Life is Good

Life sure is good! Busy, but good. Wonderful, actually.

We went on vacation in November. First we went to Florida to visit with Jay's dad and step-mom. AJ got to open his 1st Christmas presents for this year. His grandparents wanted to be able to enjoy seeing him get their gifts. This part of our vacation was exactly what we needed - we got lots of rest and a chance to catch up AJ's grandparents. It was really wonderful.

Then we all went to Disney, which was also wonderful. Well, except for the fact that Jay got REALLY sick for a couple of days. Still, he was a trooper and we all had a good time. At 1st, AJ was not a big fan of the characters. Well, I take that back. He LOVED seeing them from afar and would get so excited and point and yell. But the 1st time he met Mickey he kinda whacked him in the face. And at Chef Mickey's Character breakfast, as soon as they approached him, this is what we got:

Soon we realized that if we approached the characters 1st, AJ was MUCH better with them. So for the rest of the vacation, that is what we did. And we got much better pics:

After a couple of days in Orlando the 3 of us went on our very 1st cruise. It was a Disney cruise to the Bahamas. Despite the fact that the weather could have been a bit better and the water a bit more calm (especially that 1st night!) it was a wonderful experience. We really enjoyed ourselves and watching AJ explore and dance and experience the ship.

AJ was absolutely wonderful on the entire vacation. He even did really well on the plane. We really are so blessed to have such an easy going baby - although our "baby" is growing up. Even as I typed "baby" I reconsidered typing "son" or "kid" instead. I will say that once we got back from vacation, AJ changed a bit. He is MUCH more independent now, which is fun to see, but also makes me sad too. He no longer holds my finger when I pick him up from daycare. And he sorta walks around like Mr. Big Shot now ;-) Still, he is VERY free with his hugs and kisses which I soak up! I hope those don't stop anytime soon (or EVER!).

We closed on our house when we returned from vacation and while it's going to be awhile until it is exactly how we want it, it already feels like home. AJ and the dogs seem to really like having more space to run around and play. And Jay and I love not being so crammed anymore. I can't wait for our whole family to be able to gather for holidays and get togethers. And I look forward to kids' parties, sleepovers, fires outside, etc. And yes, I did say "kids" - plural. Someday we hope to adopt again. The day that we start that process is getting closer.

Like I said - LIFE IS GOOD!