It's a Dog's Life

Diamond keeps sneaking onto Korbin's bed and sleeping. I guess there are worse things she could be doing! (It is pretty cute!)

First Day of School

Landon started 1st grade. He has Mrs. Coy. She is super nice and does all these cute things, like have the kids wear "witch fingers" to read. She give suprize yellow dots when you are behaving and Landon was excited because he got the first yellow dot of the school year.

Kayla started 4th grade. She has Mrs. Graves and Mrs. Johnson. She has met some really nice friends. Her "best" friend is Anna. Anna is in our ward and has a very nice family. We are glad she is making friends.

Horse Back Riding

We LOVE to ride our horses. The kids think it's about the greatest thing ever. The horses are usually rode at least 3 times a week. The kids go at least once a week, but lately, they have been going more frequently. Gotta get our rides in before the winter hits!

Kayla has ridden a horse twice. She is a natural on a horse and loves Libby.

Landon is doing so well ridding! He has really made some big improvements just recently! (I think he more naturally takes after me and, although, he loves the horses, he's not as "natural" with them and is having to learn, like I am.)

Korbin would ride a horse all day if we let him!

Candle Light Ceremony

Our last night in Oregon, a very special Candle Light Ceremony was held. This night it to celebrate the joining of our family with Kayla. Kayla's caseworker, Lydia, conducted the ceremony. I will recall it the best I can.

Lydia: On this very special day, we are gathered to join Kayla and the McDowell Family into a new family. The first candle to be lit is to honor Kayla. (a candle was lit) Being able to love is a gift you were born with. There have been many people in your life who have loved you. Do you remember who loved you first?
Your biological family loved you first and they still do. Then, there have been foster parents love you and teachers, friends, therapists and workers. All these people love you.
(Second candle was lit by Kayla's candle)
This candle represents your biological family.
The last candle to be lit will be lit in honor of your new family. (We all helped Kayla lit the candle with her candle.) Your new family is here to love you and provide you a safe home. This is your forever family.
All three candles will remain lit for the rest of the evening. This is to remind us that we never have to blow out a candle to lite another. Our love just gets bigger and bigger for those in our future and those in our past.
Kayla was then asked to read the following:
"To My Mom and Dad,
I want to live with you and learn to care for you as my family. I am ready to accept my responsibilities as your daughter and as a family member."
Lydia then asked: "Kayla, are you ready to be a part of the McDowell family, to respect and learn to care for Chris and Christina, as your parents?"
Kayla said, "YES!" and then signed her name on the pledge.
Then I was asked to read a statement on behalf of Chris and I:
"To Kayla,
We welcome you into our family. As your parents, we promise to love and take care of you. We'll provide a safe environment for you to live in. As our child, you will be entitled to full family rights. Through good times and challenging times, we will grow together as a family."
(Of course, I was crying, as I read this. )
Lydia then asked, "Chris and Christina, are you ready to accept these parental responsibilities and to care for Kayla as your child, growing as a family through both good and difficult times?"
We said, "YES!" and signed the pledge.

Lydia then asked the audience to stand and said, " Being a family isn't always easy- all families have good times and challenging times. It's important that the entire McDowell family be able to count on your support. So, I ask you, will you pledge your friendship and, if needed, your help? Everyone in attendance replied, "Yes."

Lydia then said, "I am happy to present the new McDowell family!!"

Meeting Kayla in Oregon

Our first family photo shoot in Bandon, OR on the pier.
Check out the seagul at the top of the picture! Pretty cool touch, if you ask me. :)

This is "Kayla's Beach", otherwise known as Sunset Beach, in Charleston, OR. This was our favorite part of the trip, other than meeting Kayla. It was beautiful and the crabbing, in tide pools, was way fun!

"Here little crabs, where are you?"

Kayla found a lot of crabs! Here she is holding one.

Kayla showing off one of the best crabs of the day!

Although, it wasn't as cool as this big guy! Check out Chris's arm! That's a crab.

Kayla loves her new brothers and loves to "baby" Korbin.

Chris and Korbin walking the beach in North Bend, OR, next to the sand dunes!

We had so much fun in Oregon, that I think we are going back next year, but this time with 4-wheelers! You can 4-wheel right along the beach and they have tons of sand dunes! Awesome! Chris said we are going in Septemeber, when the salmon are running. The hotel we stayed in was waterfront and you could literally fish off of their deck.

(I'll be doing another post about the candle light ceremony later. I haven't downloaded pictures yet.)