Way too cute!!

I forgot to post this picture earlier. Auntie Jaci sent ladybug cake pops and they are absolutely darling. And just as yummy as they are cute!! Thanks so much, Auntie Jaci. You're the best and we love and miss you!!
Also, the tiny cake on the birthday post was Rosie's own special cake and Tia decorated it. She was so excited to do that for her sissy and did a great job. :-))

Happy Chinese New Year!

In the midst of all the excitement of Valentine's and Rosie's birthday, we have also been celebrating Chinese New Year. It officially started two weeks ago. We celebrated with some friends by going to dinner at the Grand Garden on the first night of holiday. The following week, Tia did her presentations at school, which was really fun. She read a book, sang a song and shared pictures from China. We also had crafts for the kids and dumplings, which they all loved. It's a very special time for Tia at school with her friends. I was so proud of her for all that she did and she was just so happy.
This weekend, our group of families who all have children from China celebrated with our big party at the Knights of Columbus. What a special night! For the past 6 years, we have celebrated with Tia while waiting for Rosie. This year, it was absolutely wonderful to be there with both of our girls. Most of the group had already met Rosie, but some had not met her yet, so it was fun to introduce her to everyone. They have all been so supportive over the years and share in our joy to finally have her now. It's a wonderful and very special group of people. The night was super fun! Again, I will let the pictures show the night. Enjoy!

Happy Birthday, Rosie! Happy Valentine's Day! Happy Everything!!!!

Oh my, what a BIG day it was! Full of love, laughter, gratitude, friends, hugs and absolute pure JOY. I have a ton of pictures that will pretty much exhibit the day from morning 'til night, but I will tell you a bit about the day. We started out with fun Valentine goodies waiting for the girls when they woke up. Tia was more excited than Rosie, but it was a fun morning for all. Then we took Tia to school and headed to breakfast with Mom and Dad. Tia was out of school early, so we picked her up at 11:30 and had a quick lunch before we headed to the courthouse to finalize Rosie's adoption. For those of you who do not know, her adoption has been final since our trip to China, but this is a formality that is done in order for her to have a US issued birth certificate, for school, sports, etc. Judge Fagg officiated the ceremony, just like he did for Tia, and it was so very special. It's a short ceremony, but it's packed with emotion.

Judge Fagg was so sweet and really included Tia in the whole thing. His words were very meaningful. The Lee's joined us, which was wonderful and we all had a good time. The afternoon was full of friends stopping by and lots of fun. Dinner was with Mom and Dad and then cake, presents, etc. Rosie loved everything and Tia had a blast helping her sister celebrate. The whole day was awesome. We couldn't be happier!! Enjoy the pictures.

Snow Day!

Rosie loves the snow!! We've had quite a bit lately, so one day Mike and the girls headed out front to play in it. We weren't sure what she would think and we were not prepared for her to be in it. No "real' snow pants, etc. But we bundled her up the best we could and they headed out. She did not want to come in. She absolutely loved it! We have a slight incline on our driveway, so she and Tia went sledding in the driveway. Perfect. They giggled so much and had a blast. Then they built a snow tunnel and had fun with that, too. She was covered in snow and as happy as could be. It was precious. I will attach some fun pictures from the day, along with a few miscellaneous ones from recently. Oh, and did I mention that she is full-blown walking?! Like, all over everywhere all the time. Whew! It's awesome. She really thinks she's something. :-))

With her 2nd birthday approaching, I find myself emotional. I know you all find that hard to believe. Haha!! But truly, it's so hard to even think about last year at this time and that we knew nothing of her yet. I have forgotten the time of not having her, it's so crazy. Last year, she celebrated her first birthday with her caretakers and friends in Beijing. This year, and every birthday from now on, she will celebrate with us. Yippee!! We are having her pictures taken tomorrow and on Friday, we will celebrate her birthday by finalizing her adoption in the afternoon, then having her party later in the day. Grama and Papa will come for dinner and we will have cake, balloons, presents, chocolate dipped strawberries, the whole bit. It will be wonderful. Along with it also being Valentine's day, which is such a beautiful day of LOVE already, I just know our hearts are going to be singing all day long. God is so good!

I pray for all of those in China who love her so, so much and miss her every day. I thank God that He created her for us, but that she had so much love in China before we got her. She is so precious and truly touches everyone around her each and every day. Her smile melts me every time. I could go on and on...........................we are all just so happy and in love with her. Tia can't get enough of her each day and loves her time with her in the afternoon and evening when they can just giggle and play. And Rosie does everything that Tia  does, it's so precious. She looks up to her so much already. There are so many moments each day that make us smile and laugh and thank God for our family. We couldn't be happier or more blessed with our girls.

Happy Valentine's Day to all! Enjoy the day of LOVE and be grateful, give and get lots of hugs and laugh a lot along the way. Oh, and we can't forget about the yummy treats...........enjoy them all! And stay tuned for birthday pictures soon.