Seems like forever since a post.

Well since pictures have been far and few between, I decided to unload them and get some posted. To my dismay, our camera is on the outs - most pictures are blurry so we only have a few. This is including D's birthday, A's Forever Family day and the kids birthday party - - - I am just sick.













D's Birthday and his cupcakes. (He's all about that candle)
















Birthday party, and Mom's attempt at a race car. (that started out as Thomas the Train - oh well)















Again the birthday party and her Barbie Doll cake. Combined birthdays are great, but what was I thinking by trying to make 2 cakes!















A's choice for her birthday outfit! I was so glad she wanted to wear this.
Thanks to my co-workers daughter, we have quite a few to choose from and grow into.
I think she has a really long torso - don't you? ;)













And you know - The Fam.











This tricycle was his favorite! It was in a bag and he did that cute triple take - looked in - all wide-eyed, looked again - big smile - looked again - jumping up and down. Not even sure he knew what it really was until it was out of the bag.

4 years as a forever family!!!!

I cannot believe that today is 4 years since we first held our daughter! (almost to the hour) The time has gone so fast, it really does seem like yesterday. (except that there is another forever family day in-between there) The car ride to the orphanage, that felt like it took forever, the walk up the stairs to see Anju, finish some paperwork and FINALLY meet our daughter. The thoughts are still so clear in my mind. Were we going to notice her right away, could we get a glimpse of her, what would her reaction be, crying, smiling, maybe sleeping......
Just typing this brings back such strong emotions, that feeling of having her put in my arms for the first time and cuddled right in was the BEST feeling I had ever had. Everything in that moment had disappeared. The wanting to be a Mom finally fulfilled. It really was a peaceful moment.
Now I think, where did my baby go, so independent, so grown-up! Snuggles are a nightly occurrence - which I'm glad hasn't gone by the way-side yet! The words "you're the best Mommy ever" are ever so endearing.
Happy Forever Family Day to the Conners too! Who were there to share that very special moment with us and their son Ian. You will forever be part of this special memory!

Happy Birthday Little Man!

I can't believe my boy is '2'. What a day we are going to have. Which I'm sure will include sugar, sugar and more sugar :) But that's OK, it's a big day! I'll try and post pictures soon. (just like I still need to do for Christmas) All morning it's been "happy bertday, happy bertday" as he bounces and skips around the house. It is sooo cute.

Happy Birthday Little Man, We LOVE YOU!

1year already

Well it's been 1 year with Dreyden in our arms (12/19) - and how things have changed - how far we've ALL come.

I know I am way behind on pictures and updates, I'll try and do more of that soon!

Diwali Festival

This Saturday was the most exciting time for Ahlyana. Her first dance performance. Her and two other girls performed to Jai Ho (the 4th came down with the H1N1). There were many other groups performing, as well as some solo's. Music and a delicious dinner followed. The best Indian food we've had in quite some time. (As you may remember we don't have Indian restaurants that are easily accessible for us) Both Ahly and Dreyden found a new favorite, besides mango ice cream. Vegetable noodles - they were great..... nothing we had ever had before. I will have to search the web for this recipe. The evening was full of color and joy, all the women dressed at their very best, OK so the guys were too, but the women were beautiful!! I was lucky enough to have my Mom and Stepdad make it this year. Here are a few pictures of the festivities - hopefully a video of her routine will be coming shortly!

A very excited little girl.

Her first trophy - just for participating!

And of course the family