I Don't Know How 2011 Could Be Any Better...

...than 2010. Yes, in this pic they are both on cell phones, and yes, they are talking to each other! ;)

On January 15, 2010 we spoke with the Waiting Child coordinator for our agency. She told us to expect a referral in the next 18-24 months. We did not think 2010 would be our year for adoption. We decided to take a nice family vacation for spring break and start saving for adoption expenses after that. We asked the kids where they wanted to go and they said, "Hawaii!" So Maui was the destination of choice for spring break.

We also ended up going to Disneyland because I had a work conference in Anaheim and J and the kids decided to tag along. Another fun-filled vacation for 2010.

We received an amazing surprise on June 22, 2010 when we received a referral for our daughter, Cara, and traveled to China to get her in October. Her special need was an unrepaired VSD. Cara's cardiologist at Seattle Children's Hospital believes her heart can still self-repair and wants to see her back in a year. More fantastic news for our family.

I received another surprise the end of October when I was offered the position of Principal at my school. It meant coming back earlier than I might have liked from my adoption leave, but it really is my dream job and I could not have been happier to accept the position. Cara has done wonderfully at daycare and loves going there.

A turned 16 in December and got her driver's license on the 29th. I now have another driver in the family! This will be a big help, I'm sure.

I have great kids, a handsome husband, and we are all healthy. I could not ask for more. I am eager to see what 2011 brings, but at the same time I am thankful for all of the blessings our family received in 2010. Happy New Year!