Missy Kay Kay's Big Day

Mikayla's party.
From L to R: The cake; Daddy & Mommy had to help her with blowing out the candles; Grace & Sarah with their beautiful Mommy; Mrs. Carrie and her amazing daughter, Missy; Mikayla in her fairy wings and tiara; the bros helping with her gifts; and one more shot of the cake.

Mikayla is 2!

We celebrated Mikayla's 2nd birthday on Sunday, October 8, 2006. Even though her birthday is October 10th, we wanted to have a party for her that friends and family would be able to attend. Mikayla loves Dora the Explorer, so this was, of course, the theme. Mikaya is adorable the way she sings "Back pack, back pack." We had eleven children ranging from age 2 to age 15 present. Now, coming up with activities that kept everyone interested was a challenge, but we managed.

Mikayla totally got that this day was for her. She was so excited! She smiled, jumped, and twirled. Seeing her eyes twinkle was worth every second.

We have been so emotional these last few weeks as we remember this time last year. We were anxiously awaiting our confirmed consulate appointment so that we could leave for China. We had stared at the 3 little photos we had of her literally pixel by pixel and couldn't wait for the day when we would actually hold her in our arms. She has certainly come a long way from the little girl who had a blank stares and blank eyes but somehow knew she could trust us.

We are so very, very blessed to have this precious little girl in our lives! She hasn't been home a year yet, but it feels like she has always been here. We cannot remember our lives without her...

Happy Birthday, Missy Kay Kay! We love you more than words could ever express! Mommy, Daddy, Spencer, & Connor