O Happy Day!

Yesterday was a very special day for our family. We had our court date to officially legally adopt Malakai Grant Martin. It was such a great feeling to know that he is forever our son. The judge said to us, "It is as if he was born to you as a biological son." Hallelujah! Our parents came to support us as well as our adoption case worker, Amy. We have grown to appreciate and love her so much for all that she has poured into us by helping us to connect to our dear son. I should go...my son just woke up and wants his breakfast...NOW!!


...Eric's mom made this bear for him when he was a little boy and now passed it on to Malakai.

Thad & Ali - 10.18.08

Saturday we hung out in Orwigsburg (not far from the famous Cabela's in Hamburg) for my last wedding of the season. (Can you believe that!) We met the girls at Ali's parents' house for some prep shots and then walked a block down the road to the church. Then afterwards the bridal party and family rode in a horse trolly back down to the Zimmerman's for portraits. We had fun posing Thad and Ali with their dog, Marzipan, and did more portraits at the country club where the reception was held. We had the BEST apple pie instead of wedding cake and there was lots of dancing and laughter. Thad and Ali I wish you the best in your new marriage and hope that Hawaii was incredible! Here's a few of my favorites from your day...

Cristina - 10.20.08

Cristina is such a sweet girl with a radiant smile that lights up her whole face. A few months ago, I did Cristina's family pictures so we have worked together before and she is a lot of fun. She and her family are missionaries in Spain. But this year she is living with my in-laws to finish her senior year here in the US. Cristina, I have enjoyed the many interactions we've shared already and am looking forward to our family weekend at the cabin in a few weeks. I pray that you would find great friends at Donegal and experience rich relationships and joy in a new culture. We Americans can be rather strange...especially those of us from Lancaster County :) Seriously, who made up shoo-fly pie???