Nearly a year!

It doesn't seem possible, but we are fast approaching the one year anniversary of our Gotcha Day with Claire.  It seems she's been with us our forever when in reality it has been just a snippet of our lives.  This year has been full of so many firsts.  Soon they will be seconds . . .second Halloween, second Christmas, second birthday . . .and the promise of many, many more to come.

Here are a few of the firsts we have experienced since May.

First Hoopfest.  She didn't play, but she participated in her first ever Flash Mob.  

First Gonzaga Alumni/Eastside Rotary Soap Box Derby for special kids.

This is Claire being driven by her sister and helped out by our good friends Claire and Josh.  Extra points for anyone who can identify the guy in the Cubs hat photo bombing in the back.  You might have to be a Zag fan to get it. . . .

First time "chillin'" with a Zag.

First trip to Priest Lake and this was with most of the maternal side of the family.  This is Claire with her Auntie Wendy.

More fun at Priest Lake.

Her first time kayaking.  Mastered it, easy peasy!

Her first hike in the woods.  This is an old growth forest near Priest Lake.  Only my girly, girl would hike in a skirt . . .

First time shooting a gun . . .a Daisy BB gun.  

First inner tube ride.  

First Karaoke . . .Singing Usher's "DJ's Got Us Falling In Love."

First bonfire

Not the first roasted marshmallow, but the first picture of her enjoying a marshmallow.

I'll say it over and over again . . . I am simply amazed at how perfectly Claire fits into our family.   God is certainly very, very good!!

Happy Days!

It has been a crazy few months but the joy that Claire has brought to our lives is immeasurable.  There have been peals of laughter, tears of sadness and lots and lots of love.  Lots of highlights over the last few months.  Here are just a few:

Chinese New Year with the Dotsons

 Headbandz with her sister

Making cupcakes for her first birthday party . . .EVER!!!

THE birthday party

First Soccer Game

Friendships . . .

First Communion and Confirmation

I really can't find the words to describe what a blessing Claire has been to us.  Bringing her into our family has been so much better than we ever imagined.  Thank you Lord for our girl!!