Raising them right!

During our last week in Anderson, we made one last trip over to Clemson.  We had a great time!  Did a little shopping, ate at Mellow Mushroom, Clemson Ice Cream, etc.  I remember my first trip to Clemson with my dad.  So, it is really fun to be able to share the same with our boys.  Allen and I have such sweet memories at Clemson and the boys love all the Tigers!  

Trudy gave us this cute onesie for our little one!  At the time, we didn't know if it was a girl or boy.  Before Anna arrives, I will be making an orange tutu!

Ben didn't want to be in the picture but he was definitely having FUN!

Go TIGERS!!

It's a Girl!!!!

Introducing Anna Joy Hawkins:

Anna meaning gracious or favor.  

Luke records that Anna was present when infant Jesus was presented at the Temple.  As soon as she saw Him she knew.

 And there was a prophetess, Anna...She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.  And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.  

Luke 2:36-38 ESV

Anna was one who continually lived in the presence of God, recognized her savior the first time she saw Him, and proclaimed Him to all.  This would be our prayer for our Anna.

(Anna's middle name is the same as Sara's)

Our last day, a perfect day at the lake...

The day before we left the US, we had the awesome opportunity to spend the afternoon at the lake with family.  What a special afternoon!  We worked hard all week to be packed and ready to just relax and it was worth it!   We played in the water all afternoon and finished the night with steaks and homemade ice cream.  Definitely the perfect way to end four and a half special months in the US. 

I loved seeing the boys with all of their cousins this summer.  Such a blessing! 

My boys had never been on a seadoo before and they LOVED it!

Their first tubing experience was a hit!

Brothers!

I had the pleasure of sitting back and taking in all the smiles and laughs.  Storing them up for the years when we are apart.  What a gift from God the last four months were to my heart and soul.  There is no doubt in my mind that we are exactly where we are supposed to be but there is a price for living overseas.  Thankful for the sweet gift of time and memories!

The Lake with the D's and the D's

So, I am not even sure how to start to blog about this summer.  They are just too many good pictures and memories.  I will slowly but surely try to plug away at them.  

In August, we had an awesome weekend with two wonderful families.  We have all known each other since we were newly married.  Living overseas and being away from friends, it is always such a blessing and encouragement to get together with long time friends and see how seamless it is to be together.  Our kids all played wonderfully together.  Lots of different personalities and fun memories!

The boys LOVED the water!

We had kayaks prior to moving overseas.  We sold mine the last time we were in the US.  But this summer, we quickly realized that it was a mistake.  Allen's kayak has been outside for 7 years and it was like new after a trip to the car wash.  So, we bought the red one off of craigslist and I am so glad that we did.  The boys were great in the back of them.  

Ash with her precious little girl!  The boys were all very much in love!

This sweet boy could not get enough of the water!  

7 kids and two on the way!

Thankful for sweet, sweet memories!