Grace baptized

This past weekend we were able to celebrate having Grace baptized.  I am happy to report little miss cooperated and it went really well.  Thankfully she doesn't mind water at all.  I was thinking ahead and  I bought her this outfit in China before we came home.  The salesperson said it was real silk ;) but I am guessing since it cost me about $7 U.S., it probably isn't silk.  It was beautiful none the less and perfect for today.  We came home and had a small low key party with pizza for lunch with all her grandparents, Uncle Adam, Aunt Jenny and her cousins.  I am happy to report that Grace is finally a big fan of pizza like her mama.  

Gracie joined by her brothers, sister and cousins after church.  

This blanket was made by the sweet ladies from our church's prayer shawl ministry to honor Grace's baptism. She loved it and Matthew got his out from his baptism to show Grace.  

Grace's 3rd Birthday

We celebrated Grace's 3rd birthday at the end of May.  As you can imagine, birthdays are a little overwhelming when you haven't had one before. She enjoyed opening her presents, but I don't think she actually grasped what exactly was going on.   I imagine by next year it will be something that she can even look forward to. She was a big fan of her cupcakes.   We even got to share our 20th wedding anniversary with Grace, what a gift she is!

Show Hope Reunion

At the end of May, we attended a reunion for all the kids who have spent time in a Show Hope Care Center in China.  We got the invitation while we were in China to bring bring Grace home.  We knew we wanted to go, but doubted if Grace could make the car trip to Tennesee.  We went back and forth several times whether we should go.   We also knew with Jeff having hardly any vacation time, it was going to have to be a quick trip - 36 hours to be exact.  It was so worth it, even during the time we were stuck in traffic, Matthew was car sick and I had to straddle the barf bucket to change Grace's  poopy diaper.

We arrived in Franklin, Tn late Friday night and went to the reunion late the next morning.  We got to meet people who knew and loved on Matthew while he stayed at Maria's Big House of Hope.  We also got to thank the Chapmans.    My heart is so full for all of these people.  They loved my boy, when he didn't have us.  They gave him a home.  They advocated for medical care 8000 miles away to make sure every things could be done for him.  All in the name of love... 

 Joanna visited Matthew in 2012

  

This is the picture Joanna took of Matthew.  Someone else saw this picture and helped me to connect the dots that Matthew had spend time at MBHOH

with Melissa at the reunion

then with Melissa in 2012

  

With David in 2012

Matthew and David

  

There were several families there that we had travelled with to China on our past two adoption trips, too.  How awesome to see these kids have grown and absolutely thrive in their families.  These sweet families will  hold a place in our hearts for what we have shared.  

Families from Matthew's adoption trip, so great to see each other for the first time in 2 years!

These three kiddos met their forever families together.  Matthew and Mayli both spent time together at the same orphanage and at Maria's.  

Our sweet friends from Ohio that we travelled together with to bring our girls home this past March.  We have to meet in Ohio together, but hopefully we get to do that soon! 

The whole day was filled with fun - bounce houses, hay rides, food, crafts and a petting farm.  It isn't often enough that we get to hang out with other adoptive families,  it was nice to be in a huge room with families who look just like ours with kids going through the same things.  Most of our kids have medical issues and we have all travelled the roads through adoption and attachment.