Florida Vacation

Over the Christmas holidays, we finally took a family vacation.  We decided to go to Florida and visit Disney World, Universal, Islands of Adventure, Legoland, Busch Gardens, and Clearwater Marine Aquarium to see Winter, the dolphin.  This was Kari and Kacee's first family vacation and first trip to Disney.  We had a lot of action packed days.  We had a lot of fun.  Another first:  Kenzie rode her first roller coaster that went upside down.  Below are some pictures from our trip.

Day #1:  Magic Kingdom

The kids when we entered Magic Kingdom.

The castle at night.

Kacee with one of her favorite princesses, Ariel.

Dumbo - One of Kacee's favorite characters.

Kacee's other favorite princess is Merida.

 The little girls visited The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and received makeovers.  Their hair, make-up and fingernails were beautified.  Afterwards we had dinner with Cinderella.

Kenzie seeing what she looked like for the first time after the make-over.

Kacee seeing what she looked like for the fist time after the make-over.

Kenzie with her favorite princess.

Day #2:  Hollywood Studios and Epcot

The kids entering Hollywood Studios.

Kenzie and dad outside Tower of terror.

Kenzie and Kacee waiting for the big kids and mom

The kids entering Epcot.

Day #3:  Animal Kingdom

The kids at Animal Kingdom.

We had lunch with Mickey Mouse.


All of the girls got hair wraps in their hair.

Day #4:  Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios

The kids outside Universal.

The kids in front of Harry Potter's Hogwart's train.

Kenzie and Kacee with Scooby and Shaggy.

Day #5:  Legoland

The kids at the entrance to Legoland.

Kacee and Kylie on the roller coaster.  This was Kacee's usual position for every ride.

Day #5:  Busch Gardens

The big kids and dad - you can see Kylie with the red shirt and hands up.

Kacee and dad in front of the elephants - Kacee's favorite animal.

Kacee and mom on the cable car.

Kenzie on the roller coaster.

Day #6:  Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Winter - the dolphin with no tail.

petting and feeding the stingrays

Day #7:  The Beach

The kids on the (cold) beach on the way home.

Band Christmas Concert

Kylie and Keaton had their band Christmas concert tonight. Kylie plays the clarinet. Keaton plays the baritone. Both of them are first chair for their instrument, and we are so proud of them. Since Kylie plays the clarinet, she sits on the first row and is easy to see. Keaton sits in the back and cannot be seen from the audience.

Christmas pictures

Here are some of my favorite pictures from this year's Christmas photo session.

Kenzie's 6th Birthday Party

Kenzie celebrated her 6th birthday with many of her friends from church and school at Kids In Action. This was her first birthday with friends and not only family. As you can see from the pictures, she had a blast.

Happy Birthday Kenzie!!!

Kenzie and Kacee having fun in the tent that Kenzie received for her birthday.

Halloween

Kenzie and Kacee dressed as their favorite princesses for Halloween.

Kenzie's school had a contest for the best decorated pumpkin.

Kenzie's pumpkin won first place.

Yay Kenzie!!!

Yesterday my letter regarding my admissions status from Texas A&M University came in the mail, and I was accepted to the University for Chemistry in the College of Science.  I have until May 1 of next year to accept or decline the offer admission and decide if I will be attending TAMU or Ole Miss next fall.

Kayla

Limo Ride

Kenzie's school had a fundraiser, and some of the students won a limo ride to Jumpalooza.  Here is Kenzie in front of the pink Hummer limo she got to ride in.

Hey guys!  Just a quick update.  As you know, I am a senior in high school so I am graduating on May 25th of 2013 and will be moving away and going off to college at the end of next summer.  I just thought I'd post that currently I have applied to both Ole Miss (University of Mississippi) and Texas A&M University.  I have gotten accepted to Ole Miss and received some scholarship there, and I am still waiting to hear back from TAMU.  I plan on getting a degree in either forensic chemistry or regular chemistry and a minor in anthropology.  I'll keep you posted on what happens and my decision!

Kayla

Homecoming

Happy Fifth Gotcha Day, Kenzie!

Five years ago, we walked anxiously into a room in Jiangxi, China. It was a large room full of people talking and crying babies. We were a family of five, but that day changed the path of our family forever. It was the day we were united with Kenzie. She was 9 months old and had the cutest puffy cheeks ever. Since that day, she has molded into our family as if she has always been with us. As a matter of fact, we often forget she is adopted. Kenzie we love you infinity plus one million.

Kenzie 

This photo was taken on 9/16/07 once we returned to the hotel.  Kenzie is still wearing the clothes from the orphanage.