I just found out that one of Steven Curtis Chapman's daughter's ( whom he adopted from China) was killed tragically a few days ago.

Everyone in the adoption community I'm sure has felt the upset of this story.

So sad .....

She is the little beauty sitting on her Daddy's knee ....

Here is a posting of one of the news article ......

MARIA SUE CHAPMAN, DAUGHTER OF STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN, DIES IN ACCIDENT AT FAMILY HOME

NASHVILLE, TN...5/21/08... At approximately 5pm on the afternoon of Wednesday May 21st, Maria Sue Chapman, 5 years old and the youngest daughter to Steven and Mary Beth Chapman was struck in the driveway of the Chapman home in Franklin, TN. Maria was rushed to Vanderbilt Childrens Hospital in Nashville, transported by LifeFlight, but died of her injuries there. Maria is one of the close knit family’s six children and one of their three adopted daughters.

More than five years ago, Chapman and his wife MaryBeth founded The Shaohannah’s Hope Ministry after bringing their first adopted daughter, Shaohannah, home from China. The ministry’s goal is to help families reduce the financial barrier of adoption, and has provided grants to over 1700 families wishing to adopt orphans from around the world. Chapman is a five-time GRAMMY ® winner and 54-time Dove Award winning artist who has sold over 10 million albums and garnered 44 No. 1 singles

Gone Fishin'

We hit the brook on Sunday to try our luck with some fishin'.

Ben caught two fish and couldn't have been prouder.

Miss Aly ,on the other hand, had no time for the reel and rod and instead set her mind to rock throwing in the fishing hole !

Not a good combination for catching the "big one" ....lol

Caught in the bushes .....

Proud Fisherman


Rock Throwing Champ :)

Ok, I don't know about you but his weather is killing me !

It's half way through May and it's still chilly. Brrrrr ......

Regardless of the cool temps...Ben, one of his favorite gal pals and "Her Highness" braved the cool winds and ventured to the park today to feed the ducks, play on the monkey trees and have some lunch.

Chilly ...... but great to get out and run .....

Come on summer .......we need a visit ....... ( or else I'm heading back to Cuba ) ...

Every girl needs a lift from her big brother .....

Hmmmmm ......I think I spot a duck over there Mommy !

Two monkeys in the monkey trees ....

Oh wait .....and here's the third little monkey :)

I'm falling down on the blogging job here .....


I've been so busy trying to get myself back into the "swing of things" that I've neglected my page ...

Tsk ....Tsk ....Tsk .....


What's new here with our family ??

Well, we have expanded yet again ....( see for yourself) ..........

Might be time to build on ......hehe

....... and I couldn't post without a few sweet pics of my babes :)

I know ....crazy hair ....but I love it !!

Hola My Friends .....

Well, I'm back and have to tell you that CUBA was ...............A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.

The most difficult decision that had to be made was this:

" Shall we have a drink by the ocean or the bar today?"

There are so many highlights of the trip that I cannot pinpoint just one.

We swam with dolphins, took carriage rides into the villages to meet some of the locals, shopped at the artists markets, ate really really great food ( and some NOT so great - isn't that right Heather ?? ), took the hobie cat out into the ocean, flew over the resort in a flying boat and then spent time relaxing in the sun by ocean or pool ...

We drank in every sight , sound and moment of beautiful CUBA ( not to mention sampled a good variety of the many rum drinks on the menu) .

The people that we met in Cuba were friendly and so accommodating. They love to sing, dance and always have a willing smile to share with you. As we travelled through some of the villages I could easily see that many families do not have materials items that we take for granted here in Canada and yet, despite their obvious lack of wealth, I believe that they are richer than us in so many ways.
I cannot wait to return to share once again in the beauty of the country with Bugsy, Aly and JP.

If you are reading this post Judy, Gaily, Sandy, Crystal and "Flower", I want to say thank you for a great vacation. It was really fun to spending time with you all.

I can't wait for the post Cuba bash and the exchange of 2000 photos we took ....;)

Relaxing after dinner

The Artist Market

We watched some beach volleyball (ha ha)

We relaxed by pool

and by ocean .....

Our last picture before dispersing .....