surprised and grateful! So Ford and I put on our jerseys that we had bought while in Colombia and snapped these pics. 

 

While we are sad that USA is out, we will be cheering on Colombia on Friday as they take on powerhouse Brazil. This is the first time Colombia has made the final 8 in history, so team spirit is high! Go Colombia!

First Fishing Trip

Ford took Michael fishing today for the first time. He bought him his own fishing pole, and he caught 4 fish!

Naboo

Our Naboo has come a long way. He's never been fond of children, so Ford and I were a little worried that our grumpy ole cat wouldn't take to Michael too well. Boy, were we wrong! From the moment we walked in the door from Colombia, Naboo seemed to accept him. It was as if he knew that Michael was supposed to be there all along. My parents always said animals just know things. They are smart. :)

Here's our grumpy ole Naboo with Michael this morning. 

Haircut!

Michael has had many haircuts, but this one was special! Momma did it! It may have been more traumatic for me than him, but it was a success! :)

Michael's Referral Picture

Last week before school, Michael noticed his picture on the mantle and asked to hold it. This was Michael's referral picture - the first time we laid our eyes on his big, beautiful, brown ones a little over two years ago.

 

Time flies!

Our little cowboy

One day last week, Michael and I were in the car going to school and Tobey Keith's "Should've Been A Cowboy" came on the radio from a cd that Ford made him with some fun songs. Michael immediately said "My cowboy hat!" and grabbed his hat and put it on. I think it's a given he will start stealing the young girls' hearts just like Gene and Roy. He has mine. 

Watertown

Michael and I took an afternoon this week to meet Nina and her boys at Shreveport's waterpark, Watertown. Michael loved the wave pool!

And he was a little dare devil on the slides! It was a wonderful day!

Alligators

The Stinson boys are obsessed with alligators these days. I mean, the whole lot of them - Papa Ford, Ford III, Michael, Brian, Doug and Tanner. It seems the ponds at Stinson Farm in Benton are literally crawling with the beasts, at least 3 of which have been caught by a professional hunter. Once a week, it seems, Ford gets a text or a call that says "We got another one!" So off he goes, usually with Michael in tow, to see the latest catch. Imagine my surprise when I receive this picture one evening.

My surprise quickly turned to terror, then relief after Ford told me it was dead. I wasn't kidding when I called them beasts. This was one of the smaller ones. Ford let Michael touch it, so now when I ask him to tell me about the alligator he says in a monster voice, "Aaaa-ta-ta! Bite-choo!"

It seems Michael is doing his part to help out in the search for more. Stay tuned...





Mother's Day 2013

We spent Mother's Day (and my birthday!) in Franklinton. Michael got to spend time with his great grandmother, my mom's mom, who is 96. These pictures of them are priceless!

Happy Mother's Day to my sweet Momma! Love this pic.





Spring 2013

We recently had to provide our adoption agency with several pictures for our last post-placement report that will be sent to Colombia. There are some great pics and memories to go along with them. They also give a great recap of what we've been up to this crazy year so far!

Valentine's Day Party at school with Momma

No day is complete without horsing around with Daddy after school. ;)

Playing blocks with Gram and Pop is so much fun!

These blocks were some I played with when I was little. Do they even make Legos this big anymore?!

Watching Elmo on Momma's iPad

I thought this pic was so funny. ;)

We spent Easter morning with Nana and Papa Ford at Asbury church.

Thank goodness Spring finally arrived so we could play outside more.

Michael loves to put rocks, sticks, dirt, toys, whatever in the "trunk" of his car. ;)

Daddy and Michael playing with dandelions.

Chocolate milk date with cousin Tanner at Starbucks

Singing with Pop and Pepper on the swing in Franklinton

We love our Bre and Uncle Blake!

Making flower necklaces with Mamai



One of our favorite things to do these days is play Superman.

So long until next time!