We went to a park in Columbia and had a blast. The kids were great and really enjoyed being together. I'm starting to realize one of those big family things, the kids always have someone to play with! Jacob finally got his expander removed and his braces put on! Emily was sick but looks oh so sweet in this picture! And a few snuggle shots, I pretty much feel like Im an octopus making sure each one has a piece of me!
With the boys adoption being finalized in December we already had our Christmas blessing, however having their first Christmas was really special!! All the kids had an amazing morning and were so happy with their gifts! The neatest thing though was something we just enjoyed and didnt take pictures of. On Christmas Eve night after we got back from the big kids church program we gave each of the kids their new pajamas. Then the kids had all taken trips individually to the Dollar Tree to pick gifts out for one another and us. It was amazing to have the time with each one teaching about giving (they didnt get to buy anything for themselves on this trip). But on Christmas Eve night when the kids exchanged gifts they were all so gracious to one another and thankful and it was my favorite part of Christmas!! I can't wait in future years wear they can go a step further and earn the money themselves!
Wow! We have been so blessed by so many people along the way this Christmas season. A group at our church chose our family this Christmas season to adopt and the kids loved it and although as humbling as it was it was definitely appreciated! We celebrated Christmas with Grandma Dierking and crew and had a blast! The kids got spoiled of course! Then we also celebrated with my mom and the kids got a lot more spoiled! They really started to get the hang of opening presents by the second celebration.
