One More Week

Only one more week and Mia's new last name will be Collins! People have been sending her adoption presents. That didn't even cross my mind. Here she is with her new American Girl doll sent by Dan's two sisters, his mom and their families. The doll came with a few clothes, a backpack and PJ's for Mia that match her dolls. I would never buy American Girl dolls for Becky and Beth, saying they were too expensive. Oh well...it wasn't me, girls! She also got two cute outfits from her new Grandma Janet and Great Aunt Helen.

We started Christmas decorating today. Every year we go to California for Thanksgiving week and I come back exhausted and not wanting to decorate. So this year, I'm going to do it before we go. Then I'll come home to a house all full of Christmas cheer!

Mia was a lot more interested in the manger scene this year. I told her the story as we set it up. She keeps taking Baby Jesus and trying to hide him from me.

Dan's California Weekend

This past weekend Dan went to California for his aunt's 90th birthday. Aunt Katie was Dan's dad's twin sister. She has been a nun for over 65 years!

It's nice that Becky lives in San Diego and can attend the family parties.



While in California Dan went car shopping with Becky. We do not believe in buying kids cars when the turn sixteen nor when the graduate from high school. Our kids have to earn them by doing something difficult such as completing a four year degree. And even then we only give them enough money for a stripped down basic model. All three decided to put in some of their own money to upgrade to nicer cars. Becky doesn't graduate until March, but the car she is using now could have a major breakdown at any time. So they found a Honda fit that fit her just fine. ha ha. But it won't be ready for a month. So sorry, Becky, no pic of you and your new car now. With everything going on with everyone else she says her life his "boring".

Dan also had brunch with Joey and Brittany and my hubby took the best picture of the two of them.

New Pic

I have no patience! CCAI said they wouldn't be asking for an update until Jaunary. But I found this post-op picture of Anna on Healing Home's website. Amazing what skilled surgeons can do!

Merry Christmas, Anna!

She looks so pretty in pink that I bought her two little pink outfits for Christmas and a few toys. I want her to get these while she is still at Shanghai Healing Home. Once she goes back to the orphanage, there is a chance these may not even get to her. Merry Christmas little one!

We Have Preliminary Approval from China!

We can now post pictures of little Annalu Faith Collins aka Li Yu Lu. Hopefully, we'll get post-op pictures soon. Can't wait for her to come home!

Nap Time

Someone had an interesting time before falling asleep today.

Do you like Mia's adoption dress? There's even a little dress for her doll. Maybe the doll will actually get some play time!

Halloween!

We seem to have a tradition of going to Sheri and Bob's for Halloween. Mia and Logan like to trick-or-treat together. They are sooooo opposite. Mia would not let me hold her hand one bit as we went to each house and Logan wouldn't let Lesley let go of his.

The ribbons coming out of Logan's back were for his balloons. Ohh did Mia want one of those! We tried to explain that an octopus doesn't need a balloon, but she begged to differ!