5 YEARS AGO WE WERE OFF ON A PLANE AROUND THE WORLD!

Caroline,
5 years ago today your Aunt Amy and I boarded a plane around the world to arrive in Bishkek Kyrgyzstan to welcome you to our family.  It was a long journey with a few stressful moments but my life changed forever.  Caroline - you were the start of my dreams come true - you made me a mom which I am so thankful for.  I love you so much my sweet girl!  I can't imagine life without you.  God's plan was for us to be mother and daughter.  I will love you and protect you for all of my life!  xoxoxoxo - Mommy

GABRIELLA STARTED PRESCHOOL

Wow, one in kindergarten and now my baby in preschool.  How and when did this happen?  I just held them in my arms as little babies, changed diapers, rocked them to sleep (okay, I still do that with Gabby - can you say SPOILED).

Gabriella,
My baby.  I am so proud of you and can't believe that you are ready for Miss Christie's 3 year old preschool.  I know that you will follow in Caroline's footsteps and make us all so proud.  You sweet, loving, smart, angel that you are.

I love you so!
Mommy

KINDERGARTEN BOUND

So hard to believe that she is ready for kindergarten, and ready she is.  So super excited and ready for school.  Caroline, you continue to amaze me and make me so incredibly proud.  While dropping you off at your first day of kindergarten today I was reminded of the first moment that I held you in Kyrgyzstan.  Wow, what an amazing 5 years it has been.  I love you so very much and being your mother is one of my lifes greatest accomplishments.  I know that you will continue to make me proud - you will blow them away in school and I can't wait to share all the amazing things you will do with your life.  I love you my baby girl!

Love, Mommy

GRADUATED FROM PRE-SCHOOL

Hard to believe that our Sweet Caroline has now graduated from pre-school and will soon be in kindergarten - WOW!  We are so incredibly proud of her.  She is so intelligent, creative, and absolutely loves school.  I hope that attitude continues.......I'm sure that it will, she is our little book worm.  When I have asked her what activities she wants to do she tells me school.  I know she will continue to make us proud.

We love you Caroline Nagima and you amaze us every day.  You have grown so much and are such an angel.  XOXO

WOW - 5 YEARS OLD! HARD TO BELIEVE!

She's asleep after a nice 5th birthday and several previous days of celebration including a party at Peter Piper Pizza on Saturday the 14th. She chose a Pinkalicious theme and we LOVED the fact that everyone wore pink - it was so fun.

I look back over the last 4 1/2 years and thank God that I have this amazing child as my daughter. We can't imagine life without her - she is so perfect for all of us and has brought so much love and joy to this family.

Caroline,

Today I want to send a special thank you, hug, and kiss to your birthmother. If it wasn't for her I wouldn't understand the importance of this day - the day you were born. I thank God for his plan for us to be your parents. It is one of my life greatest blessings.

We love you so much Sweet Caroline! Many more wonderful birthdays to come. As you grow you amaze us with your sweetness, knowledge and beauty. I can't imagine the wonderful lady you will turn into.

XOXOX,

Mom & Dad

GABBY'S 3RD BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

Yesterday was Gabriella's 3rd birthday and fun was had by all. We had a great party with friends and family.

Gabriella,

You are AMAZING. You bring so much joy, love and laughter to everyone in your life. You are loved so very, very much, especially by mommy, daddy, and Caroline.

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

MUCH PREFERRED HIKING OVER ICE SKATING

We took the girls hiking yesterday to South Mountain - Telegraph Pass Trail and they LOVED it. They both fell once and scraped knees but overall had a great time. In looking back at pictures from yesterday and then from our ice skating adventure a few months ago I will have to say that they like outdoor activities much better. You can see for yourself in looking at the pictures.

Hiking may be our new family adventure on the weekends - it was great quality time and has made for an enjoyable weekend!

XO