Christmas Eve

As it should be, Christmas Eve was spent surrounded by loved ones. We began the day with brunch at our house for Robin's family. We all enjoyed the delicious meal and watching the children open presents. Throughout the day we tracked Santa on the computer using Norad and just enjoyed each other's company. Christmas Eve night was a bit quieter since only Grandma Judy and Grandpa Al remained with us to celebrate. It's hard to believe that last year at this time, we were missing Lauren so much, and really had only learned about our sweet daughter weeks before Christmas. But now one year later, she is home with us and life feels so complete.

 Christmas is for Children

 I wonder what is in here?

 Time to hit the slopes!

 Kyle received the sea otter he wanted for Christmas from Uncle Dan and Tina

 Can I open more?

 Lauren wasn't so sure about opening presents this year - must have been all those weeks we told her not to open them before Christmas!

 Presents are serious business!

 Cuddle time with mommy.

 Lauren's favorite present - her new shopping cart from Uncle Steve and Aunt Angela

 Cameron and Kyle - All Smiles

 Lauren thought this boxed gift was a new chair for her.

 Little Ladybug

 Grandma, let me show you how to use this MP3 player

Cooking up some fun in her new play kitchen.

 Family, Love, Happiness

Merry Christmas!

Santa and Lauren 2010

The picture pretty much says it all...Lauren did NOT like Santa this year.  But, of course, she would not let go of the lollipop he gave her while trying to run away.  At least Santa was smiling!  Maybe next year will be better. 

Rewind - Thanksgiving 2010

Let's rewind just a bit to Thanksgiving, shall we?  Thanksgiving 2010 was supposed to be spent with my extended family on my mom's side in my hometown.  It was to be a "small" gathering at my grandmother's house of 55 family members.  Yes, this is small for my family, as not everyone was going to be able to make it.  It was supposed to be the big day where Lauren was going to meet some of her great aunts and uncles, my cousins and their children.  Well, best laid plans do not always work out.  Lauren was sick with a double ear infection and driving 2 hours on snowy roads with a sick little girl didn't sound like the best plan.  So we improvised and had a quiet Thanksgiving at home - just the five of us.  We still enjoyed a yummy turkey and all the traditional fixings by candle light.   

We had so very much to be thankful for this year but above all, we were all together.  We did a fun craft project for our centerpiece on the table.  We each cut out a flower and wrote what we were thankful for this past year.  It was wonderful to hear some of the loving, funny, and zany things the boys thought worthy of a petal on their flower.  We did help Lauren with her flower, which included:  forever family (that would be us), foster family, birth family, our cat Sonoma (aka "kitty") and food.  Kyle's thankful flower included:  Hot Wheels Battle Force 5, snow, family, picture writing (not sure what this is), and school friends.  Cameron's was thankful for:  school, food and water, friends, family, and home. 

 Our Thankful Flowers

Lauren helping daddy carve the turkey

 Lauren loves cranberry sauce

 Kyle's cute smile

 Mommy getting some cuddle time with Cameron

 Cameron's "I Love You" face

    Daddy enjoyed the great meal

One Year Ago We Saw Her Face

One year ago in the late afternoon of December 10th, we saw our daughter's beautiful face for the very first time.  We knew immediately that we were meant for each other.   These were the very first images we saw our of spunky, adventurous, charming, smart, loving, and beautiful daughter:

Approximately One Month Old

Approximately Four Months Old

She has grown so much over the past year, as has our love for her.  We love you so very much Lauren MeeHyeon and feel so blessed to be your family.

Seventeen Months

Just in case you haven't noticed, we have added a video to our blog that chronicles our Journey to Lauren.  Hope you enjoy.

More Children's Museum Fun

Our next visit to the Minnesota Children's Museum included all three kids.  It was a fun family night. 

Grocery Shopping:

Exploring the Great Outdoors:

Water Fun:

America's Newest Citizen

Today was a HUGE day for our family.  It was the day that Lauren became part of our family forever (in the eyes of the law, anyway) and America's newest citizen.  We pulled Cameron out of school for the big day and made our way down to the Ramsey County Court House in the afternoon for our appointment.  When it was our turn to see the Judge (Judge Stephenson) we excitedly entered the court room.  The Judge asked Mike about 20 questions, then he had me answer a few, and even involved the boys by asking them each a question.  I think they were sort of intimidated by him and the idea of talking into the microphone, but they did well and it was nice of him to involve them.  Following the proceedings we headed over to the Minnesota Children's Museum for a little fun.  The museum is right across the street so we couldn't resist.  By the time we were done at the museum, it was snowing very hard so we grabbed a bite to eat at nearby Mai Village.  The normal 15 minute drive home took over an hour due to heavy snow, unplowed roads, and the remains of rush hour.  We made it home just in time to have a quick piece of cake that we bought to mark the day.  We figured since Lauren didn't get to smash her first birthday cake with us we'd take this day to let her do that.  She didn't smash her cake, but picked it at ever so lady-like.  She really enjoyed it.  It was a remarkable day and one that we will remember forever - the day we "officially" became a family of five.  We love you Lauren MeeHyeon.

Reading to pass the time 

Anything is Possible 

Judge Stephenson and Our New Official Family of Five

What a Beauty! 

I Love Cake!

Fun at the Minnesota Children's Museum

Kyle and Lauren had a great day at the Minnesota Children's Museum last month. Cameron was in school so he missed out on all the fun.  It was wonderful to see the two of them play together so well and explore all the exhibits.

Learning About Japanese Culture:

  

Cooking and Dining at the Korean Restaurant:

Training to Become an Astronaut:

Fun in the Toddler Area: