Back to school time

We are officially back to school. It is hard to believe that Brooks is in 5th grade, Reese is in 2nd grade, and Hanna will soon be starting preschool! I don't know where the summer went. It was so fast, but we had a wonderful time. The weather was not the best and we didn't get to swim nearly as much as we wanted, but it is still nice being home as a family for 2 months. We are extremely lucky.
The big highlights from the summer include a trip to Kings Island. We had a wonderful time. Jerry and Brooks ran when the gates opened to ride the Diamond Back - the new big, fast roller coaster. They loved it. Reese didn't like the big roller coasters, but he enjoyed riding the smaller ones. He and Brooks rode the Fairly Odd Coaster (formerly the Beasty) several times...even in the front! Hanna's absolute favorite was Swipers Sweeper. It is a small oval that whips around the corners. She just giggled and giggled while riding. She still talks about it whenever she hears Kings Island! She cannot wait to go back. Much to Jerry's dismay, we'll probably be going again next summer. :)
Hanna continues to amaze us every day. She is just our daughter who happens to have been born in China. You would think that she's been with us forever and not just 10 months (it will be 10 months on Aug. 21). She can write her name as well as many other letters. We think she is advanced, but we're her parents and we're supposed to think that! ;) I promise I will update some pictures. I know it has been awhile!
We continue to pray for her China family and hope they are doing well. We think of you often. We are so thankful you were in our daughter's life. You are a blessing to us all. God Bless