It's been six months and our Basketball star!

Maddie's New haircut
Future Panthers Cheerleaders Addison and Madelyn....yes MADDIE and ADDIE

Future Panther Basketball Players Joshua and Logan

Six months ago yesterday ( January 9) we saw Madelyn for the first time in a small room in China. That was our gotcha day, the day our family became 4. It's hard to believe that after almost three years of waiting she has already been home with us for 6 months. She has changed so much, she talks non-stop, she is energetic, she is kind, lovable, compassionate, strong-willed, stubborn and her smile and hugs can win over anyone she meets. She is a not so typical three year old little girl whom seems as though she has been with us since the day she was born. When you ask her if she is from China she sayd " No, Maddie from Pinckneyville,Illinois! That's our girl.

In other news, Joshua Lane had his first official basketball game tonight. He was fouled and got to shoot two free-throws.....HE MADE ONE!!!! We all went nuts and of course he looked to make sure we were watching. He is pumped and ready to play his next game. He plays every Thursday night for a couple of months. He got to play against two of his friends and it was funny watching him guard them and laugh and talk at the same time.......don't they say major league baseball players swap recipes on base.....???? HAHA! I need to get a better camera because it is not good in bad lighting so my pics did not turn out very well.....the one of him and Logan above is from after the game. We celebrated his basket at Tequila's. our favorite Mexican restaurant afterwards...........along with half the gym I think!

All else is well, Maddie starts Pre-School in February, she is ready to go...at least she thinks she is. Joshua gets a day out with just mommy and daddy on Saturday - we have a BIG surprise for him and hope to post pictures after our day.....sorry can't spill the beans until after he knows. I have kept this a secret for 3 months.....it's killing me!!!!! He has felt a little left out since little sis came around so we thought a date with mommy and daddy might be cool, we're headed to St. Louis for...............ha, thought I was going to tell you huh??? NOPE, you have to wait and see.

Oh by the way friends of mine who live in Sunny CA, we are having some cold miserable weather here again, it has gotten into the teens lately.....time to visit you all I think :)

Love, Jennifer, Matt, Joshua and Madelyn.