Merry Christmas!

Dan and I have been looking forward to today for a long time. I love that Drew is old enough (he turns 1 tomorrow!) to open presents and play with them for his first Christmas! I was giddy last night just thinking about him coming out of his room in the morning to his presents. And he didn't disappoint! He loves play kitchens, so we decided to get him a manly BBQ grill (I was the most excited for this gift), which he loves. He had a busy, busy day playing with new toys, running around, and hanging out with my brother and his family, who is out here visiting. I love that we get to have some family around for Christmas!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!

Am I Ready For This?

Bring it.

Halloween in Utah...Kinda

We decided to take a last minute trip to Utah a couple of weeks ago. We didn't decide until the day before because Drew had been sick, but he got better quickly so we drove out. Drew did so well on the drive. In Dan's words, "he was a champ!"

We drove out on Saturday (which is the day Utah celebrated Halloween) but got there much later than we planned. So we ended up dressing him up on Sunday for about 5 minutes so everyone could see his costume. I "made" a Mickey Mouse costume because he loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. :)


He had so much fun playing in Grandma's cupboards! Luckily there's one upstairs designated for toys.
Gavin is quite possibly the happiest baby I have ever seen! He loves people and will smile at anyone. He's thrilled when anyone's around that he can play with.

Steph was so nice to include Drew in her and Dallin's reading time. Even though Drew doesn't look like it in this picture, he loved it!

Drew LOVES dogs. He was beside himself at Steph's house playing with Abby. He followed her around and around their kitchen island, under the kitchen table, pretty much everywhere. :)

I haven't been great at taking pictures when I go to Utah lately. I used to take a million and this time I barely even pulled my camera out. At least I was able to get some fun moments!

Story Time

Drew has recently developed a love for this book. We've read it about ten times today, which is fine with me because I love it too! (Don't mind my voice...I sound kinda dumb.)

One Year Ago

One year ago, I had some family out to visit for a football game.

One year ago today, my mom and I went shopping.

One year ago today, while in TJMaxx, Dan and I got a call from Brent, our caseworker with LDSFS.

One year ago today, I had tears streaming down my face in the middle of the store as Brent told us that there was a couple that was considering us to adopt their baby.

One year ago today, Dan and I learned about Johnny and Kaitlyn.

One year ago today, our lives changed forever.

I saw the number on my cell phone and knew it was Brent.

I was in the middle of showing my mom a coat I wanted.

Brent said Dan was on the line too and I knew instantly that it was good news.

I remember everything so precisely.

I remember Brent's voice so clearly.

He told us about Johnny and Kaitlyn - about how there was a baby on the way, due December 24, 2009.

I remember wishing December was the next day.

I remember going into the changing room with my mom and crying as I told her.

I remember her saying "this is it."

My mom grabbed a pack of onesies to celebrate - yellow and green because we didn't know if it was a boy or girl.

I remember rushing out of TJMaxx so Dan and I could email Johnny and Kaitlyn.

And so started the whirlwind.

A whirlwind I relive in my mind all. the. time.

A whirlwind that I LOVED every second of.

This year has FLOWN by.

I love adoption.

I love Johnny and Kaitlyn.

I love that I can't even think about all of this without crying happy tears.

I can't believe Dan and I are so lucky to have Drew.

He is spunky,

he is happy,

he is smart,

he is our forever family.