Bass Pro Christmas

After school on a Wednesday, we headed to Bass Pro to see Santa, the fish, and show Asher and Annalise the "Dead Zoo" as it is called....  Fun was had by all!  I had my doubts about Asher- in the orphanage Santa visited, but he gave them gifts to open- gifts they didn't get to keep, but they still got gifts.  Asher was determined that Santa was going to give him gifts when he saw him....  Thankfully Asher was ok by just getting a candy cane from Santa....

Addie's Adventure- Day 2

This was THE day- the DAY that Adeline has dreamed of- she got to MEET and TOUCH Winter the Dolphin!

Addie and Al arrived right before they opened and enjoyed having the marine hospital basically to themselves!  They got to meet many creatures- some in the movie, some playing other characters in the movie- and learn lots about various creatures and the highlight- MEETING WINTER!  

What a sweet memory for Addie and Al- we are so blessed to have such an amazing Dad/Husband!

Winter and Hope playing

Winter watching Adeline

Pure Joy- that is what the look is on her face!

Florida, Day 1

To say that Adeline has been excited about this trip is a huge understatement!!  For the last month, we have been welcomed every morning, with a countdown for this trip!  I am so thankful for a husband who is willing to use his miles and hotel points to make a precious memory with each child on their 9th birthdays.

Adeline was super excited to be up and having breakfast with Al at 3:45am- their flight took off from Richmond at 5:40am!  According to Al, she was happy, chipper, and oozing excitement allllll day!

First flight!

The baggage claim TOTALLY captures the whole reason why Addie wants to be there!

We had heard about this power plant, and how it was so warm that it drew a large amount of manatees!  Off Al and Addie went- and saw LOTS of them!  Even a baby shark was swimming with the manatees- and every things ended peacefully...

Next up, Chihuly!  Adeline studied this artist last year at school and we even visited part of the exhibit while it was in town, but we didn't get to take the official tour!  Al surprised Adeline with tickets to the whole experience!!

They even got to see some glass being made!

Next up, swimming at the hotel pool- gotta love Florida!!  My little go-getting even texted me to ask what she was swimming at Champs so she could practice!

After the swim, they headed to the beach to walk and enjoy the sites on the Board Walk!  So beautiful!

Loving this turtle!

Sunset on a pretty amazing day!

The highlight will be tomorrow- when she gets to meet, TOUCH, and have her picture taken with Winter!!  She does not know that she gets to touch Winter- she is going to be SO excited!!

Happy 9th Birthday, Adeline!!

Somehow, Adeline is NINE!  It seems like only yesterday I finalllllly saw those double lines on the pregnancy test verifying I was pregnant!  She brought such joy that day- and every day thereafter!  We love her kind spirit, her desire to teach and help, her quick mind, her compassion for others, her uncanny ability to know just what to say/do to bring a smile to her siblings face, her desire to spend her money to surprise others....  She is such a treasure!!

This year, since she is turning 9, and she is having a Daddy Adventure, she did not have a party!  We did have her requested "death by chocolate" cake with our Community Group!

The morning of her actual birthday, she was SO excited!!  She rocked the special shirt we had made for her!

She enjoyed our traditional Dunkin Donuts for breakfast

Instead of gifts, she asked for $$ to help fund her trip to visit Winter the dolphin- thank you family, for helping her make her dream come true!!

I was even able to come and have lunch with her- Subway was her request!

Her artwork was on display in the cafeteria!

She enjoyed school, swim team, dinner of Chick-fil-a, and lots of phone calls from friends and family!

You are so loved, Adeline!  We are excited to see what plans God has for you!