Pictures from October

We've had a very strange month. One of our beloved dogs died, I had to have an unexpected surgery (I'm fine now), flag football ended, soccer ended, Brooks went to Purdue every Saturday morning for an Electronics class, Hanna enjoyed preschool and a Noah's Ark Costume party, the boys and I had a book character dress up day at school, Reese got braces, and it goes on and on. We are all ready for the calendar to change again so it will almost be time for Florida. The boys are enjoying telling Hanna all about the beach and getting her excited about the trip. Oh and I can't forget Hanna's first night of trick or treating. She's excited about the candy! We're going to have 2 ninja's and a butterfly. I'll add pictures of that later. And it is not easy to forget that this time last year we were preparing to board an airplane that would unite our family. Our journey to get Hanna was almost over and our lifetime together was just beginning. Still difficult to believe we were actually there. Enjoy the pictures and more will follow!

One year Anniversary

One year ago today, Jerry and I were in Shenyang China. We were waiting in a small dreary office room waiting on our daughter to be brought to us. She walked in with the orphanage director and just sat down in a chair like a big girl - even though she was just 2 years and 10 months. I walked over to her and knelt down beside her. I gained her confidence with goldfish crackers, necklaces, bracelets, and stickers. She was absolutely amazing. She had told her nannies earlier in the day that today was the day she would meet her American parents. To say that the year has flown past would be a huge understatement. She went from not knowing us to part of our family. She went from speaking and understanding only Mandarian to English in just a few months. She has gone from sleeping on top of me to sleeping in her own big girl bed. She's gone from being scared to death of the dogs to happily petting them and remembering them in her prayers. Our strong and courageous daughter is a true delight and I can hardly believe she has only been with us 1 year. It seems like a lifetime! Happy Family Day!

Happy Birthday Brooks

Our baby boy is now 11. I can't believe how quickly time passes. He has grown into such a nice boy. He does well in school and makes me proud each day. Soccer is still is favorite sport and baseball comes in a close 2nd. If a mama can say so herself, he is growing into such a handsome young man. If only I could make time stand still for just a little while!