Adoption prep!!!

Yesterday was a great day spent with Casa de Amor II. Three kiddos there will soon meet their new families from Italy! All three have lived with us several years, including our first who inaugurated Casa de Amor in 2004, so it's particularly emotional for all of us to see them receive families at last. I don't think it's sunk in yet, and we haven't even had an adoption in 7 months so will have to get back in the swing of things, but we are super excited for the kids. The oldest two (almost 5 years old and 9 1/2) are definitely old enough to understand more of what's about to happen, especially since they've witnessed all 6 of our international adoptions.

While in a meeting with about 6 staff members about Juanito, reminiscing about his years with us, how much he's grown, and noting all the information about him we think important for his new parents, we realized he could use a new outfit and shoes for the incredibly special "first meeting". That happens on Monday and since I'm traveling tomorrow to pick up some paperwork for one of our babies, along with lots else going on this weekend, I decided to take him right away. (At the moment he was actually horse riding with my sister Emma.) Then we looked and the two siblings also needed something new. So we went on a great little shopping outing!! There is no comparison between Bolivia and the US regarding kids and getting new clothes/shoes. Here it can be a SOCK and the kid is thrilled. And then if they get to go OUT with you, that's makes it doubly special. Makes shopping and giving them stuff lots of fun!

The picture is of M. E. trying on the winner outfit (pre-hair cut)!
Counting the days!!!