Blake took our cute little neighbor kids Madison (pictured here), Chase and Cloe paragliding today! It was super cold but they LOVED every second of it. Blakes favorite thing is taking kids flying with him. 

Christmas 2016

Playground Fun

No matter what, Blake and Olivia like to have fun!

Texas BBQ with strangers

Here's a story about talking to strangers and eating Texas BBQ: First of all, Rudy's is THE place to go in Texas. The whole experience is like nothing I've seen! ...and the food is great. 

In line behind me was the LoneStar Soccer club. After chatting with these guys about today's win against the yellow team, I was immediately invited to sit at their table. That's where I got to know Oliver, Jacob, Mathiew & Ryan a bit more. Oliver and Mathiew explained to me that they both play goalie. They agreed that Mathiew is better at it, but Oliver enjoys playing that position a lot more. Meanwhile, Ryan sipped his bottle of root beer while explaining to Jacob and I how it's made. You see, it's simply beer with roots added. The roots somehow remove the alcohol which makes it ok for kids to drink. 👍🏽

Thanks guys for having lunch with me!!

...a full belly and I'm back on the road.

First Annual UIRC Conference

Our hearts are exploding right now! We attended the first annual Utah Infertility Conference today organized by Utah Infertility Resource Center. It was very educational and super touching. The "Pathways To Parenthood" lunch panel was really informative as different families bravely shared their individual stories from embryo adoption, surrogacy, adoption, IVF and choosing a childless life. The classes were very informative and I could tell they were so good for Blake as they reassured him of some of his feelings he's felt throughout our infertility. The BEST part was that we won our adoption home study from @utahadoptionspecialists. I couldn't sleep last night in anticipation of this moment and when they called my name, my whole body was shaking with excitement. I know this must sound really strange to have that reaction but this was huge for us! We wanted this win so much! I am truly #grateful for how smoothly things have gone so far since we made the decision to choose #adoption in August. My eyes are filling with tears as I write this because this journey just feels so right. I am humbled by it all. Even though there are so many amazing women involved with both of these organizations, I particularly want to give a huge amount of love to two very influential women in my life now that have given me hope and positive direction so far in this journey. Thank you Kim and Camille 

Adoption Journal

I received our adoption journal from Promptly Journals today! This little book is quickly becoming my prized possession. I'm excited to fill out every detail from finding our baby through adoption, to our babies birth story until he or she turns 18 yrs old! Thank you Promptly Journals for making an adoption journal! I'm forever grateful!!!

Paperwork beginning

We have begun the paperwork process... this is the beginning of a beautiful journey that will change our lives forever in a very special way.

Lake Powell Fishing Trip

Blake went on a fishing trip with his dad and a family friend Dan at Lake Powell. They caught so many fish! We have enough fish fillets now for 6 months! Fishing and boating is one of Blake's favorite things to do any time or day. He is really good at it too! Blake grew up fishing with his dad and it's one thing they make a priority to do together every year.

Paragliding with Blake

Blake is a paragliding instructor and tandem pilot. Every once in a while I'll fly with him. Considering paragliding to be a huge love for him, it is my biggest fear! Despite full body shakes on my part from a huge adrenaline dump, he was very patient with me and even let me steer the glider some in hopes to relieve my fears. I'm super blessed to have such a kind, patient, loving husband. I'm happy to make these kind of memories with him. 💜 ~from Olivia

UAS Adoption Training

We had the opportunity to attend the Utah Adoption Specialist Adoption Training classes this past weekend. The classes were very enlightening and enriching.  We attended classes on Adoption and the law, Surviving Failed adoptions, Building your Profile, Multiracial Adoptions, Attachment in Adoptions and Open adoptions.    The adoptive parents, birth parents and adoptee panels were extremely important to us as they helped us to gain perspective from the experience of others.  We left this training feeling empowered and more excited about the process of adopting a baby through private adoption.  If you are thinking about adoption or have a loved one that is adopting, I highly recommend this training.  UAS offers it twice a year.

These beautiful women are three of the most awesome caseworkers out of many that work at Utah Adoption Specialist.  (left to right) Lauren, Krystal and Kim.  They are amazing women with nine years experience in this field.  The experience they have gained is not only on a professional level as they have also adopted their own children.  I am so happy to have found these wonderful women and feel like they will be an amazing support to us through this journey.