Zoo lights

(Disclaimer: I feel like I can post pictures like this of my children without putting them at risk, one of the benefits of a private blog.)

I told the boys that tonight after dinner we would be going to the zoo to see the lights. Although I did not remember to bring my camera to the zoo I did get this picture of Oliver before we left. He got himself ready to go to the zoo all by himself. While he did remember a hat, I am not sure that he was aware that it is Colorado and it gets pretty cold at night. I love this kid!

Christmas 2009

This was our first Christmas in Littleton and it was great! Kevin's parents came up on Christmas Eve and stayed the night with us. It was really fun to have them with us.

We had fun on Christmas Eve going to church, having dinner together, opening a couple presents, and eating some birthday cake. We always have the boys open one present on Christmas Eve which is always pajama's and an ornament. This year Kaden got a Star Wars ornament and Oliver's was a Toy Story one. Here they are getting ready to open their pj's.

Here they are in their new pj's hanging their ornaments on the tree.

Here are the boys singing Happy Birthday to Jesus. We made a delicious pumpkin cake instead of a Kung Fu Panda cake like Oliver really wanted to make. I thought a pumpkin cake would be a little more practical.

Christmas morning was so much fun. The boys were very happy with their gifts and I don't feel like it was too much. They got a few gifts, some clothes, and shoes. They spent the rest of the day playing with their toys, they played so well and didn't fight over their new toys.

Here we are eating our Christmas dinner together. It turned out to be a delicious feast, even after a little trouble with the turkey, but it turned out yummy.We had such a fun Christmas. I feel like the boys are really starting to understand what Christmas is all about, the birth of Jesus. We watched a Christmas video and completed a Christmas coloring/sticker book. I really want them to learn that Christmas is not about presents and what they get, but about the birth of our savior and what they can give to others.

On another note, I called a travel agent today to talk about plane tickets to Ethiopia. It is starting to feel real now. I am so excited to go get our boy. Tomorrow I am going to wash all of his clothes and start packing our donations. So much to do, hopefully, so little time!

*Even though "K" is officially our son, our agency asks that we still do not post any personal information about him or post any pictures until he is home. Sorry you have to wait, but trust me it will be worth it, he is adorable!

WE PASSED!!!!!

I am so excited to announce that we passed court today, making "K" our son. Although he has been our son from the moment we learned of him, he is now officially and legally our son. I wish I had more time to reflect on this moment on this blog, but I have cleaning, cooking, baking, bathing, dressing, church, and many other things to do today. Most of all I want my boys to understand the gift that we are celebrating, the birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Merry Christmas!!!

Court Date #2

Tomorrow is our second court date, so tonight as we sleep it will be decided. I am a nervous wreck!! I really want to pass this time, I really don't want to have to wait another month for another court date. Please pray with us that we would pass this time.

We probably won't hear the outcome of our court date until Monday, so as soon as I know anything I will let you know. For now, I hope you all have a very blessed Christmas!!

Cookie Day

(When I was in high school my friend Ashley's grandma would make cookies every Tuesday after school. So after school and before whatever sport we were in at the time, we would run to Ashley's house for cookies. They were the most delicious cookies and we LOVED "Cookie Day". I had totally forgotten about that until, I titled this post.)

Today the boys and I made Christmas cookies to bring to our neighbors, and a few for us of course. They are such good helpers! They really do love to help and it is really sweet. We made my great grandma's white cookies, my moms sour cream cookies, molasses cookies, pumpkin bread, and chocolate cookies. The boys tried to help me frost them, but I thought it was best not to let our neighbors eat their cookies since most of them were licked at some point....mmmm yummy. Then after dinner tonight we delivered them, to the two out of six neighbors that were home. It was fun though and they seemed very appreciative. We will try to deliver the rest tomorrow.

Here is Oliver wearing my very dirty apron... This is the face I got when I asked him to smile for the camera.

My sweet boy and his crazy smile!

Look at that face, he is just adorable.

We are also one week away from our second court date. We are praying that we pass this time and can travel sometime in February to bring our little man home. If you feel so inclined, please join us in praying for a successful court date, thanks!

Pics

Here are a few pictures of what we have been up to around the Matthews house. A Christmas festival ....

My sister and her roommate came to celebrate with us..... And Kevin's sister, her husband, and our cutie little nephew....

We also have decorated our house for Christmas. Here is our tree after the boys helped me decorate it....
Notice the number of ornaments on that one little branch. I think there are about 10 ornaments on that one little branch. The boys were such good helpers and had so much fun decorating, they are so cute.

Counting down the days until Court Date #2.... 18.