Pictures from our first day together

We had a wonderful first day together as a family of 9! Had a few visitors. This is Jennifer, my dear friend and old college classmate and roommate who stopped by from out of town for a short visit. Thanks Jennifer! Love you!

Otherwise we just hung around the house and had fun. John did have to do a little work both on his real job and on all the appliances that broke down while he was gone. Honey I'm glad you're back! I love you!

A photo at the airport homecoming. Notice how exhausted everyone looks.

Zoya changed clothes I think about seven times today. She tried on every shoe in the house-seriously, rubber boots, clogs, heels, flip flops-- then put them back neatly where she found them. Wow, I'm so impressed with how well-mannered and responsible these children are. Pray that it rubs off on my other children and not the other way around. PLEASE.

Her favorite shoes were my black heels (picture below) which she clunked around in most of the day, even outside when we played in the water hose. She experienced a few obvious firsts, as evidenced by her scared and confused expressions, one being our big dog, and the other being---you'll never guess----the stairs. Once she got them figured out I had to scold her several times for trying to go up and down in my heels. Yikes! 

She hated cool whip but L-O-V-E-D strawberries.

She was SO intrigued/concerned/confused by the stairs, which surprised me until I remembered that they have ramps, not stairs in the orphanage. Wow. John said she had a similar reaction to her first car ride. Can you imagine all the things we and our kids don't think twice about, that some of our adopted children have never experienced.

It's funny, both of these little girls want to play the role of nurturer. It is interesting to see Zoya protest about getting carried around, and babied. While Zoya was napping Hope begged to go in and look at her. "I forgot what Zoya looks like, Mommy", she said.

As expected Joseph loved riding on the lawnmower with Papa.

And indicated he wanted more strawberry shortcake after he finished his first bowl.

Jude is smart. He knows how to duplicate himself to make his kitchen job easier. Both J and Z demonstrate they are in the habit of cleaning up after themselves and seemed to enjoy being given chores to contribute to kitchen cleanup. Joseph, wiping the table, and Zoya, wiping down the cabinets. They are awesome!

I love this picture! Taken just after playing on the swingset and heading back in the house for dinner.

Liesel wanted to be sure and give Ava plenty of attention so she doesn't feel left out with the new additions. I think she is still getting plenty of attention...

And the highlight of the day........