Happy Birthday, Ian!

April 2009 - We took our 2nd mission trip to Jamaica. Mostly we went to spend time with Ian and learn as much as we could about him.  Our good friends from First Baptist (now, Westbridge) in Danville, along with Gary and Marty Crawford (Elizabeth's parents) were gracious to oblige. This is also when we told Ian we were adopting him and introduced him (via a scrapbook) to his siblings and grandparents. 4 months after this photo, we traveled back to bring him home. Of course, he had no clue what he was in for!

 And, look at him now! Our handsome man turns 15 tomorrow. He's changed so, so much but still has that great smile and such an amazingly joyful spirit! 

We had his birthday party this afternoon. Here are a few pictures from the celebration:

 Ready to open gifts! He's been telling us (with his communication device) for months that "My birthday is October 26th." Just in case the old people might forget.

 Watching the new hover craft

 Ian loves clothes and is pretty particular about them!

 A new nerf ball that has holes in it which is perfect for him to grasp

See.....the kid loves clothes!

He's also been telling me for months that he wants a red sports car for his birthday, so of course he got one!

Birthday cake under construction!

 Sweet Felicia, hanging out with Pops

 Brenna and her Daddy

 Langston and his Momma

Felicia wore her new Jamaica dress in honor of Ian!

Although we weren't there when Ian entered the world and don't know much about it, we are so thankful for his birth mom who took care of him and loved him as long as she could and for Michelle Robinette and the staff at Robin's Nest Children's Home for taking him in and caring for him until God led us to him. He has changed our lives and keeps us going (sometimes, literally - he doesn't forget a thing!)

Happy 15th Birthday to our Ian!

We love you!!!