Happy 2 Year Anniversary, Sophie Lu!

June 27th was the two year anniversary of the day that we received Sophie Lu in China! I will never ever forget that magical moment and how much my heart grew when she first looked into my eyes. I remember laughing and crying at the same time... and for the first time in my life, I felt no fear... only peace and an indescribable feeling of being complete... and so very very happy. Thank you, my sweet Sophie Lu, for the best two years of my life... thank you for loving me and for filling my days with smiles and laughter. Thank you to Michael for believing in my dream, for making it happen, and for being such a wonderful Daddy. And, most of all, thank you God for blessing me with the greatest gift: my beautiful, amazing daughter... my Sophie Lu~

Our last day in Guatemala

Sophie Lu cracks me up. This is how she poses while waiting for the elevator! And she stands this way every single time! She taps her little fingers against the wall and pretends to look at her watch too- silly girl! Anyway, this was the day that we delivered gifts and goodbye hugs to all of our favorite people at the hotel.

Sophie's red dress was a gift from Cesar. He also gave her two traditional Mayan dolls. He is such a sweetheart- we really miss him!

Here Sophie is with just a few members of her breakfast fan club! They really treated her like a princess!

Sophie with Sally & Georgina who were both so kind and loving with her.

Sophie Lu was so excited to be able to make tortillas with the "Tortilla Ladies"! We will miss everyone at the Crowne Plaza in Guatemala City- thank you all for making us feel at home and for taking such excellent care of us! :)

I love you, Popsicle!

Like I've mentioned, there are ice cream stores on every corner in Guatemala; but because we didn't have a freezer in our hotel suite, Sophie Lu was really missing her beloved popsicle every day at 4pm sharp (I didn't, however, miss her asking me if it was 4 o'clock yet every afternoon...lol). On one of our last days there, Sophie spotted a man with a popsicle cart! See how she is lovingly admiring this popsicle? You should have seen the skip in her step while she was enjoying it! Well, Sophie Lu- we are home now... land of the free, home of the brave.... freezer FULL of popsicles! ;)

Fun Sunday in the Park w/ Timmy!

Sophie Lu took her baby brother to the park for yet another fun Sunday!

This time, she got to ride in a pony-drawn carriage!

And her friend Timmy & his family joined us! Sophie calls him "My Timmy"!

.................... They were so cute riding their horses side by side!

Of course we went to get the best doughnuts in the world. The lady who worked there was so sweet- she gave Sophie & Timmy each a balloon on a stick! Sophie Lu insisted on one for Ollie Baby too!


Sophie quickly handed her balloon to this guy so she could pet his puppy, though!

And then Sophie and Timmy had fun jumping on a trampoline!

Sophie Lu surprised me by climbing up this wall- she really has no fear!

...........................My girl just loves to have fun! :)

Sarita Play Area

There were many great, clean, safe play areas near our hotel, but Sophie Lu's very favorite was the play area at the ice cream store called Sarita. An ice cream cone was always part of the deal, so maybe that had something to do with it?

I'm almost caught up with my photos from Guatemala, and then it's on to photos from home... I need advice though- HOW do you get two kids to smile for the camera at the same time? I've been trying to catch those perfect homecoming photos, but it's so hard!!!

Sophie Lu's First Manicure!

Sophie Lu had her very first manicure in Guatemala a couple of weeks ago! She was fascinated with everything the manicurist did and kept asking her "What's this? What's this?" about each one of her tools. Everyone at the salon got a kick out of Sophie too- we had a great time!

More Goats & Horses