Going to the Movies

My mom and I decided to take Katie to the movies one weekend. Katie had wanted to see The Good Dinosaur, and almost more importantly, had wanted to eat some popcorn!

It's always fun to see a movie on the big screen!

Dancing with Friends

Katie continues to love going to dancing. She loves to dance, but she also enjoys spending time with her friends!

When we get done dancing, we come out holding hands. I love friends!

Getting Some Rest

You know Katie has had a long day if she can fall asleep in the shopping cart at the grocery store.

I usually love to look around the store, but when you're tired, you just have to sleep!

Spending Time at Grandma's and Grandpa's House

One afternoon, we all went over to have dinner at my parent's house. Katie was so excited to go into the living room and see her Winnie the Pooh bean bag again!

Finding my bean bag was like finding an old friend! 

I was beyond happy!

A New Hair Style

One day, Katie wanted to wear her hair in two buns. When her hair was done, she looked like a cross between Mickey Mouse and Princess Leia. She liked it though!

I liked my new look!

Five Years Ago

February 24, 2011…the day that I received my referral for Katie after waiting and waiting and waiting. As exciting as it was to hear from my adoption agency that China had made the referral and to be told about the baby, it was even better when I heard I'd be receiving pictures via email after our conversation. It was such an amazing day!

Growing Up Fast

Making a Wish

Katie always enjoys making a wish with a penny. She really takes her time to think over her wish before she throws her penny in the pond.

First, I find a penny. 

Next, I think really hard about my wish. 

Then, I toss! 

Today, my wish was, "I wish I could have my dream play date with Kai, Kelton, and Ian!"

Chinese New Year - Year of the Monkey

As always, I made Katie put her Chinese dress on to celebrate Chinese New Year. In addition to that, we read some books to give her an understanding of the celebration.

Happy New Year to all who celebrated!

Twins

Katie loves spending time with her "sweetie," Bailey. One night, they could have been twins!

It's fun to follow your dog and copy everything she does!

Playing with My Doll

Katie loves the doll my mom and dad got her for Christmas! It's always fun to have a new friend.

I named my doll Aleah, and we love to dress alike! 

I try to take her on walks. She just uses my shopping cart as a stroller!

Another Goodbye

We were very sad to hear that Aunt Jody's dog, Philomena, had passed away. Katie loved spending time with her. Although Katie was sad to hear about her, she was happy that Philomena could be somewhere with Chloe.

The last time I saw Philomena I dressed her as Darth Vader. I'll miss you!

More Thank You Notes

We had to continue writing thank you notes from Christmas after our trip to Disneyland. They took awhile, but it was important to finish them.

I hope everyone knows how much I appreciated my gifts!

President's Day, 2016

At the beginning of February, I started talking about upcoming holidays with Katie. She was excited to hear that Valentine's Day was coming since she had remembered that holiday from years past. Then she found out that President's Day was also coming. Her excitement at least doubled with her interest in presidents.

Katie quickly started making plans for President's Day. She wanted to write letters to all of the presidents to thank them for their work, she wanted to write general letters to some more presidents, she wanted to wear special clothes, and she wanted to eat a special meal. We didn't complete all of her plans, but we had a good day!

I wanted to dress in red, white, and blue - and of course, purple socks. I posed in an important way for my picture to look presidential. 

My mom surprised me with some gifts!

I recognized all of the presidents except for Abraham Lincoln. Now I know what he looks like too!

I got four new books, and... 

…a jigsaw puzzle with the presidents! 

Bailey and I put together the puzzle! 

Then I decided to write a letter to President Clinton! 

I had a lot to say! 

I hope he likes it! 

I told my mom I wanted to help her make a special dinner, so I chose hot dogs and fruit! 

Then we made some patriotic cupcakes. They were a little floppy since we didn't have a cupcake pan. 

I chose the cupcake with the most sprinkles! 

Time to try it! 

It was the perfect way to end President's Day!

Valentines

The morning of Valentine's Day, Katie announced that, "It's the day for love. We need to hug and kiss people all day!" Even though we didn't have any big plans for the day, a holiday is always good reason for celebrating.

Katie told me that I had to stay in the living room while she made something for me. She grabbed her paper and markers and sat down at her table. From the living room, I heard her stretching out her words and listening for sounds, so she could write her message. In the end, she made me a great Valentine all by herself.

Katie also received some of her own Valentines in the mail. That always makes her happy!

This was my Valentine for my mom. I wrote, "I love you in my heart. K"

Thank you Grammy Noreen, Grandpa Joe, and...

Aunt Lois!

A Valentine Treat

As Valentine's Day approached, Katie wanted to make a Valentine's Treat. I found a recipe for blondies that included Katie's favorite, M&Ms. They turned out a little too sweet for us, but we had fun making them anyway!

We made the batter on the stove. While my mom put some of it together, I kept sneaking chocolate chips and M&Ms. I told her, "I'm just making sure these aren't old before we put them in the dough!" 

I got to sprinkle chocolate chips on top of the batter. 

Then I put the M&Ms on top. 

I think it looked pretty good!

A Princess Fashion Show

Katie announced one night that she was going to put on a fashion show for us. Not only did she have fun changing clothes, but she also had fun thinking of different poses for her outfits.

I had a lot of poses for my fashion show.

Elsa Pose,...

…Ariel pose 1,...

…Ariel pose 2,... 

…Cinderella pose,... 

…Aurora pose,... 

…Belle pose 1,... 

…Belle pose 2,... 

…Belle pose 3,... 

…Tinkerbell pose,... 

…Rapunzel pose 1,... 

…Rapunzel pose 2,... 

…Ariel's wedding pose 1,... 

…Ariel's wedding pose 2,... 

…Snow White pose, and... 

…Jasmine pose!