Introduction to James, Elias, and Cora

We were able to take a trip back to Jacksonville with another Navy family. Two moms and 3 kids under 4 loaded up the minivan and headed South! The dad's were able to fly down, but drive wasn't too bad. We stopped for some treats along the way, of course. The kids were great in the long drive. They even took a couple naps along the way. James loved being back in Jacksonville, including have some great beach time. James was also glad to spend some time at the Jacksonville Zoo. It was great to see our dear friends again too! Since we've been home Jame's social calendar has been full. He's been lucky to make so many great friends here in MD. Watching Tangled with his buddies! The boys having some man to man time. We enrolled James in private swimming lessons that he loved. He is a great swimmer. James also enjoys showing off his swimming skills in the bath tub. We've also enjoyed some great family outings. We were fortunate enough to attend the circus when it came ...

Happy Easter! This picture makes me giggle - James is always doing something funny. He has a great personality. Bat? Bunny? Or boy? Tobias and James are enjoying our backyard and the beautiful weather. Tobias is teaching James how to grow a garden. First they built the garden. Then they planted their seeds in little pots inside and waited for the seeds to grow. James would get excited every morning to see how big his plants were growing. Once the plants were large enough they transplanted them outside to the garden. James has quite the green thumb and is growing sunflowers, corn, peas, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, and zucchini. In between the gardening, James is also enjoying the new sandbox Tobias built for him. Fun times with his buddies playing and building in the backyard. To celebrate Easter James participated in an Easter Egg Hunt the base chapel hosted for the kids. James loved to gather up all the eggs! Look at all those eggs! Nice job James! We also took some time to dye eggs....

Three years ago James' adoption was finalized. We honor this special day by celebrating Walters' Family Day! We started out early in the morning and drove to Washington D.C. We found one of our favorite restaurants from Jacksonville, The Original Pancake House. James finished his entire plate of pancakes! We took the Metro - James' first experience with public transportation! He was so excited to ride a subway train. We went to the National Zoo in Washington D.C. James has been asking about going to the zoo for months! He was so excited. The National Zoo was a great experience. James even had the opportunity to use a microscope for the first time. So many animals to enjoy! A metal anteater - what could be cooler? James and Tobias getting ready to head home. It was a wonderful way to spend a wonderful day. James was so tired by the time we headed for home. Nap time!

James his best buddies. Believe it or not, but James is the youngest of these 3 kids. The little girl is about 6 months older than James and the little boy is just 2 weeks older than James. Gives a bit of reference to his height! We have been fighting colds for part of the past month. Here's a picture of James in bed trying to get better. Thank goodness for the iPad , James was able to lay in bed and relax. It wasn't too long before James had bounced back and was his playful self again. The weather is warming up so James is able to play outside some afternoons. Tobias is going to build James a sandbox in the backyard. James loves to dig! James and I spend a few minutes every day working on preschool workbooks. Here we are working on writing our letters. Spring will be here in a couple of weeks and I had to get James some new clothes. I bought several outfits for him and bought mostly size 6 or boys medium. We had a fashion show earlier today - here are pictures of Jam...

The time period between New Year and Spring Break at the Naval Academy is called the Dark Ages and now I remember why. The weather here has been cold and dreary, although we haven't had much snow. James obviously doesn't let the weather get him down though! James and his buddy Abby make the most of cold days - staying in and watching movies. We have had a very busy year so far - complete with trips to CA for me and another trip to MN, which included James. Although the trips were for family health issues and a funeral, it was wonderful seeing family. In CA I was able to see my wonderful sister, Marthaa , and her beautiful family. It was wonderful to see little Gabe who is growing up so fast! James showing off his backpack and bear - he's such a big boy! While James and I were toughing out the winter weather, Tobias was in AZ for training. Tobias really enjoyed the desert and made time to explore. What a beautiful view! Can you believe how big that cactus is?! Tobias came...