So much happening!

Well I don't know if I can upload a bunch of pictures right now because Jon has to format them, but at least I need to get a more recent newsy type post up! Since our last post so many fun things have happened-- The holidays, of course, which Graham loved, during which we traveled home to Kentucky. We Brandons were all together for Christmas for the first time in 7 years- amazing! What great times we had together, with Keely and Jovan back in Kentucky with their little girl due to arrive Feb 18, and Emily working hard at her job but taking time to come down and be a fun auntie/sister/daughter as usual. We also enjoyed the chance to see some extended family and both great-grandparents. It is wonderful to see Graham enjoying his family! I promise Dad/Granddaddy is in the family picture; he's hiding behind Graham who unfortunately wasn't in the mood to sit still for a photo shoot.

Then, last weekend, we went back to our other home in Vancouver, WA and had an amazing time with our church family there! What a gift and a blessing it was to be there with such dear friends, and to feel so loved and supported. We came to visit and also to share our vision to begin work in Beni, Congo later this year. It was wonderful to feel that community of faith surround us and ask to be a part of this ministry we are undertaking. We also got to share our news that another brand new Shaw will be joining us in June! We are so excited about our expanding family, and know Graham is going to be a fantastic big brother.

So, enough news, let me see if I can think of some good Graham stories. We've had one significant snow which was SUCH fun for him. We bundled up and spent as much time outside as Mommy and Daddy could stand- he would have stayed all day. He loved all of the Christmas glitter, especially the tree and looking at the ornaments; he would stand on the couch by the tree, hands folded, studying each one and describing a story about it. He got some really fun trucks, some tools and books which he has enjoyed to no end, and of course opening the gifts was the funnest of all. Don't you like the morning hair in this picture of him with Granna/Manna?

Graham's imagination has really blossomed in the last few weeks. He loves to make up stories and talk about imaginary things. One of his favorite games is "cooking" which consists of pouring/mixing various substances, from water to sand to the favored basil, in a variety of bowls and cups. He will tell you what he is cooking, that generally being "fries", "fruit salad" or "food". He continues his fascination with the Bible and stories about Jesus and other Bible characters. Yesterday, while we were playing in the sandbox he had me hold a big cup while he scooped it full of sand with a smaller one. As he scooped he informed me "It's water." Once my big cup was completely full, he took it from me and said "Now it's wine." What?? He's only heard that story once or twice, but evidently his game reminded him of Jesus' first miracle. He definitely keeps us laughing. He also loves to draw and will talk elaborately about what his scribbles represent. He loves dinosaurs, sharks, and anything that can go "Roar!". He still likes to eat, especially fruits, veggies, fruit snacks, rice pudding, and yoghurt raisins. In fact a few night ago as he was talking himself to sleep he started to call down "Mommy--Like some yoghurt raisins. Mooooommy- some yoghurt raisins please!" It was all I could do to not bring him up a handfull!

This is just a sampling from our recent life, but I hope it's enough to give you a glimpse of what a joy and blessing we have in Graham. He loves people and hugs and kisses, so if you haven't gotten one from him recently I hope you'll get a chance soon! Thanks for checking in with us!