Finally Ours

Introducing the new and improved Elliott family (version 6.0) ! We're so happy to finally be able to show pictures of ALL our kids. For the record, Snow White's real name is Brianna and Brother's name is Shane.

This family photo was taken on adoption day right outside the courtroom. We also took pictures with the judge, the caseworkers, and the GAL (kids' attorney). Unfortunately, I didn't get very good photos since I wasn't the one taking them. I've also included a recent photo I took of Brianna and Shane close up. They are some seriously beautiful kids. But then, biased as I am, I think all my kids are pretty cute. I love having some brunettes in the family. Finally, children that look like my side of the family tree! The first thing we did after the adoption was call and leave my mom a message. She agrees that Shane looks a lot like my dad, Clint; dark hair and gorgeous baby blues.

To celebrate we took the kids out to eat and then went swimming in the South Platte River. The kids had a great time and got a nice sunburn. Danya and Gloria had an exciting moment as the current started to pull them away, but Daniel saved the day. Afterwards he said, "I'm pretty sure this activity wouldn't have been approved for foster kids." We're enjoying the freedom we have right now to do whatever we want as a family since we don't have any foster care involvement right now. We're taking a two month break while finishing up our training hours so that we can become a specialized "emergency intake" home.

Since Miss Lady and Thumbelina went home about a week and a half ago Brianna is deciding which room she wants to sleep in. She could be the big sister of the room if she shares Katie's room. She could stay with Gloria. Currently it looks like she's going to move her things into Danya's room. I hope that works out since Danya has been very lonely in her room since Thumbelina left. Gloria is adjusting to the idea of having no one to help her clean her room. I'm just loving the "just us" feeling right now and enjoying the peace and quiet.