Lena's First Birthday with us!

In December we also got to celebrate Lena's first birthday home with us, her first birthday with a family of her own and gifts just for her.  We let our kids pick what they want to eat or where they want to go for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  It was hard because Lena doesn't have enough favorites or had the chance to have a favorite restaurant yet.   We ended up taking her to Culver's for her birthday thanks to a nice gift card Rick had received.  :)    What a great day!

 The Birthday Girl!  Happy 3rd Birthday, sweet girl!

 Lena with her little brother who would celebrate his 2nd Birthday the following day!

 Celebrating with Family

 Presents!

 Birthday song and cupcakes (saved the cake for the party)!

 In China, they smear frosting on the child's face for a birthday celebration- we had to follow tradition.

 

The Party!  We had a combined party for Lena and Jayce since their birthdays are so close to Christmas and one day apart.  We had one big cake for everyone and separate cakes for the kids.  The kids played with homemade play dough, decorated Christmas cookies, made snowflakes, and played in the school gym.  We had a lot of fun- thank you to our family and friends who were able to make it there during this busy time of year and to those who sent something special even though they couldn't make it!

December- The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

 Such a busy month, but one full of wonderful memories made as a forever family!

 

 Putting up the Christmas tree!

 Finding Elf on the Shelf aka 'Jollymon" for the first time!

 Bowling with dad's FFA students.

 Christmas Parade

 Playing with our homemade playdough!

 A visit to the pre-school classroom at the Wisconsin School for the Deaf (WSD).  Lena had no trouble jumping right in and sitting down with the kids.  She laughed and made the funniest happy noises while watching a Santa video while the teacher, Ms. Renee signed.  She made a gingerbread house with a older high school "buddy."  It was apparent she will have no trouble going or adjusting to school.  She will start there after Christmas break. 

 Pizza with Santa at dad's school!

 HAPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY, LENA!  

Her first with her forever family!  We are blessed!

 Yum! 

Re-Adoption in the US courts

November 30th, 2012....what a great day to re-adopt Lena in the US courts- the last day of Adoption Awareness Month!   It was very quick and easy and now Lena can have a US birth certificate and her name can be changed for her social security card. 

Catching Up- Lena's First Thanksgiving

It is easy to get behind on blogging these days.  Thanksgiving came and went and it was Lena's first Thanksgiving with her forever family.  She has no idea what Thanksgiving is all about, but we sure are thankful to have been given the privilege of being her parents.  Here are some fun things about Lena.

T-  Teachable- Lena has learned so many signs and is starting to teach others signs as well.
H- Happiness that is contagious!
A- Accessorizing- she loves to wear sunglasses, barrettes, necklaces, backpacks- you name it!
N- Noise- all her joyful noises because she is so excited about everything that is so new to her.
K- Keen- she is so observant and bright.
S- Smile- her smile can light up the room!
G- Giggles- that shrill laughter we hear so often.
I- Imagination- she certainly has a great one and is very inquisitive.
V- Very blessed-we are indeed!
I- Inside- she is beautiful on the inside and outside.
N- Nice to everyone she meets.
G-Girly girl- to finally have a girl to dress.