Family 4 Pack: January 2009

Elizabeth's Family Day 1252009

I thank God everyday for the gift of my sweet daughter, Elizabeth...but today is especially precious. Today marks the 4th anniversary of the first day that we touched each other, smiled at each other and hugged each other. I close my eyes and the emotions of that day envelop me as I relive China and the journey to our daughter. I celebrate you every day, Elizabeth, but especially today...and I love you with all my heart!

We celebrate each year with our dear friends, Brian and Kathleen (from NC) and Troy and Nancy (here locally) who were in China with us. Elizabeth, Maria (B&K's daughter), and Sofia (T&N's daughter) love the anticipation of seeing each other again and celebrating a special friendship and bond together. Our families are growing with the additions of Christopher (B&K's son from Guatamala) and Ava (T&N's daughter from Vietnam), and next year our Clare will be in the mix too! This year the girls had their toes and fingernails painted...salon style, and visited some local spots for shopping and sight seeing. Here's some pictures of the weekend festivities...

The joy that is in your laughter and play is only a drop in the ocean compared to the joy that is in our hearts.
I love you my sweet baby...forever and ever and always.

January 25, 2005

Baptism...April 10, 2005

Jessie and Aaron's Wedding - 132009

January began with a festive celebration in Louisville at the wedding of Jessie (Anne's niece) and Aaron! Elizabeth was their flower girl, and we were so blessed and honored to be a part their special day. We thank the Lord for the addition of Aaron to our family, and we wish you both much love and joy as you begin your life together!

Elizabeth loved dancing with "crazy" Aunt Lorrie!

Catching up...

Wow! After Elizabeth's birthday everything went into high speed for us. So much was happening right along with Christmas and the celebration of our Savior's birth. Here's a recap of the past couple of months...

Elizabeth joined a group of home schoolers for a tour of the Hatcher Family Dairy Farm at the end of November. I forgot my camera, typical of me, so these photos are courtesy of my friend...thanks Teresa!

Love this photo and the concentration on Elizabeth and Isabella's faces while they listened intently to our guide.

...a little hands on and bonding with the cows!

...sharing some homemade butter with friend, Isabella.

December brought us snow, and parties and the celebration of our Savior's birth at Christmas.

Before...and...after Dad shook the snow covered limb over head!

Dad and Elizabeth getting the star ready to put on top of our house...

Fun with friends at the CHI Christmas Party...

Elizabeth sang for the first time in the children's choir at church during the Joy Gift service. The program is always so beautifully done with instrumentals and beautiful music. It was extra special for us this year with Elizabeth's participation and sharing it with our neighbors, Alex and Netta.