Now a family of 6

We are back in the states!!!! Last Saturday we left home sweet home to travel to Ethiopia to pick up our sweet daughter Kiley. We arrived early Monday morning and Monday afternoon Pochi the orphanage director brought Kiley to our hotel. We couldn't have prepared for such wonderful moment. She hugged and kissed us and has not been sad since. She smiles all the time and is the most content little girl I've ever seen.
On Tuesday we went to the US embassy and were in and out in less than 30 minutes. They told us her visa would be ready on Wednesday, a day earlier than we expected. So we changed our flights and came home on Thursday. We landed in DC last night after 24 hours of traveling. Kiley was so good. She was like a pro traveler. She slept and watched Dora and played with playdoh.
We will fly home to Orlando in the morning and we are so excited to introduce her to our family. We miss our other children so much and know they are ready to meet Kiley.
I undid all her braids this morning and she sat for over an hour as I pulled and tugged on her head. She copies almost everything we say and I'm amazed at how quickly and clearly she is speaking.
Thank you for all your prayers. We have bonded beautifully and she loves us which was one of my biggest fears. We are rejoicing that the Lord would bless us with another child. We get lots of looks and a lot of smiles as people see how loving and sweet she is. She is happy to be our daughter and we are delighted to be her parents.

So behind... welcome 2009

Uggg... I can't believe how far behind I am on this blog thing. Thinking the 3 kids, home schooling, toddler, and adopting thing is starting to get to me. And I've got another little one coming home. WOW! Okay so here is all the latest news in case you haven't heard.

KILEY PASSED COURT IN ETHIOPIA!!!!! Got a call on December 31 that Kiley's case went to court a day earlier than we expected. We were the only one of 4 cases that passed court that day. We are so happy! It made for a very special time bringing in the new year. So thankful for the Lord's provision and protection. Now up to the latest news. We are making travel plans right now. Just trying to confirm the dates with the travel agent. Looks like we will be flying out on Saturday January 31 and flying back into Orlando Saturday Feb 7th. Hoping to go to the embassy on Feb. 3rd. Got all my shots today. : ( I have a lot more sympathy for my children.

The girls are back into full swing here. We had a great Christmas. Brian's Mom and Dad came to visit from Ohio. They were here 3.5 weeks and the girls LOVED it! We are so thankful to be surrounded by such amazing family.

The girls all got Sea World passes for Christmas this year. So on Friday we all went for the day. It was a great time.... except the kiddie rides. Yes I did say kiddie rides. I think it all started because in December Emily and I went to Busch Gardens with the rest of my extended family. Very cool time... we got to hand feed giraffes. ANYWAY! She wanted to ride a roller coaster. Because she had been on thunder mountain she thought she could handle anything. So there is only 1 roller coaster that you can ride being her height at Busch Gardens. Well let's just say SCARY!!!!!! Seriously this roller coaster did a downward spiral and went upside down. Not exactly 5 year old friendly. So back to the Sea World story. She pretty much will never trust me again because I put her on the scary ride. But her big sister wanted to try this ride that goes up and down. They both got on and buckled in. By the end both were screaming crying and wanted the lady to TURN IT OFF! Oh my... okay no more kiddie rides. But we did enjoy the animals VERY much.

Emily learned to ride her bike without training wheels this week. She loves being independent and like her big sister. I love these girls! They make me laugh and they are such fun kids to be around.

The last of the big news was yes I did turn 31. Still can't believe it. Brian surprised me with a weekend get away to the Ritz Carlton in South Beach. Oh the wonderful perks of having a sister work for Marriott. We ate dinner at Smith and Wollensky on the water for our 12 year anniversary. Then went to the old Versace mansion for drinks. Beautiful! Such wonderful memories with my sweet hubby.

Okay I think that is all the updated news. Hope to do a better job in the near future. Chow!