Sunday Snapshot: Universal

As a family we have gone to Universal and Island of Adventure many times. We live in Naples and that is about a 3.5 drive to Orlando. We have had season passes since Nara was about 5 so as you can see we have never brought a toddler to a Theme Park so we were a little nervous to bring Caroline but last weekend we decided to give it a shot.

The four of us spent a lot of time here. She thought this area was magical

Caroline, Nara and I rode this while Rick sat back and took a few pics

She was not really tall enough for this but we put her little wedge shoes on her and they let her squeeze by. This was by far her favorite ride.

Nara rode this ride solo no one else wanted to get this wet.

We stayed here at the Portofino Bay Hotel. The Portofino Bay Hotel is one of the three hotels on site. We have stayed at all of them and they are all great. Best of all when you stay on the grounds you get an express pass for the rides and you get in the park early. It is totally worth it and it is a resort so each hotel has amazing pools and spas.

With Parent Swap we were even a able to ride all of the big kid rides

One of my favorite restaurants at Universal is Hark Rock and thanks to a tired little girl we did not get to go but we always have next time

Best of all Caroline got the chance to meet Sponge Bob she was so excited. As she waited for him she started chanting “Sh BoB” (Sponge Bob) and then when he walked in she ran right up to him and gave him a big hug. My little one is not shy.

Caroline

This daughter of mine is such a joy. She has grown so much in the last year. Her vocabulary is expanding daily and she has such a large personality.
When we first met Caroline in China she was hungry and was obsessed with food. She always wanted both hands full of food. We really just allowed it. Rick and I both felt that she had to learn that she had food and when she understood that then her obsession with food would lessen.
It has been 15 months since we returned home and I can say that she is finally not that interested in food. She has her favorites but she has really become a picky eater.
She loves restaurants and loves to be on the go. When we pull in the parking lot of a restaurant she will often look at us and ask Eat? However, once in the restaurant she is much more interested in social interaction than food.
It has been amazing to watch her grow and become the little girl that she is.

Happy Fathers's Day

Nara and I have had a great time planning Father’s day. Nara, Caroline and I spent the day shopping and planning. We bought Rick some clothes for our upcoming vacation and a cool pair of shoes. Nara decorated him a cookie and made him a huge card.

The party started last night with a family dinner and has continued this morning with Nara making her dad breakfast. Caroline and I are heading to church we will take Rick out for a late lunch later today.

Overall we are having a great time celebrating Father’s Day. Happy Father's Day to all of the great men who are called Dad

Ready for Summer

Happy Easter

Hppy Birthday Caroline!

Happy Birthday Caroline We just returned from Gymnastic World where Caroline celebrated her 2nd birthday with family and friends. We are all tired. I will post pictures soon.

Caroline Day

One Year ago today Rick and I became parents in a hotel lobby in Nanchang, China. In some ways in seams like we have always had Caroline and in other ways I question where the year went. A year ago Caroline slept in her stroller and watched TV all night. That was after she cried for two hours. It became clear that she loved the stroller and the stroller became our friend. One year later she still loves the stroller and she loves to go but can I count the ways our girl has grown. She loves to laugh, play and talk. She loves her mom and dad and big sister and brother. Tonight we will celebrate Caroline Day with green and pink butterfly cupcakes. I will end tonight the same way I ended a year ago. I will thank God for our answered prayers and I will pray for the mother that left her so she could be ours.