Making Connections

This weekend we ventured to Indianapolis to attend our adoption agency's annual picnic/reunion. It was so great to finally meet in person so many of the families and staff that journeyed with us through our process and provided so much incredible support. Eli seemed to enjoy seeing the other kids and running around the park. We also got to meet several of our blogger pals and their adorable kiddos. Even though we were there for several hours, it still was not enough time to catch up and chat with fellow families!

Here we are with our adoption coordinator, Kathy. She shared many sad and many happy tears with us over the months! It was wonderful to finally meet her in person.


We were so happy to see some our friends we met on our first visit trip! We all received our referrals within days of each other and then spent a day in Antigua together in August 2007. At that time, all of our little ones were itty bitty. It was so fun to see how much they have grown! The only one missing is Amy and her daughter, Gianna. We expect to see her next year! Pictured below with us are Jenney, Jim, and baby Leo and Patty, Mike, and baby Emmakate.

Eli and Leo posing for the paparazzi.

Little boy hugs.

"Come on, Eli. Trouble is this way."

Emmakate and Eli's turn to pose together. Aren't they adorable?!?!

Finally meeting Sandy and baby Izzy! We also got to see a glimpse of Sandy's other adorable kiddos while they were running around with their new flutes!

Let's add Gretchen and Gillian to the mix!
Gretchen and Jayden.

On Sunday, we went to the zoo with Karen and her daughter. We met them both on our visit trip in December. It was so much fun taking Eli to the zoo. He is still too little to fully appreciate everything, but he was certainly intrigued by all of the animals. I think he liked the aquarium the most. There is a shark petting area and Eli wanted to jump right in! He loves animals!

Feeding the giraffe.

Karen and Sara.
Eli and Sara trying to cool off in the shade. Actually, Eli was greeting everyone who was walking out of the restroom with a huge smile and big wave. Too funny!