Happy 4th of July, friends! Every holiday that we get to celebrate this year is extra special. When we were going through our adoption process we would often measure our waiting time with holidays… if we could only get Joelle by Halloween, or Thanksgiving, okay just as long as she’s here by Christmas. As each special event and family gathering passed we really just cringed at the thought of spending another holiday without her.
So, today we celebrated our new American. AND, our family is super thankful for the ladies and gentlemen that fought/fight/will fight for our country and our freedoms. We’ve visited several countries and it means a lot to us that we can go to sleep at night feeling protected and safe.
Here’s how we spent our day… we went to the zoo after lunch
And because it was so stinkin’ hot, we really just looked at the giraffes. Seriously… the heat was overwhelming! The whole time we were thinking, “UMMMM why aren’t we in our pool right now?!!!!”
Thankfully Joelle was satisfied with our short visit because she got to feed…
and pet a giraffe!
After that we pretty much bought our way out of the zoo. Yep, that’s right folks… we bought our child a stuffed zebra so she would be willing to leave the zoo early. I’m pretty sure she wouldn’t have fussed because… A- she really doesn’t throw fits B- even she realized how hot is was C- I put the child in pants so she was even hotter! {Don’t tell her but we were going to get her the zebra all along ;)}
After some swimming and dinner we went to a local park for some amazing fireworks!!! Joelle was able to spend some time with her cousins 🙂
Of course she danced her little heart away 🙂
And, she also gave lots of 4th of July kisses!
And, she’s always up for some picture-taking! PTL she is ready and willing at all times 🙂
Who doesn’t love a family photo?!!! This mama sure does!
Then, I let Joelle wear and use the camera for some practice shots. This is what she got…
And, by golly… she actually took a pretty good picture of Jared and I! We have a picture of just the 2 of us!
I don’t know about all of this. She said, “Mama do this” and I did it. So, that’s what I’ll leave you with! G’night, folks!
She sings, she dances, she swims all by herself, and she takes pictures too? My goodness, she's got talent! 🙂
Your posts always make me smile!!!
I just love your little family!!
So precious!!!
Her hair is getting long!!! That shirt is absolutely precious! I'm glad you shared where you got it!
Amanda
Mrs. Richardson's Class
She is completely adorable! What a lovely post! 🙂
Glad to read that you are all doing well. Joelle is a doll and her outfit super cute. I love that last picture of you. 🙂
Hello! I'm a complete stranger to you but would love to talk adoption and ask you a few questions!!! If you had the time could you email me at kristal.perrine@gmail.com
Thanks a million!