This is the Willden blog, round two, hopefully we are a bit more successful this time. We had a great Christmas this year, this is our first year that we spent it at home with no where to go until the evening, it was really nice to not feel rushed, although I missed my family on christmas eve. Naomi was so excited for Santa to come that she woke us up at 4:50. I forgot to set her clock after the power went out a couple days before. Note to self, check all clocks before going to bed, so I don't have to get up until at least six. The kids were so excited though, it's hard to stay groggy and tired to long with such energy. Gavin got a set of tools, and a bike thing that he helped Gar put together, but the true highlight for him was the endless supply of candycanes that he seemed to find in everyones stocking.

Notice the candycanes in both hands and one in his mouth as well.

Our girls each got the barbies that they wanted and Lilly finally got a night lamp so that she can read books in bed. They were so good to play together and share, and they never got mad at Gavin for eating all of their candy. I was really proud of my kids.

This last week was very eventful for our family. We went to court and signed the final adoption papers; I had no clue I would cry as much as I did. Then we traveled to Elko Nevada to celebrate Thanksgiving with Garrick's family. We had a wonderful time, and the kids were so good to travel such a long distance. Most importantly, we went to the temple together and we were sealed. In our church we believe that families are forever, it is the central part of our faith. We ended this amazing day with a luncheon with all of our family. I love my husband and children so much.

My son is turning six months old soon. For most children this might not be a big day, but because Gavin was adopted, for us it is when we can officially call him ours. It is thrilling to know that we are so close to the end of this emotional road, yet I do not want to lose touch with his birth mother. Garrick and I quickly grew to love her and we know that is was God that brought us together. So I start this blog for her so that she can be apart of us still.