Favorite Photo Friday #48

What a difference a year makes...

Picture post

Feeding a giraffe at the zoo

Taking a bath

Daddy & Bryson




I think he was yelling at me




Doesn't this shirt say it all???



Moments like this made the journey worth it

My boy loves his motorcycle

Favorite Photo Friday #47

Pictures from Tennessee

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Valentine's pictures

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Happy Valentine's Day

and Happy Anniversary. Today is not only a holiday, but it's our 6 year anniversary. It was Shane's idea to get married on this day, but I know it was just so he wouldn't forget the date! It has been a wonderful six years and here's to many more.

We don't typically exchange gifts on our anniversary, but this year Shane went above and beyond. There is a camera I have been researching and talking about for months, I just couldn't spend that amount of money on myself. Well, Shane ordered it, had it sent to my parents house and had my mom wrap it and bring it over so it was here waiting when we got home from Tennessee. It was a wonderful surprise. I have lots of learning to do, but so far I love it! My new Canon Rebel XSI:

Favorite Photo Friday #46

Bryson & Uncle Garrett at the cabin in Tennessee

One year Gotcha Day

Last Sunday was our one year Gotcha Day. One year ago, we walked out of baby home #3 in Novosibirsk, Russia with Bryson in our arms. That day changed all of our lives forever. This past year has been the most amazing year for my family. Bryson has changed and grown so much before our eyes. I remember that he was a quiet and reserved little baby during both of our trips. Now he has blossomed into a wild little boy with lots of spunk and personality. He truly is the joy of our lives and I never thought it was possible to love someone as much as I love him. There are still days that I wake up and can't believe I am mommy, Bryson's mommy. He has adjusted well and fits right in with our busy lifestyles. He loves to have fun and be on the go, only taking breaks for snacks and naps. We have decided that every year on his Gotcha Day, we will give him a nesting doll. This years nesting doll was Thomas the train. Since we were at the cabin on Sunday, Cameron helped me bake Bryson a cake. It was yummy!

We got home late last night. Bryson was doing so well in the car, we decided to drive straight home. We had a great time on our trip despite the fact the weather was warmer than we anticipated. As always, it was so much fun to see our dear friends Bo, Cameron and Sabrina. We missed them terribly when they left. My brother Garrett, my cousin Cherice and our friend Aaron were also there with us, We went horseback riding around the mountains on Sunday and I am proud to say Bryson stayed on the horse with me for the whole hour even though our horse kept riding the edge. We also went to a mirror maze, aquarium, many candy stores and the Apple Barn. On Monday, we went up to Ober Gatlinburg to snowboard. Bryson enjoyed wearing the ski boots and playing in the snow for a short time while I went snowboarding. Daddy also put Bryson in ski's and pushed him around, then it was time to switch so Shane could snowboard. I also attempted to take him snow tubing, but he didn't like it very much. Sabrina on the other hand, loved it! It was cute to see how much the kids have changed from our trip last July to Savannah. This trip they interacted and played with each other. Though watch out because when those two are together, they are trouble makers!

Favorite Photo Friday #45

Bryson & mommy at Chuck E Cheese

One year Family Day

One year ago today we walked into a court room in Novosibirsk, Russia and the judge announced us parents of Bryson Aleksandr. Hard to believe that in just a couple of days, we will be celebrating our first "Gotcha Day."

I can't wait for Friday because we are headed up to Gatlinburg, Tennessee for a week. I'm in need of this vacation. I'm also so excited because our very good friends Bo, Cameron and Sabrina will be joining us there.