our dozen beautiful feet

We've been in the US for nearly five months now.  It has been a wonderful time of rest and re-connecting with family, some friends, and American culture.  The kids have had so many great experiences while we've been here, and we've made some great family memories.  But we are ready to go "home."  At this point, Jaipur definitely feels like home to us.  The kids often say how much they miss certain things about life in Jaipur, their house there, their friends, their things.  But also how much they'll miss certain things about their life and experiences here.  It's hard to be always saying goodbye and moving from one place to another... One of the stresses we've faced while being home has been finalizing everything for Meryn's adoption and paperwork.  We arrived in the US and within a week were at the court house registering her adoption and applying for a US birth certificate.  We received that in about 3 weeks time, along with a legal name...

I think Kiryn holds the record for craziest birthday track record: 1st birthday: in Ajmer, India 2nd birthday: in Delhi india 3rd birthday: in Dubai, UAE 4th & 5th birthday: in Jaipur, India 6th birthday: in USA Almost a different city each year!  So crazy... This year, since we were in the US, and it's cold and snowy, we decided to have a winter-themed party!  We made cupcakes and coconut covered ice cream "snowballs."  We made snow globes, and decorated the cupcakes, had pizza, and went ice skating.  It was such a blast!  For her birthday, Kiryn got a giant doll house, two teddy bears, a few new Lego Friends sets, and... her ears pierced!  For her birthday meals, she requested donuts for breakfast, hot dogs and macaroni and cheese for lunch, and lasagna for dinner. Here's pictures of my beautiful six year old on her special day! : )

I'm so excited that the Season 3 Premier of Downton Abbey is tonight!  I seriously have been looking forward to it for weeks.  In honor of the Downton Abbey premier, I decided we'd have French Onion Soup, Shepherds Pie, and scones for dinner.  So much fun!  Can't wait to catch up with Matthew, Mary, and Anna and Bates!  Paul has to remind me after every episode, "Megan, they're not real people..."  Oh,... but they are... : )