Tentative Travel Dates

We just found out Holt is planning to present our family for first approval (i.e. travel approval) at either the 10.21 meeting or the 11.4 meeting. As long as this occurs, which is usually does if they tell you it's going to, we were told we will be traveling to attend the 12.2 board meeting. She'll be 11 months old when we meet her!

So we could be leaving in about 6 weeks. Although, they did say, "Don't buy airfare YET!"

I'm at a loss for words - just feeling really blessed right now - and praying harder than I ever have that we find out we're approved next week - I was still hoping for December travel but was really thinking it would be January. Although, I did buy Mia's Christmas dress the other day...just in case.

There's one other family who is tentatively scheduled for the same meeting. I hope it's who I'm thinking it is!

Matt will get to celebrate his birthday Thai style. He shares the King's birthday 12.5 and I hear it's quite a celebration!

20 Months!

20 months ago we began a journey to adopt a little girl. Walking by love and faith, we asked for a child 0-3 years of age and were told, "you are likely to wait 21-24 months."

Now the little girl has a name, a face, a history, a family in Thailand who loves her and takes care of her, a family in America who is ready to bring her home.

We don't know when we're going to Thailand but one thing is for certain, 20 months ago, 20 months seemed like it would never get here and yet, here it is. We've come a long way baby and we're almost there. As I sit knowing we are 1-4 months from meeting our little girl, I feel like it will never get here! Of course, I know it will.

Bring on that travel approval! I'm ready to book!

VIVA LAS VEGAS!

This weekend Chris and I escaped parenthood for a great weekend in Vegas. We actually couldn’t remember the last time we traveled alone without another couple. While all our couple trips have been a blast, it was nice to be just the two of us. We wandered up and down the strip, in and out of hotels, shopped, gambled, ATE, ATE, and ATE some more and had a blast. Of course, we had plenty of time to talk (FINALLY) about all things in life, which was nice too. I think we might be closer to narrowing down the middle name for Mia but we still haven’t decided. LOL

Funny Story - Passing through security Chris’ backpack was getting the thorough inspection and the “What is that?” look from 2 inspectors. Chris finally asked, “What is it?” They said with a chuckle, “Do you have a pair of handcuffs in there?” Chris busted out laughing and said, “No! But I wonder what you are seeing, my keys maybe.” They all laughed and never checked the bag. After I boarded (we fly separate – another story), he started looking through his backpack and low and behold, found a pair of handcuffs!!! A small, metal, kid-sized pair of handcuffs. He turned red and laughed out loud as he thought, “DARN KIDS”!!! Mental note - check all pockets before boarding for Thailand!

On the way home, after we reached the altitude above the clouds, I looked out the window and thought wow – I could see all the way to Thailand. For once, I actually felt close to Mia and yet, so far away. It is October and we know that some time between now and December we’ll find out travel dates. The “life in limbo feeling” will be gone.

Yep - Me, Chris, George and Brad - we all stood in the same spot - unfortunately, not at the same time! A girl's dream - those three! ;)



This is the World's Largest Chocolate Fountain! Woah! Love it!


The waterfall at the Mirage - could stand there all morning!

The Eiffel Tower is one of my favorite sites! I've never seen the real one.

I love the Wynn - It's so beautiful inside and out!

The waterfall at the Wynn

Ok - this guy is just plain nuts! That's a tiger crazy man!