Grotto Falls

 We took Lily hiking this weekend for the very first time.  She had been begging to go for months just wondering what it would be like.  So, for an early birthday present, we decided to give into her wish.  She absolutely loved it, and she had so much energy during the climb up and the climb back down.  She was ready to go again as soon as we were finished.

 Her favorite parts were looking at everything she could see, climbing over the rocks in the creeks to get to the other side of the trail, and touching the freezing cold water while standing behind the falls. 

 She was amazed by God's creations, and she gave Him full credit for the beauty that surrounded her.  Somehow I imagine this is the first hiking experience of many more to come!

The Ponytail

To say that Lily loves her long hair is an understatement.  But there is one thing that she loves even more than her long hair- and that is the Ponytail.  I must say that I do love it, too!  Mrs. Alice got her some super cute hair thingys with these ribbons and sparkles hanging down.  So, this has been her new-do for the week. 

A Few More Gotcha Memories

 Lily was such a happy baby...always laughing and smiling.  We knew God had wrapped His arms around her to protect and care for her while she waited for us China.  We also knew that He was so present in the weeks that followed our Gotcha Day allowing Lily to know that she was with the family He had planned just for her.  This year, the questions about China have been endless...and Lily says that she is so thankful that God made us for each other.  There is no way to explain how truly thankful that we are that He made Lily for us!

More Memories....

 I just really cannot get enough of these pictures.  I found a couple more I had to share of our first couple of days together.  I love the one where she was trying to give me kisses.  Then, the ones with her beautiful smile!  It had to be reflected from our faces straight onto hers.  There was a lot of tickling, loving, and laughing going on then...just as it still continues now.

Gotcha Week Memories

 On Day three, we decided to have a family day.  We stayed at the hotel all day just being together.   Lily wasn't sleeping all that well yet, and we all needed a day just to be a family and love on each other.  It was the best day.  She was so excited to have our undivided attention all day long! Pure happiness was all over my face! 

Gotcha Week Memories

This was the evening of our 2nd day together.  I loved seeing Jamie and Lily sleeping together.  It was one of the best moments for me...so sweet and they looked just alike!  Of course, if only you could have heard them snoring...Lily with her little snores and Baba with his big ones!  I certainly couldn't get enough of her smiles and laughs!

Gotcha Week Memories

This was Day #2 with our beautiful daughter.  I will never forget our first week together.  God gave us such an amazing gift when He made Lily for us. 

This year, Lily has asked a thousand questions about our Gotchaversary.  So, I will be posting Gotcha Memories for her all week so that they can go in her BlogBook at the end of the year.  This is going to be so much fun to relive these days with her!