Halloween Cuties

It was so much fun this year dressing up the kids for Halloween. Landon actually got excited about it and got into the whole idea of being a pirate. He was a little apprehensive though this year when he saw people with their faces painted. He saw a clown at church and that was NOT a good thing. Plus it was just plain fun dressing up a little girl. Olivia looked so stinkin' cute as Minnie Mouse. Overall the kids had a great year visiting with family and spending time at our church's fall festival. Check out the photos.

No excuses!

Okay it has been over two months since I have last posted what is going on in the lives of the Dinkins family. It's crazy looking at how much they have changed since Olivia's birthday in August. Landon actually just celebrated his 3rd birthday. He had a wonderful birthday and was blessed by his family and friends. I must say that he loves his new big wheel and scooter and he rides on them daily. Really what he does is go down the hill on the driveway backwards. He is more and more a "all boy" every day. Olivia is chatting up a storm. It is amazing how different girls are in the land of communication. I am sure that is no surprise to anyone though. Some of her favorite words are "banana, dada, landon, eese (Reese), no, nini (Mimi), jojo, thank you, old you, (hold you), nigh nigh, hi, shoe,." She is all over the place and climbing on whatever her big brother gets on. After Landon's party we took the kids to the pumpkin patch. Olivia had herself a little photo shoot. She was so cute and cooperated wonderfully with the camera. Landon on the other hand was way too busy pushing the wheelbarrow around to stop and take a picture. However, when we could tie the three of them down, it was priceless trying to get all three of the kids to look at the camera. I think the pictures are just a hoot. Well enjoy these pictures and I will get the pictures from Landon's birthday up very soon.

Well it is official...Olivia is now 1. We celebrated actually on her birthday with a pink princess celebration. Considering that she was surrounded by all of her family and friends, she did really well with all of the love and excitement. It was bitter sweet capturing those huge milestones at her first birthday. She is growing and turning into a sweet and joyful little girl. It is so heartwarming to watch my baby receive her first "babies" and love on them.

Wow! What an awesome week. Thank you so much for all of your prayers and support. It all helped to make this trip possible.

Upon our arrival to Mexico, we encountered a few snags with the "federales". Even though the orphanage had provided us with transportation, they made us pay to use the taxis at the airport. So after three hundred dollars and three hours in two Nissan Sentras with 8 other people, we finally arrived to the orphanage. We were greeted by 29 children ranging in ages 2 to 17. They welcomed us with open arms. Only a couple of the people in our group actually spoke Spanish. However, that did not matter to these kids who were so accepting and warm the moment that we arrived. We did not sleep at the orphanage the sixteen of us bunked at two houses about ten minutes away.

During the first few days we spent our time playing with the children, fixing the broken water pipe, painting the church, repairing the fence around their basketball court, and building a garbage corral to help keep out the animals. On another day the team walked through the streets witnessing and sharing Christ with the surrounding people. There were two people that we know of that came to know Christ. We also spent time visiting at the ruins dated back to the 800's. The views of the mountains were spectacular.

The highlight of my trip was building relationships with the children at the orphanage. By our standards these kids have nothing. However, they were so thankful for all that God has given them. We brought them balloons, school supplies, and candy. Their excitement and gratitude over these simple items that we take for granted was imeasurable. I bonded with one particular boy named Christian. He is a 10 year little boy with a smile that goes from ear to ear. He loves sports and also loves the Lord. He wrote me two notes conveying his admiration and love of our friendship. Those two letters are something that I will keep forever.

It was very hard to leave the children. I will remember each and every one of them. I hope to someday return. Please continue to pray for the children there and the Benedict Family. If you want to check out the website for the orphanage it is www.benedictbunch.com .

Splashpark

We took the kids to the splashpark on Saturday. Landon was way more interested in playing in the sand while Olivia wanted to use her new walking feet and just walk all over the place. She had fun chasing a little bird. Every moment that we get to spend together as a family is just such a blessing.

So much love!

Oh so much fun...