Forever Family Day

Yesterday was the anniversary of our Forever Family Day.  4 years!!  Wow--the Noodle has gone from a toddler to a little girl.  Time does that, doesn't it?  Doesn't show any signs of slowing down either.  Hmph.

Any-hoooo, we had a great, relaxing day just hangin' together.  Bee-u-ti-ful weather too :)

 

First off, the Dragon Boat Race.  This is a tradition in China, but we're fortunate that there is a competition here in our (larger) hometown.  We headed down to the river to watch the boats and cheer on the participants. 

It is so cool to see everyone rowing in unison, to the beat of the drummer.

Then back home to bake the Noodle's cake.  Her request?  Chocolate cake with chocolate frosting and sprinkles.  O.k., I can definitely handle that!  This year I decided to forgo the stacked round cake...cake boss I'm not and each year I get so frustrated that the cake looks like a cat mangled it rather than a nice, smooth work of art.  Stupid, I know.  So I just decided to go with 9x13 boring, ol' rectangle but spice it up with a little bit of bunting (care of Pinterest, of course!). 

Finally we headed out to our favorite Chinese restaurant for some yummy dinner, but not before someone took a quick cat-nap in the car.  Everything was delish and we all just barely saved room for some of that cake.

Each year when Gotcha Day rolls around, I am again blown away with the workings of the Lord.  Not that I'm not reminded each day, but somehow, on this day it seems even more crystal clear.  One orphan.  On the other side of the world.  Two people, here in America....waiting.  Hoping.  Praying.  He had this planned out before the 3 of us were even born.  Really, from the beginning of time, it was His plan that we would be a family.  Forever. 

'"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," declares the Lord.'--Isaiah 55:8