After three years we finally get to bring our little girl home

It is time!  For those of you who still check into this blog, we are heading to Ethiopia to get our little girl and bring her home.  If you haven't already let me know, I'm keeping a private blog of our happenings while in Ethiopia - let me know if you'd like to follow along.  It's directed to my kiddos and it's my way of keeping in touch back at home.
I can't wait!!!!

August, thus far

Before I even start in on our happenings in August get a load of this cutey patootey.  I can't get enough of her and her fantastic hair.  She's getting pretty dang funny too.

 For those of you who didn't follow along on our private blog Paul and I spent a good 10 days traveling to Ethiopia and meeting our little girl.  We absolutely are in love and are so eager to get the call that we can go back and get her and bring her home.

 We loved getting to know the country of Ethiopia.  We spent most of our time in its capital, Addis Ababa but were able to get away for a couple of days and spend some time at a resort.  We ate great food, I got a pedicure, met good people, played tennis on a dirt court, flushed the toilets, took hot showers, kayaked and just relaxed.  It was needed as I think I was going a little bit nuts because I was missing my kiddos back at home and torn up about having to leave our little girl in Ethiopia.

 Just one of the many homes on the streets that we drove past.  We are a spoiled people here in America!

 Love her!

 The sink in the orphanage.  Lots of babies.  Lots of sweet, sweet babies that I wanted to love on and bring home.  And on top of all the babies there are so many amazing kids that grabbed my heart.  I got attached to the orphanage and all the kiddos in it.  I'll be excited to go back and see them all.  My balloons were a hit and we brought them suckers, granola bars and dried fruit every day.  I think they liked us too.

 The garbage men.

 So awesome to attend church on the other side of the world.  Same spirit!  Loved the people.

 And of course our 10 hour layover in Dubai.  Not only did Paul see the tallest building in the world but he also went skiing.  Say what?

AFTER 2 1/2 YEARS...

We finally have our court date and will be flying to Ethiopia next week.  You heard me right, next Saturday we'll be on a plane to Dubai and then onto Ethiopia and the next Monday I will be meeting/holding/loving my little girl.  This all seems so unreal and I still feel a bit guarded.  Okay, maybe a lot guarded.  

I think Ethiopian people are absolutely, stunningly beautiful

I'm thinking that in order to keep communication with my kiddos and family in the states I'm going to have a private blog while I'm there.  This will also ensure better documenting too.    If you're interested in following e-mail me and let me know  amy_kroff@yahoo.com

Three weeks in and I'm learning a ton...

Fortunately the weather hasn't been too crazy hot but I don't think my garage studio is going to last much longer.  I'm diggin' learning about studio lighting but I'm also realizing how much more I need to learn.  

look who's totally walking

She is even turning mid walk and can pick something off of the ground and keep walking.  Talk about skills.  Seriously one of the cutest things to see her walk around the corner and smile.

quick update

Less than two weeks before it is officially summer break...

And I'm starting a studio lighting class this next week - stay tuned for better studio photos.  Consider these the "before" shots.

Life is good!!

Have I mentioned how much I love this cutey patootey?

 AS OF THIS MORNING MISS HAZEL IS FOREVER OURS AND I LOVE THE LOAD THAT HAS BEEN LIFTED!!  IT HURTS HOW MUCH I ADORE THIS GIRL!   I FEEL LIKE WE HIT THE JACK POT WHEN WE GOT HAZEL!

I THINK SHE MIGHT BE A BIT OF A SHOW OFF!    SHOW IT OFF, HAZEL!

TIME TO UPDATE THE BIG CANVAS ON THE WALL.  THIS COULD BE THE ONE - THANKS MELISS FOR JUMPING IN AND HELPING OUT.

ONE OF THESE DAYS I NEED TO WRITE DOWN HAZEL'S STORY BUT IT IS SO INTERTWINED WITH OUR ETHIOPIAN ADOPTION WHICH IS STILL BEING WRITTEN THAT I FEEL I NEED TO WAIT AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS!  BUT HAZEL'S STORY IS AN AWESOME ONE AND ONE THAT HAS TAUGHT ME SOOOO MANY LESSONS.  ONE OF THESE DAYS I NEED TO WRITE DOWN EVERYTHING I'VE LEARNED THROUGH THE ADOPTION PROCESS - IT COULD BE A BOOK, I'VE LEARNED THAT MUCH!