Happy Fall!

Rafael is now three!  His birthday was actually on Oct. 25 so I'm a bit late posting.  He then enjoyed Halloween and dressing up like the cutest little lion. Things are busy as usual.  Brian and I just returned from a week long cruise.  Rafael stayed home with Nanny and made out great thankfully.  After getting home, we found a package in the mail stating that Rafael is now a Canadian citizen so now we can finally get his passport.  We can't wait for a trip in the spring!

End of summer photos

We have had such a great summer!  The weather has been amazing and Rafael has loved all the beach days.  I hate for it all to end!  Hopefully the Fall will be as lovely. 

Wishing my blog friends, Jen and Tangie, all the best in meeting their new sons.  How exciting!!  I would love to visit the Philippines again sometime soon but for now we won't be going too far.  Here are a few photos from our past few weekends at the beach. 

Summertime fun

Rafael has been enjoying the beautiful weather here this summer.  It has been the most amazing summer that I can remember.  It is hot and sunny everyday and he is barely ever inside.  I just started my two weeks of vacation yesterday so we are looking forwards to spending lots of time having fun.  Going to the beach, the nature park, hiking, going to the outdoor pool, playing with friends.  Sooooo much fun!!!  Hope you guys are all enjoying your summer too!

Dancing queen

Rafael has been right into ballet and tutu's lately.  Every evening he wants to watch ballet dancers on You Tube and he asks for his tutu.  Now he doesn't even own a real tutu.  He just puts on his diaper shirt and leaves the buttons at the bottom undo so that the shirt can twirl, or kind of twirl.  He is such a good little dancer and he loves to twirl.  I think we have a dancer on our hands!  His first dance recital was back in April.  He loved being on the big stage.  We are so proud of our little monkey!!

Rafael's dance costume.  He looked like a leprechaun!

Beach baby!

Love the hat!

One year together!!

Daddy and his sleepy head boy

It was one year ago today that we finally met our precious little boy!! I can still remember seeing his little navy blue Old Navy hat in the distance as we were waiting for our luggage at the airport. Once our luggage arrived, we walked outside and there he was!! He seemed so much smaller than his pictures and he was the cutest little boy that we had ever seen. We then went back to our hotel room with him, one of his workers and the director of the orphanage. We spent 3 hours with him that afternoon and we shared a mango smoothie. It didn't take long for him to warm up and start smiling at us. He then went back to the orphanage for his final night. The same day we met Rafael was also Brian's birthday so today, one year later, we have LOTS to celebrate. Today Brian turns 40 and our little boy has been with us for one full year. We have so much to be thankful for and we look forward to another amazing year with our son. He has the most amazing smile and a personality to match. We just love him to pieces!!! Happy forever family day Rafael!! Happy Birthday Brian!!

Almost 1 year

It is amazing to think that just one year ago we were preparing for Rafael's arrival and now here he is keeping us constantly on our toes! He has so much fun with everything he does and he just loves to make everyone laugh. Today we went to a birthday party for his friend, Emma, who was just adopted from the Philippines 2 months ago. The first present that Emma opened up was a little pink tutu. Rafael quickly hauled down his pants and proceeded to put the tutu on and dance around the room. He was spinning and twirling and was dancing his little heart out. Of course everyone got a grand laugh out of him being so silly but he just loves being the center of attention. Now here are a few photos but there are none of him doing his dance in the pink tutu. Too bad!!

Rafael and Emma snuggling up!

I love the snow!!! He plays outside for hours each day. He couldn't be any further from the Philippines!

Bringing sexy back

Rafael's new haircut!!

Winter fun

Our little monkey is a huge fan of the snow. He would spend all day outside if you let him. He especially loves eating snow. As quickly as you take it from him, he is grabbing more snow. Rafael enjoyed making the snowman but enjoyed trying to eat him even more!! I can't wait for some more beautiful winter days so we can play outside some more!