Fun day with the Rathke Girls

We had a great visit Last week from Ellen, Jillian & Claire Rathke. As many of you know, we traveled with them to China last Summer. Claire is 5 months older than Leila; they are about the same size and Claire can say Leila's name- it was so cute to watch them interact!

Claire, Michael & Leila



Claire, Camden, Michael, Leila & Jillian

The Best Christmas Ever!

This Christmas was truly special. After waiting for over 5 years, we finally have our beautiful little Leila with us to spend Christmas. We all cherished our time with her.

Our beautiful little angel. ( the ray of sunshine was perfect in this picture :)



Decorating the tree at Grandma & Grandpa's house


Dancing with Santa- this little girl just loves anything musical!



Having a snack with cousins Chloe & Olivia


Everyone opening gifts on Christmas Eve


Logan gets X-Box: he's one happy boy


Big smiles with big brother Ryan



Christmas Morning - Camden Loves anything police oriented


Big Surprise: our very good friend & former babysitter Denise stopped in for a visit. We LOVE her and wish she hadn't graduated grad school before Leila joined our family. (Although we're so proud of her)






Best Buddies


JJ, Ava, Camden, Emily, Logan, Leila, Ryan & Alicia


Michael, Myself, John, Jen, Amy, Jason & Artie



Mom, Luis, Paul, Linda, Kathy & Dick


Emily, Ryan ( with his coveted Family Guy hat on ), Me, Logan, Michael & Logan


Leila loves to relax on her new bean bag chair & lavender is her best color!


Mia is all tuckered out - hope you all had a great Christmas!

Christmas Card

We've waited almost 6 years for this card. I can't believe how big the boys are now. Leila is becoming quite the little toddler and is such a joy. She was determined not to smile for the pictures but we finally got her to budge a little. The holidays are fast approaching and we are having a great time. Getting our Christmas Cards ordered was a big check off my list!

Christening & First Birthday

Sunday was Leila's Christening & we celebrated her First Birthday which is actually tomorrow!
Grandpa Woof Grandma Woof Aunt Diane Uncle Billy & Chrissy


Cousin Olivia, Leila & Cousin Chloe


Leila's First Birthday Cake





Leila's Christening Cake


Leila & Mommy



Opening Presents



Leila's new tricycle


Cousin Emily & Leila


Long happy day!

Enjoying October

Leila trying to walk in her Halloween Tutu




Godfather Jimbo holding Leila, Cecelia & Godmother Regina


Hanging out @ Anu & Jay's Devali Party


Computer Genius

Getting Ready for Halloween

We had a blast shopping for costumes this year. Camden got the costume he's wanted for 3 years and Leila's costume is very vintage New England!

Autumn Moon Fundraiser

We just attended a great fundraiser for a foundation called Moving Mountains which provides educational scholarships for girls in rural China. Leila got to meet Lillian, the director of our amazing Adoption Agency , China Adoption With Love.


Claire, Lillian & Leila. Claire & Leila were crib mates in China!



Leila & Mommy


Camden enjoying his Cotton Candy


Jillian & Ellen getting Claire to walk