Thanksgiving Weekend

Mom decorating the tree.

Ruby chillin w/Grandpa

Mike getting ready to cut down the Christmas tree.

Thanks for finding the perfect tree Katie!!

Thanksgiving Dinner (Grandpa, Me, Katie and brother Larry)

Mimi likes the Christmas Village too.

She found a spot w/o knocking down anything! Amazing cat-

It was so nice to be with family during the Thanksgiving weekend. We stuffed ourselves, cut down the Christmas tree, played football and watched some holiday movies. Mike also took my Dad, brother and Katie to shoot off some rounds. It was a good time! It was Ruby's first Thanksgiving and first time having to share Mom and Dad with several other people. That part was a little difficult for her. We noticed a change in her personality and respect towards Mike and I. We talked about it after everyone left and luckily she was very open about her feelings and what was hard for her while we had company. Another step forward :)

Ruby keeping warm in her new pink scarf!

Gobble Gobble

I sure hope my Turkey turns out this nice!

Our house is really looking forward to Thanksgiving this year. Not only is this Ruby's first Thanksgiving, but my Dad, brother and his girlfriend are leaving their homes today to celebrate with us. Ruby has met Grandpa the first day she came home, but it will be her first time to meet Uncle Larry and Auntie Katie.

Our family connection is finding its niche. We are to the point where we click more often, know each others reaction before it will happen and just feel closer overall. A few nights ago Mike mentioned that it seems like we've been a family for much longer than we really have...I will agree. It feels so good to be at this point after almost 5 months. Considering Ruby is an older child, this is a huge accomplishment. Today Ruby said "I love you bigger than mother earth." My heart just melted!

Last night we played Monopoly for the first time. Ruby caught on fast and LOVES the game. I personally thinks she likes the power of the money :) She always has very good fu (luck) while playing games. Last night was not an exception. Her first time around the board she landed on Boardwalk (bought it of course!) and her second time around the board she landed on Park Place (another important purchase as well!). Mike and I couldn't believe it. Besides card games, her two favorite games are now Rumikube and Monoploy. To the family in IL and Michigan: watch out because Ruby will dominate over the Christmas holidays!

I hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving!

Adoption Yahoo Groups

This post is for all the people I've met on the adoption related Yahoo Groups. I have deleted my yahoo account because it was business related and I have changed jobs. Please contact me through my e-mail listed on this blog. I will re-join the groups sometime in future.

Moving Along...

First, I have to comment on the election. Although not everyone shares the same view, I am so happy that Obama was elected. It was very exciting to watch the results as a family and was easy for Ruby to follow. We made it a very big deal - how cool for Ruby to experience such a historical election year her first year in America. I hope it is something she will always remember. Now I'm just kicking myself in the butt (BIG time!!!!) that we didn't attend any of the Obama rallies in Colorado...*I'm sooo stupid!*

Ruby loves second hand stores like her mommy. We came across this steal for $2.50. She has already decided that it is her Christmas dress - she looks so beautiful.

Halloween Photos

Ruby in the school Halloween costume parade on Friday

Our black Halloween cat, Mimi

Ruby and her fav dog, Simba

Family pumpkins (Mike's, Ruby's and Tara's)

Daddy cutting is spooktacular pumpking

The girls digging out the pumpkin brains...

We took Ruby trick or treating on Friday evening. She was a bit shy at first, but

realized how fast she can rack up the candy...then got really into trick or treating.

The dogs joined us, the weather was fabulous (50s) and we will all

be enjoying candy for awhile.

WE look forward to CHANGE tomorrow!