Fun in the New Year

January was certainly cause to celebrate and I couldn't help but often reflect on what we were doing a year ago. On Jan. 15th we celebrated our first "Forever Family Day" or "Gotcha Day" as some people call it. In honor of the occasion we went to eat at a Chinese buffet and totally pigged out. We just spent the day as a family and tried to enjoy every bit. We're just so thankful we are a family and that this year has not only gone by so fast but so well. I had thought maybe we'd watch our video from China but I have a hard time watching it when I see how difficult it was for her. Now we know her so well and see how happy she is now that it's hard to see her so upset and in so much pain in the video. But we have such fond memories (not the monkeys) of our trip to China and look forward to returning someday with the kids when they're older - hopefully. Maybe Disney World first!!!
Near the end of the month, Zanna and I went on a girls-only trip to Calgary to visit family. We stayed with Wayne's brother and sister-in-law and their four girls. I had wanted to take a trip with Zanna before she turns two and we have to pay for a seat for her! I had taken several trips with Will when he was little and I enjoyed the time we had together. I wanted to do this with Zanna too. It was a four hour plane ride which is plenty long with one her age. We walked up and down the aisle getting to know the passengers and crew. Zanna kept asking people "where's William?" She was lost without her big brother, it was pretty sweet. She refused to sleep even though it was during her nap time - she didn't want to miss anything! She reluctantly dozed off as we started our descent into Calgary, wouldn't you know. She had a great time with her cousins who were thrilled to see her except for the four year old "baby of the family" who by Saturday was wondering "when is her going home?" - haha! She apparently wasn't getting the attention from her sisters she normally gets do to this intruder! As the older girls are 9, 10 and 11 I got caught up with the in tween shows and now totally get Hannah Montana and High School Musical. I had hoped to play a little Dance Dance Revolution with them on Sunday but woke up with the flu (yah, right auntie!). No, really I felt like roadkill. Very unfortunate. My dear sister-in-law took Zanna to church with the rest of them and Zanna, I was told, was a hit. Apparently someone named Dennis took her dancing around. One can only imagine what went through her mind! The plane ride home was a bit more challenging due to the whole roadkill feeling but, thankfully shorter by 40min. The reunion between her and Will was priceless - what a joy to see them really care for each other. Although it was not long before reality kicked in and they were back to teasing each other. Of course, the reunion between husband and wife was equally touching as one could overhear me say "take me to bed" - seriously, all I wanted was my bed!!!!
One final thing worth mentioning is that Wayne was extended a call to serve a congregation in Austin, Texas. This completely took us by surprise and is now something Wayne must consider over the next few weeks - whether we remain here or go to Texas. Personally, I think it's a conspiracy to give a call from a southern place to a Canadian in the middle of Winter. Could there be anymore snow this year? I haven't been able to put out my cute garden flag in the front because the snow goes up to our lamp post. Crazy!
We have a few things to look forward to - a reunion with our China travel group and a visit from my Mom and Dad for Zanna's birthday - yeah!!