welcome to america!

The Friday night after Stella's final adoption hearing, we had a WELCOME TO AMERICA party for her with just a very few close friends. We ate, drank and were merry., so thankful to have made it through this very significant step.

We had a toast to Stella Lu.


She played with Uncle Jason and Mater before bedtime.


Michael built a big, roaring fire outside.

We sat around the fire (in the FREEZING cold) and drank lots and LOTS.

We ended the night feeling reflective over what we have been through and how far we have come as a family (and by family, I am including our close friends - old and new).

Thank you to all who have shared in our journey. You each mean so much to us . . . even those of you we have never met.