Holidazzle Parade

Jason, Reed and I went to the Holidazzle Parade with Heidi, Julie, and Dru. We took the "train" downtown which was fun for Reed to experience. He also loved watching the floats with all the lights on them. It wasn't crowded on the parade route so the kids could see everything. We sat near the train station so it was easy off and easy to get back on after the parade was over. It really was a good time and Reed talked about it all the way home and again the next day. He wanted to get to school so he could share with his friends what he had seen. It is so fun to watch Reed experience new things. His excitement is amazing and it keeps things new for us.

Happy Adoption Day!

We have now been a family for 3 years. Happy Adoption Day. 11-20-06

Happy 4th Birthday, Reed!

Reed's birthday party went well. Our family came over to help us celebrate Reed turning 4. He is growing so fast. It is hard to capture all the little things he does. It is amazing how fun raising a child can be yet how incredibly challenging at the same time.

Apple Orchard

Jason, Reed, Dru, Leo, Heidi and I went to the Apple Orchard in early October. We had already had our first snow but it was still a good time. Apple picking is always fun. Reed and Dru crack me up. They are always looking out for each other.

Halloween 2009

Someone call for the fire department? Fire Chief Reed Schultz. Happy Halloween

Reed's cousins

Leo Daxton was baptised September 27, 2009. We were glad we could be there and help Leo celebrate his baptism and adoption with his family. He is such a good baby. When the pastor went to bless him on the forehead he started to giggle. It was the cutest thing.
Grandma Lois and Leo relaxing with the family.

Big sister, Dru was so cute. She is a very photogenic little girl. We love you.

Reed waiting patiently for the service to start.

Baby Leo in his baptismal gown. It was the same one Dru wore with some masculine touches added to it. Congrats Leo. We love you too.

Potty Training Success

Daddy presenting Reed with a new garbage truck. Reed picked out this truck months ago when we were in the middle of potty training. We tried so many different things to get Reed to want to potty train. Finally Labor Day weekend he said he wanted big boy pants on and we didn't hesitate. After that weekend he has done really well. He has an occasional accident but will stay dry at night. It is amazing to me that the switch went on and the next moment we are going potty like the big boys do.

Nice Job, Reed!

Graettinger, Iowa visit

Reed and Mommy tagged along on a trip to visit Grandma Lois. We hitched a ride with Grandma Sue and Aunt Yvonne. It was really nice to spend some time with Grandma Lois, Grandma Sue and Aunt Yvonne they were all able to see Reed true colors come to life. He was able to show them his independent side.
We went on a walk to the park.

Grandma Sue and Reed were doing some bird watching.

Grandma Lois has a lot of birds visiting her yard.

Aunt Yvonne and Reed playing with Grandma's plant on the patio. It is absolutely huge and had some fun things growing on it that would pop open so Reed was having some fun.

Our last hurrah of summer

Boat museum in Alexandria, MN. Jason, Heather, Reed, Grandma Lu, and Papa Charlie went too see the boats on a cold day at the cabin.

Reed really wanted some food from the BBQ trucks outside. The boat museum was setting up for a Blues and BBQ event later that day and it wasn't for sale yet.

Reed and Daddy looking at boats.

It was a hard day for Reed. He had to catch a nap in the car.

Guatemala Mission Trip 2009

Here is just one sample of some of the really neat doors and windows throughout the city of Antigua. It was so beautiful there. You could really get spoiled in Guatemala. The people are so friendly. Always a smile and a "Buenos Diaz". It was so great. Then you come back to the United States and everyone passes you by and looks at the ground hoping you won't say anything even as little as "hi".

The bakery in Antigua, Guatemala. The cooler looked absolutely awesome. We didn't buy any of those cakes but had some rolls on our walk to take pictures of doors and buildings throughout the city.

My mom and I at our last dinner in Guatemala. We all ate at a 5 star restaurant in Antigua, Guatemala. It was so beautiful and romantic in this restaurant with candles everywhere. They had a huge area set up for weddings and it was just amazing!

There is a strong Minnesota connection in San Lucas Toliman. The Father who started the mission in San Lucas is originally from New Ulm. You can check out the story on the web at www.sanlucasmission.org or www.sanlucasmission.com . One of the websites is more up to date or newer than the other but is interesting to read about.

This is the bakery we bought our rolls from in the morning. The first day we went there the rolls were just coming out of the oven and they were so delicious.

Some school children I was supervising during their recess time. The children wanted me to play Duck, Duck, Goose, Tag and jump rope with them. It was really cool to be able to go into a school and see the classrooms. They go to school all summer long and take the months of the coffee harvest (November, December, and January I think) off to help pick the coffee.

One of the main ways of transportation was this Tuc Tuc (took took).

A rooster on top of the fence in San Lucas Toliman. We heard many roosters and dogs throughout the night and early morning. It took some getting used to.

A woman in San Antonio, Guatemala weaving in her shop.

This is the view from our hotel room in San Lucas Toliman, Guatemala. It was beautiful there.

What an emotional trip it was for me. One reason is because it was hard not to imagine what Reed's life might have been like if he was growing up in Guatemala. The second reason it was so emotional (besides the fact emotional is my middle name) is because I wanted to know so much about the people and felt a connection with them since I have Reed in my life.

I will definitely go back and bring Reed with me some day. I think he will appreciate a trip in about 10 years or so. I would go back before that though since I learned so much about the people and the culture that I am ready for more. It was a great experience to be surrounded by the Guatemalan people for a whole week. What a priveledge to be taught and lead by the people of the country your son was born in.

Friends and Family in August

Some of Heather's friend from school gathered for a BBQ in Savage. It was a good time.

Bella, Leo, Reed, Delaney, and Norah
Deacon and Reed at the Anderson cousin summer gathering.

Reed, Connor, Bella, and Cooper.

Justin

Cooper

Reed

Swimming Lessons 2009

Reed tried some swimming lessons this summer at the Bloomington Family Aquatic Center. He was not sure about getting in the water most days since the weather in July was about 68-72 degrees in the sun. I think it was even raining one day. It was definitely cold for Mommy. I think I could have worn a sweatshirt each day in the pool. Reed did well and learned some good skills while in the water. We will try another session next summer.