trick-or-treating

This was Lillian's first time on the adventure of trick-or-treating. Too bad she couldn't reap the rewards- I'm sure she'll get her fill next year. We just had to show her off to our neighbors!

Who could resist this big garden gnome and darling little flower?

monster mash 2011

On the way to this year's party, one had to pass skulls in the dirt, meet a creepy butler, and cross underneath one huge spider. But it was all worth it for one of my favorite nights of the year.

THE COSTUMES

what?? no candy for me??

now if only our little garden party could be headed somewhere tropical, like the Travelocity gnome

Best Costume Award went to the Walker Family. A well-deserved win for their take on some classic Halloween characters. Scary, yet oh so cute.

He started with 2 wings and 2 bat ears....

The King and Queen in charge of it all, quite the royalty.

Jeff just can't give up the face paint; I secretly hope he never does.

THE GAMES

I don't think Chad has even taken a donut so seriously.

THE FOOD

Thank you to the King and Queen for another great year, another spooky party.

our eternal family

I will never forget October 26, 2011. We had the wonderful opportunity of taking Lillian to the Salt Lake Temple to be sealed to us for time and all eternity. This is a dream come true for Dave and I, and our hearts couldn't be more full of love.

My eyes were overflowing with tears as I saw this sweet face in the temple, all dressed in white. We know all of our children were there with us, celebrating Lillian's official arrival into our forever family. Top two pictures: credit to Peg Watkins Photography

Lillian's birth parents, Heidi and Alejandro, love her so much and are so grateful she is sealed to our family forever. They are both wonderful people with hearts of gold, whom we love dearly.

I love the feeling of her hand in mine. I plan on holding her hand when she gets shots at the doctor, on her first day of school, when her heart breaks for the first time, on her wedding day as I help her into her beautiful dress, and as she gets ready to deliver her precious babies. I hope she will hold my hand as I watch her grow up, as I get old, and when I need some extra help getting around. And during all of these special times, I will always be reminded of when she was a baby and we held hands in the temple to become an eternal family.

finalization

Lillian's adoption is now legally finalized! We felt so official as we sat in the judge's chambers, got sworn in, and answered questions "on the record." Our lawyer Doug and our case worker Katrina couldn't have been more supportive and helpful during the whole adoption process. Our judge was so nice (and young!- I thought all judges looked like Perry Mason), and he was impressed with how well-behaved Lillian was. It was quite an eventful day, especially since I fainted in the courthouse right before our hearing, but that's another story...

6 Months

getting so big

Lillian is 5 1/2 months old. Wow. Time flies when you're having fun, right? And this little one is the most fun thing I've ever experienced.

She has mastered rolling over, loves to sit up, and tries to stand every day. Her smiles make me smile, her laugh makes me laugh, and those big eyes just melt my heart.

I love the way she looks at me: it's like she tells me all at once that she loves me, trusts me, and is happy to see me. If she only knew how happy I always am to see her and that my heart bursts with love just thinking of her.

the beginning of a beautiful friendship

This was Lillian's first attempt to pet Joey. Fortunately, jo-jo was a good sport about it- I think he was more shocked than upset. Can we say "gentle"?