Our first baby turns six!

When we stop and look at any of our children, we have the sense that time is passing much too rapidly.  However, this is especially true with our (not so) little Sammy!  Has it been 8 years since we started thinking about starting a family, then wondering if it would ever happen!  Can it really be six years ago that we started this wonderful, challenging and exciting journey as parents?  He was born on his great-grandmother’s birthday and she and all four grandparents were on hand at almost two in the morning to welcome him!  Two years ago we visited Ecuador for the first time just after Samuel’s birthday and last year we finished our training in New York City and celebrated his birthday with a trip to Mars (but only for dinner) and then to Connecticut and Vermont.

Samuel has matured so much in this past year.  In June he graduated from Kindergarten, which he loved.  We celebrated his birthday early so he could have a party with his school class in Quito.  Check the photos soon for these events.  He really adapted well to the major changes in our lives last year and is always ready for an adventure.  Now with our newest move to Shell, he has made friends and adjusted to “jungle life” rapidly.  He learned quite a bit of Spanish in Kindergarten and is always willing to use it.  He loves to read and I laugh to look at the back seat of the car to see his brothers carrying on loudly about something while he sits there and reads.  Not unlike his mother (and from what I understand, his grandmother and great-grandmother!)  Paul gave him his first real lego set for his birthday and the two of them have enjoyed putting together the different options in the kit.  When Paul is at work, Sammy does quite well at following the directions by himself.  He also loves music and drama and time will tell if this is an interest or a talent.  We delight to see his personality and gifts develop, but most of all, we are proud of his developing character.  He loves his brothers and helps out in many ways with Josiah, especially.  He is excited about the new brother due any day now.  We see his faith developing as we listen to his prayers and comments on Bible time.  As his name means, he continues to be an answer to our prayers and a great blessing to our growing family.