Our 12th wedding anniversary!

Lily and Danielle
Lily, John Christopher and Maddie

Lily dancing with Papa Jim

the happy couple

Today is our 12th wedding anniversary! It is hard to believe! Two days ago, we watched Danielle (my Godsister) marry Lucas in a beautiful ceremony in the same church that we got married in 12 years ago today. It was surreal and emotional for us. It was also wonderful because it was Lily's first wedding to attend and she was their flower girl. We have had a wonderful anniversary visiting with some of our dearest friends!

Lily and Mary Grace

Mary Grace and her family were the first family that we met when we started the process to adopt Lily from China. We had lots of fun times with them as we waited for Lily. They also decorated our house and were at the airport when we arrived home. We still love to spend time with them when we are in Baton Rouge. This time was no exception. We shared a wonderful meal cooked by Kim (thanks!) and David and Wes really caught up while the girls played. They had so much fun. It only made us wish that we lived closer!

More fun with family

Pretty as a Princess
Our family, we sent this pic to Graeme

Luke, Jodi, Rodney and John Christopher

Lily showing her new China Girl jacket (thanks littlelanterndesigns.com)

Granny and Papa Jim

all of the cousins Anna, Luke, Ashley Grace, Alex, Catherine, John Christopher and Lily

Lily and Alex patiently wait to open their gifts

Luke, the LSU Tiger Fan

Opening gifts with family!

Lily and Mom
Jodi, my sis and Lily's Nanan

Luke loved the paper more than the presents!

Wes, Granny and Papa Jim

Christmas Cookies Continued!

These cookies are just for Santa!
Got Sprinkles!

Now this is what I call fun!

Lily is so focused on getting her cookies just right.

So we did finish the cookies before Santa arrived. I would love to show you a picture of Lily biting into her decorated cookies but alas, these were all for Santa! (Lily does not like icing at all except for use in an artistic way!). This was a lot of fun. Thanks Nanan for getting everything together!

For Christmas, we got PA!!!!

We are so excited to report that we have PA or prior approval. It is a small step in what is the next phase of our adoption. It means that the China Center for Adoption Affairs acknowledges our desire to adopt Graeme and will now move our paperwork to the appropriate place to be matched with his. The letter is dated 12/25/07. Someone wants our son home soon because we seem to be on the fast track so far. I hope it continues. For those of you keeping track, our info is Log in Date 4-20-07
Medical Checklist to our Agency 10-18-07
Date of Referral 12-11-07
Letter of Intent 12-17-07
Prior Approval 12-25-07

I couldn't ask for anyting better. I have tons of Christmas pics to post as soon as I can. Lily is in a wedding in few days and we are having a ball with family and friends. Life is so good!

Baking for Santa

Just getting the dough ready!!
John Christopher was driving the train cookie cutter through the flour!

Here we prove the saying, "Anyone can cook!"

Lily Wen getting a little messy with Santa's cookies

John Christopher too!

Back to business!

Baby Luke had to join in the fun!

John Christopher, Lily Wen and Luke

Lily had so much fun with her cousins, John Christopher and Luke. She is practicing becoming a big sister and is so helpful!!!! They had so much fun making Christmas Cookies for Santa. We decorate them later today so stay tuned!