The Tough Mudder

 Eric decided to jump on the band wagon and sign up for his second Tough Mudder Race.   It is a 12 mile run with 30 military obstacles.

I thought he was a big crazy when I watched videos of this crazy race the first time he decided to do it. 

I thought he was even crazier when he had to sign a "death waiver" ... are you kidding me a death waiver? 

Eric and his good friend Jarrod decided to do The Tough Mudder Race together.  Their good friend Brad was on the injured list but went along to cheer them on and catch them in action.  I am pretty sure they will all 3 be participating in the next Mudder.  It is in their blood! 

There are electrical currents to crawl through ....

tunnels to crawl through ...

mud hills were climbed ....

and then run down .... 

there were tunnels to crawl through with water ... 

and then barbwire to crawl under ....

walls to climb ...

and then to help others over.  

The guys had a blast and are ready to head back out to another Tough Mudder.  I was pretty happy to see him come home in one piece with just some minor scrapes and bruises.  

Date Night Swap

We have a fun little arrangement with some good friends.  We do a date night swap once a month.  It works out great! The kids love it and so do the adults.  We each get a date once a month. The couple that watches the kids provides dinner. 

Then they give baths ....

and everyone ends gets their PJ's on. 

They have their bed time snack. 

The rest of the evening is spent playing.

The big girls, Samantha and Max were into playing doctor.

Love those big brown eyes!

The boys were watching the movie "Cars" and were actually pretending to be one of the characters so would act out their part when they were on the screen.

Sam decided to take over and check out Max's tummy!

Oh seriously ... these two are just two cute together and do anything for those big girls. 

They decided to take things in to their own hands!

Max decided to give Emma a few shots!

Max and Sam ended up in the kitchen! 

It really does go great when we watch the crew.  When we are the ones who get to go out it is nice to come home to kids bathed and ready for bed. It is a win for everyone! 

Welcome Home Samantha

Today we couldn't wait for the day to pass by so we could go to the airport to Welcome Home our friends Jarrod and Sara and their new little girl Samantha. I felt like my emotions were on edge all day as we anticipated their arrival.  There is some things that just can't be put into words and getting off the airplane, walking through the doors and seeing your family and friends with your new little one in your arms is one of those moments.  I was so excited to watch our friends walk through the door and experience that very same thing.

The girls were so excited and spent a good chunk of the afternoon making a sign to hold at the airport.

The kids were waiting in anticipation.  On the way to the airport it was fun to hear them reminisce about the things they were thinking and feeling as they waited to meet their new little brother. James and Josiah were very excited to see their mom and dad again and new sister.

Jarrod and Sara walking through the doors with Samantha and seeing their boys for the first time.

Max brought his friend Samantha an American Flag.  It was so fun to see them wave these together.  Someday I pray they understand what waving the red, white and blue truly means for them.

We can't wait to see our Asian cuties grow up together.  We already have an arranged marriage in the works.

Isn't she just a sweetheart?

The best picture of them all! Finally together .... a family of 5 now!