Every December, since we became parents, we have celebrated our families in a special way. Our agency sponsor, who herself has adopted 6 (yes, I said 6!) children from China - invites all the families she has personally helped to bring their children home - to a Christmas Party. This year we were about 130 people.
Many of these families we only see once a year. But just watching how each child blooms with the love of their forever families with each passing year is amazing.
The kids simply have a blast. Dancing themselves silly!
"Come for a spin, sister - o - mine!"
(...yes....Milana is still sporting that black eye. It's been 3 weeks now and I put make-up on it and can still see it.)
Milana now knows where the goodies are coming from. No more crying for the big man in red.
(...yes....Milana is still sporting that black eye. It's been 3 weeks now and I put make-up on it and can still see it.)
Milana now knows where the goodies are coming from. No more crying for the big man in red.
Joining Lisa today for this photo challenge.
I hope everyone is enjoying the season
(and celebrating the real reason for it too)!
Hi, I'm Wanda. I am a happy woman, wife to Danny for...oh....lots a years and finally Mom to THE most adorable little girl from Hunan, China - Dahlia. And now we have been blessed again with another daughter, Milana, from Zhejiang, China. (The 2 best things I've ever done!)
We live in the Montreal area. After a loooonnngg wait for Dahlia's little sister Milana (pronounced - Mee-lana, like banana), we finally brought her home in August 2009. Dahlia came to us in Nov 2004 (at 20 months of age)and a year later we began the application for another baby - at the time the waiting period was around 8 months. Almost 4 years later (say what!?!)we, at last, brought Milana home.
This began as the story of our journey to bring Milana home and life with her big sister, Dahlia. It now continues as we live as a family of four!
God.
My (growing) family.
Hangin' out with my girlies.
My wonderful friends (you know who you are!).
To laugh (out loud and a lot!).
Music.
Painting. Hugs.
Long chats with my buds.
My garden.
To read (ha...when I can!).
Sunshine.
Spring, Spring and more Spring.
Building things.
Cooking.
Decorating.
Parties (ahem).
The internet.
Life.
Movies. A.I.
Dancing with the stars.
So you think you can dance.
Travel. Umm..did I say laughing my head off.
Oh Gee...everything actually!!
21 comments:
Wanda, when I see your posts I cry every time. I can tell how very, very much you love your girls. It warms my heart. So beautiful! Their dresses are sensational. How pretty. So glad you have this special party to go to each year. Heartwarming.
That's a wonderful tradition! The girls look beautiful, black eye and all!! We are enjoying the season and making sure we sit back for a few minutes a day and reflect on it's true meaning.
Gorgeous bokeh in your last shot... and that portrait of Dahlia? Just lovely. =) I knew I could count on seeing lots of classic black and red (and silver and white) when I come over. ;p
It's so great to see all the kids dancing around. :)
What a special time!! We have a group of about 350 families in our city who have adopted from the same agency!! It's amazing to see them all get together! Such an amazing gift for our children!
What a wonderful tradition that I am sure all the little ones look forward to each year! that looks like SOME PARTY!!!
The girls look as cute as can be in their party dresses. So glad to hear that Milana is no longer afraid of the big man in red. Seems we have taken a step backwards this year in our house. I have been trying to get Sarah to agree to go and see him for the last two weeks. She is on the fence this year:(
Hope all is well and you are enjoying this crazy busy holiday season. Miss you~
xoxo,
Lisa
Wanda they are precious! LOVE their dresses! Gorgeous shot of JOY! I have been writing about that for weeks on our family and photo blogs!
Hugs and blessings,
Jill
http://fnaphotography.blogspot.com
Wanda, where have I been!? I've missed so many great posts of yours! YOur decorations, the girls, their dresses...all so BEAUTIFUL!!! And your pictures.... GORGEOUS!
Looks like your enjoying the season to it's fullest!!!!
What a fun way to celebrate the holidays - looks like everyone is having a blast!
I've missed you (I've been gone not you :)
What gorgeous photos of your look-alike girls! How fun to have a party like that to attend!
Merry Christmas! (that Joy photo is so pretty!)
Oh pretty joy and I think in so many ways the tradition you shared embodies the spirit of the season too.
We too are blessed to see certain adoptive families throughout the year, with some only being once or twice a year. It IS amazing how each child flourishes and takes root with time and love.
Beautiful post ( I say that ALL.THE.TIME, but its oh so true!!) and oh *sigh* the girls....those sweet lovely girls.....all decked out in their glitter!!! :)
You look like you're enjoying the season! What a wonderful tradition you have. It must be so amazing to see all those children together under one roof.
You're photos are beautiful Wanda. Love the last portrait of Dahlia. She is really growing up into such a beautiful young lady.
Hugs,
Grace
Well that is one wonderful tradition! How awesome that you can all get together.
We are fortunate to have Grace's travel group only 2 hours away. In fact we will be spending Sat. with our closest friends from that group!
That 'joy' pic with the beautiful bubble bokeh is to die for...as I'm a bit of a bokeh addict. And the pictures of the girls are lovely as always!
xoxo
Hi Wanda... They are soooo beautiful and loved.. It is funny that you have a Special celebration.. Don also has "Lyann" day.. when they first had her in their arms... Still today, 19yrs after, they still celebrate...
Hoping to see on Christmas Night at church.. bringing ALL my girls and my hubby..
Hugs to you and your gang
So cute! Look at those pretty girls in those pretty dresses!! What a fun tradition!
That sure looks like a great party! Beautiful, beautiful portraits!! My girls are eagerly waiting for Santa now.
Erika B
What a wonderful party! And such cute little girls! Merry Christmas!
Alyzabeth's Mommy
Wow, your girls always have the most gorgeous dresses! Have a wonderful holiday!
Loving the pretty black & white bokeh at the end :) What a great tradition! I cracked up at the last photo of Milana with Santa (and your caption)! Too funny! Hope you enjoy the rest of your holiday season!!
What a special blessing this party must be to you and your family. The girls' dresses are to die for....Kya would be begging for both of them ;) I just love how hi-key those black and whites are but yet so perfectly exposed. And lastly, That JOY bokeh picture is perfect...and it never can be said enough to remember the "real" reason for the season. Hope you are doing well as I have been missing in action lately but hope to catch up after the holidays!
I'm so glad to see that there are so mamy children an' adults who are gettin' the chance to love one another. There are way too many children without homes an' way too many adults who should be parents.
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Your girls are SO SO SO SOOOO beyond darling/wonderful/photogenic/full-of life! It's pretty much ridiculous.
What a brilliant and special idea for a party.
Happy Holidays!
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