Robert and I cannot believe October is already here! Summer was a blur and while Mary is enjoying another semester at school – we’re wondering where this extra 15 to 20 pounds of added weight came from!!!!!! SO – we are (yes, BOTH Robert & I) trying to get rid of it, stay connected as a family, get the house straight before colder weather and the holidays overtake us……it never stops, does it?! 
At any rate, we did get to take some time off! We took Mary to Dollywood and then went to Chattanooga for a couple of days to hang with family. As you’ll be able to see by the pictures, Mary thrives as an active family member –as if she’s always been with us! And its clear to me now that her spirit was with us, alive and strong inside of our hearts before we ever embarked to China. She is remarkable and God is so good to place her where she is loved, respected and treasured!
As our excitement continues to grow for the upcoming holidays, Robert and I are mentally preparing ourselves for Mary’s follow up audiogram which will be in November. It appears that when she was tested at the end of August, her right ear was 5 decibels less than last year. Her right ear is her strong ear! That was very disappointing news – we always knew her hearing would never get better but that the possibility existed that it could get worse; we’re wondering if her initial audiogram last year was a reliable baseline since it was performed before she got her hearing aids. SO – now we will compare the audiogram from August to her new one in November and move on from there.
In the meantime, we wait, pray that God prepares our hearts with praise and thanksgiving regardless of the outcome and continue to trust completely in His perfect will for Mary and us as a family. God is so good and we thank Him for such a joyful experience with our little “Momo”!!! 
Mary goofin' around with Dada
Mary showin' off her FIRST cowboy boots that Jen bought for her!
NEXT - the video!
Mary & Dada "bowin' up"!!!!
Mary being silly on the Dollywood train!!!
Momma luvvvvvin' on Mary!
