Visiting Union U.

 We drove to Granddad's house to stay for a few days and be closer to the university that Regan wanted to visit. Benjamin learned how to cut the grass on this trip, too!

 Lauren and Hudson loved that a the little tv was on the patio.

 Benjamin had an appointment at the dentist to have his wisdom teeth checked. He complained often of pain when we were overseas, so I thought we should have it checked out. He had to have his temperature checked in the car before being allowed to come in. And the verdict is...
All 4 wisdom teeth need to come out. So, he has an appointment in August with an oral surgeon.

 Murphy was glad to see Benjamin come back

 WOW! How exciting! She has been saving saving saving her money! Only one bank in the area would exchange her money into USD, but you had to have an account. So, Jonathan helped her get her first bank account and put her exchanged money in to it. The reason for exchanging the money is because she saved enough to buy the iPad Pro and Apple Pencil. She has wanted it for years, ever since it came out. So we went to the store and ordered it (sold out in stores)

 All the girls wanted a picture with their money. The value goes down significantly with each child :) The other girls only have a few dollars or cents. And poor Hudson over in the corner. He likes money so much, but it burns a hole in his pocket, s the didn't have anything for the picture.

 We were driving on the road when the emergency vehicle in front of us stopped, turned on it's lights, and ushered a turtle across the road safely.

 The American Girl Store reopened and she finally got her birthday present.

 Rebecca...plus one of her outfits because they were having a special at the store if you bought the doll!

 Jonathan, Regan, and I got up early to drive to Union University for a tour. Reserved parking just for Regan :)

 Their mascot is a bulldog. They even have a real one on campus that the students can visit any time they need to pet an animal.

 Regan is interested in Graphic Design, so it was fun to see that department on the tour.

 The dorms were beautiful. I love the courtyard in front of each one.

 Regan always gets excited about libraries.

This, however, was my favorite part of the university. There is a huge swing for 2+ and it was so nice. Jonathan grabbed this photo of us while we were talking. I love it.

 Everyone needs a picture by the entrance, right? :)

 While we were visiting the university, the other kids were helping entertain/babysit. Katherine got to feed Nellie.

 Hudson played with the other kids and Benjamin continued on his schoolwork.

 Lauren had to borrow some close while hers dried....she went "swimming" in her clothes.

Again, Murphy was happy for us to return. He's a good dog.

We were headed back to Knoxville and somebody was afraid that Granddad was going to go with us :)

Roomie Reunion 2020

 Well, our crew has certainly grown since our college days! Between the four of us we have SEVENTEEN kids!That's impressive! I'll try to name the ones I can (some are either foster children or in the process of adoption so faces and names are not allowed). Left to right (back row) Nate M., Benjamin, Jonathan, Brandon S., Lauren, M., Katelyn S., Jayden S. Hudson, Regan, Katherine  Middle row: Daniel M., D., Martin S., Kelly, Kelly H., Jenny M., M., Carrie S., baby, Kayla M. Front Row: Sarah Ann M., Bryan M.

 So how do you feed so many reasonably? Fruit cups...

 Crazy Bread...

 Pizza...

 and lots of chips ;)

 The Moore kids and Benjamin

 The rest of my crew with some of the Shields

 Hudson made a new buddy. He loved playing with Jayden.

 Me and Carrie

 The girls watching the boys fill up their water balloons for the water balloon fight.

 Girls vs. Boys Each team got a laundry basket of 100 balloons :)

 So much fun. I think they could have used 1,000 each haha!

 The official Roomie Reunion photo! Kelly Harrison, Kelly Sheddan, Carrie Shields, Jenny Moore

 Too many faces to blur out for the watermelon photos....it tasted so good!

 Hudson's other buddy. They really didn't want to leave. They had so much fun together.

 The two Kellys

 Jenny and sweet M.

The Dads all hanging out :)

Family Resemblances

 I can't remember what they were looking at with Emily, but I just love watching them love together.

 I used to say that Lauren was Jonathan's mini me, but I have changed my mind. She is her Auntie Em  made over. :)

 They kept making similar expressions and laughing at the same things.

 Even their legs are crossed the same :)

 WE were all very hungry extra early when visiting with Emily, so we decided to try to go out to eat at Texas Roadhouse. To say everyone was a little excited was an understatement. Our first steak since returning to the States.

 The girls...such a good picture!

 My little flower that I picked out is doing so good. I love that it continues to bloom!

 Homemade fried chicken, broccoli, and homemade biscuits....mmmmm

 It was National Cheese Day (didn't even know that was a thing) at the assisted living place where Ma is. She was very glad that we were able to come outside and have some nachos with her. (We sat at another table to eat since we would have our masks off, but still got to visit for a few minutes)

Yep, that's them!

 They were excited about Old Navy T-shirts...and on sale at that! We are ready for the 4th ;)

 The girls each have a NorthStar Academy Christmas Campaign shirt. Regan won the design contest for it! She is so talented in many ways! They had to change the design colors for cost sake, but she gave them permission. I wasn't sure how the shirts would run so I ordered 3 sizes to make sure Regan got one that would fit. Then I gave the others to the other two girls.

 Katherine used her money to buy a slip and slide. Her swimsuit had not arrived in the mail yet, so she just played in her clothes :)

Emily and Linus surprised us for National Donut Day

 The kids (and we are too) learning about so many "holidays" in America. Hudson said his favorite donut was the bacon one.

Benjamin and the other kids have enjoyed having a basketball goal to shoot around.

Michael and Shelby came by to visit! This was the first time for us to meet baby Grace. She wasn't too sure about us at first, but warmed up quickly. She like the chickens we brought her from overseas.

She warmed up to Katherine first.

The boys LOVED playing some Xbox together.

Grace looks just like Katherine did at that age. It's really unbelievable how much they look alike right now :)

Grace saw the camera and just started yelling CHEESE!

Lauren and Paige were so excited to see each other again. I love watching the cousins play together.

The easiest thing to eat for this many people is pizza. I'm glad their favorite is Papa Johns...that is my favorite, too!

Yeah! She let me hold her! She wasn't 100 percent sure about me holding her, but I guess she figured if Daddy handed her off to me that I must be ok :)

Katherine's chalk art

Paige

Regan and Peyton look so much alike, too!! (Regan 16, Peyton 14)

a little family game of soccer

Benjamin and Tyler really hit it off, too. They really have a lot in common.

racing up the side of the playground

Hudson with Uncle Mikey

a bunch of little monkeys

It was so sweet that my brother and Shelby brought some things for the kids. They knew Lauren's favorite color was yellow. She was so excited about the umbrella and beach towel.

Grace giving Hudson fist bumps...Every time she saw him coming she would say "fist bump" and punch at him.

Lauren and Grace

Regan and Grace

The PERFECT surprise gift for Katherine. Shelby was afraid that she wouldn't like it, but it's perfect with lots of details and beautiful pictures!

Sweet cousins on the playground