Here's a quick synopsis of our trip last weekend

Earlier last week, the state of florida, the state of colorado, and the adoption agency approved our custody of Silas and gave permission for him to travel to Florida......

Rick (that's me) and Zack and Megan travelled to colorado on 9/20/07 and reunited with Christal and met our new family member Silas. It was so wonderful to be together again as 1 family - 4 weeks was a long time for Zack and Meg to be away from Momma.

So the reunion was joyful, and it just got better for me and the kids to arrive at grandma's house (Christal's parents) and meet the little bundle. Needless to say, he is beautiful healthy wonderful baby. He is more than we could ever hope for. Zack and Meg immediately embraced him as their brother.

The rest of the weekend was absolutely God ordained as we then travelled to Colorado Springs to see brother Peter, Suzanne, Josh, and of course precious Jessica. We met their pastor for a short and intimate "blessing ceremony" - a first of its kind at their church.

Here's a picture of Pastor Jim, Jessica, Christal &Silas, Rick, Megan, Zachary. We took lots of pictures. The mood was like a wedding - cermonial, symbolic and happy - lots of emotion (at least for me). We spent the rest of the day relaxing at Pete's home eating our way through the afternoon.

We returned to Denver to enjoy more time at Mema and Papa's (Christal's parents). I'll have to write a separate post to describe our gratitude to Tom and Jane Williams - Their tactical , emotional, and practical support was invaluable. It was so nice to see them doing so well.

On Sunday morning the Colorado Springs gang came to Denver to meet for lunch and more pictures. Once again we enjoyed time together and Jessica's friend (Mariah the photog) took many pictures at Arrowhead golf course. It was picturesque , and beautifully fitting for the event. I'll post some of those pics when we get them.

After lunch we finished packing and Uncle Mark Williams took our gang-of-5 to the airport. We flew home like seasoned veterans - everything was so smooth.

Here's a view from my seat on the airplane

We returned to Orlando safe and sound. Came home to a house that had been decorated and stocked with food - thanks to good friends. It was so incredibly nice (tasty too)

Overall the weekend was totally incredible - I didn't know what to expect with the transition and travel and details, but everything worked out so well it was uncanny. Thank God for all things little and big!

I have so many pictures, its hard to pick a few to post. Here's another just for fun!

Love to you all, Rick

Praise God as families grow closer and larger

The Colorado Springs Lungs: Peter, Suzanne, Josh, Jessica, Silas







Christal and minutes old Silas








Sweet Jessica and cuddlebug Silas

Silas William Lung was born on September 1, 2007.

He was a blessing to many before his birthday, and was welcomed by many open arms.

Love fills the room. Everyone is healthy, growing, and healing. Here is Silas day 2 with Suzanne