Happy 9th BIrthday Gracie!

Sweet Grace had a wonderful birthday celebration! We held her party at the movie theatre. The girls were treated so very special. Two rows of seats were reserved in the front of the theatre, they got slushies, popcorn and candy and then after the movie they were escorted to the party room for ice-cream and cake!

Grace beamed from the moment she woke up 'til it was time to go to bed! Unlike Analiese, Grace never demands to be the center of attention. So when she gets to be the one everyone is celebrating she enjoys herself so much!

I just cannot believe that she is now 9 years old. It seems like yesterday we got on the plane to China to meet her; our Chinese daughter. Grace has come such a long way from the frightened two-year old who walked into our hotel room, to the self-confident young lady she is today! Gymnastics has helped Grace find her own identity and provide her with an arena in which she excels!

This year has been a whirlwind for Grace. She competed for the first time and exceeded all expectations. She has transitioned to training with the elite group of gymnasts and misses some mornings at school. She continues to be an excellent student, wonderful friend and awesome daughter. She is well grounded and very modest.

When I prayed and cried out to God all of those years for a child I never knew that I was being asked to wait so I could parent a very special little girl. How blessed I am. Happy Birthday my sweet Gracie, I love you!