A Glimpse of the Future

I was looking through my photos from the past couple of weeks, and as I looked at the fun times we've been having, I couldn't help but think about all that Arnold has to look forward to.  Our family is like most others: we laugh, we play, we disagree, we forgive, etc. etc.  We have our ups and downs, but the most important thing is that we are a family.  I've been thinking a lot about what it would be like to not know how to be in a family.  There are so many things we take for granted by simply being born into this group of people who bond to you and love you no matter what.  Anyway, I thought I'd post some pictures of things Arnold has to look forward to:

Going to the Snake River with friends.

Holding hands with your dad

Running through the sprinklers

Throwing rocks, sticks and grass into the river

Impressing your brother with your stick-picking skills

Eating home made caramel popcorn-yum!

Watching your mom eat caramel popcorn.  Don't worry-I'll share.

Roasting marshmallows for s'mores-more yum!

The beauty of Idaho skies

Going to parades and posing for the camera

Smiles from your little sister

Sibling love

Tackling your dad with your brother and sisters

Cheering at a parade

Being loved by your big sister

Having a silly big sister

Spending time together as a family

So much is made of what we are doing for Arnold, but really, it will be us that will get the gift of watching him explore a whole new world.  Although he will be four years old before he is home, there will be so many "firsts" we will get to see....first camping trip, first parade, first time swimming, first s'mores, first movie night, and on and on.  I know there will be bumps in the road, but that is the case with any family, adopted children or not.  I look forward to all of it.