10 Years a Serna

 Today we celebrate 10 years of the blessing of Faith! 

10 years ago, on the other side of the globe, this precious gift was placed into our arms for the very first time. We had no idea what the next 10 years would look like, but it is hard now to imagine a life without Faith RenLan. She has taught us so much in these last 10 years. She lives life to the fullest and is the most tenacious person any of us have met. She has faced challenges that most people will never have to, yet approaches each one head on and confident that she will overcome. She has a spirit of joy, exuberance and thankfulness. We are SO thankful that we have gotten to experience life through her eyes everyday these last 10 years, and we are prayerful for many more to come!

Faith is an official TEENAGER

 

They say don't blink because your kids grow up when you do, and that is exactly how this birthday feels for me. I blinked and my tiny little Chinese firecracker grew into a teenager. 

She has SO much personality - and yes, a bit of attitude and sass to round it out. 

But she is also FULL of joy and laughter! 

Right now she dreams of being a chef at a nice restaurant or owning her own bakery. 

She has many friends and is loved by so many people. 

How blessed are we to watch her grow into a beautiful young lady?!?! 

Serna Family Reunion

The second weekend of October was one full of extended family!

We had a Serna Family Reunion in Belton!

We visited the grave of Byron's mom and dad.

Family stories were shared.

The kids got some pool time.

And the grown-ups (and older kids) played Fish Bowl.

It was FULL of laughs!

So many laughs!

We played so many rounds of it! 

The next day we had a little family football game.

And, of course, family pictures!

Byron's brother Nick and family:

The great grand kids:

Brittany is Byron's niece - the oldest grandkid. 

First cousins - all the grandkids

Byron's sister Nicol and family:

Paul Serna's daughters and son-in-law:

We got to know Doug and Veronica in Colorado - they lived in Colorado Springs and were our only family nearby! 

Cathy (Serna) Garcia's daughter Phyllis and husband Brad:

Della Serna's children - Brenda, Robert and Teresa:

Double cousins!! Byron's dad's sister married his mom's brother. Draw a diagram....it is easier. 

First cousins:

Cousins and in-laws:

There were A LOT of stories shared.

And a little church service:

What a blessing to be able to reconnect with family!!