10 Years Old

Our baby turned 10 today.  We had a fun day relaxing at home and going out to eat for lunch~her choice.  Then we totally pulled off a surprise party!  I was so excited all day I could hardly keep my mouth shut.  We went out to my mom's to swim (a normal thing to do) and SURPRISE!  It was fun to see her smile!  I wish we could have seen her face when lots of her friends came running out of the garage!  :)  Happy Birthday to our sweet Anna.  She is such a blessing in our lives.

Dancing and Smiles

Anna got her dress-up mode going today and found an old dance outfit.  She recruited Lydia to join in and then David who previously was only wearing his toy story undies because...well, because he wanted to only wear his undies today...comes running out in jean shorts and a white dress shirt.  They had a blast dancing away.

The shoe fits...

 

I love this next picture...

There is actually a picture of my brother and I alot like this...hmmm...I may be searching my mom's old albums tomorrow...

There are toys everywhere through the house...a train set that runs under Lydia's bed and David's loft bed, a camping set up with tent and sleeping bags, the regular purses and bags that Lydia fills each day, and who cares...the kiddos were really happy today just being home.  Awww...thank you Lord for today.  (but could it not be 100+ degrees tomorrow?)

One Year Home

One year ago we met the daughter of our hearts in Nagpur, India...

 

 An incredible moment that cannot be put into words...

 

 Here we are with our brave little one ready to walk through the door into a whole new world

 for her to embrace...

 

 Our first bedtime...

 

One month home...

 

 

Our crazy family pic...officially a family of five!

 

 Our latest family picture...little miss personality...

 

Growth...our first glimpse of Lydia took our breath away.  She was beautiful and so tiny.  We prayed that God would keep her healthy and help every cell to grow strong and healthy.  Lydia has grown 8 inches and gained 17 pounds.  Thank you Father!

First Night Home

 

 Six Months Home

 

1 Year Home

 

First Night Home

Six Months Home

 

1 Year Home

 

 

 

One Year Home:  July 4th, 2012

 

Lydia, you are such a beautiful blessing.  We have been amazed as you have changed and learned and grown day in and day out your first year home.  You have held our hands and held on tight as you bravely have taken step by step discovering life in a family.  We love you and are so proud of you!  We hope and pray that you will be filled with God's peace and joy all of your days.  You were born in our hearts and on the other side of the world.  What a crazy journey to bring us together.  We thank God for His precious gift of you!  We look forward to your second year home and all the years ahead!