First Christmas

We flew to Amarillo to be with Julie's parents, sister Jenn, her husband Cody and their two little girls Kollyn and Reese.  The last 4 days have been filled with meals, laughter, dancing, singing, dominoes, presents, pictures, and love.  Sunday night David's brother Robert and his family were in the Panhandle and drove down to spend the evening with us.  It was so special to see them and for them to get to meet  Claire.  What a great time to be with family as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.   A year ago we were going through one of the hardest times of our lives and wondering what God had planned for us.  In the past year, we have seen David's dad pass away, Claire come into our lives, and a new niece born to David's brother Richard and his wife Deanna.  What a difference a year makes.

Adoption Day!

On November 19, 2010, our baby girl officially became Claire Elizabeth Washington.  The hearing was surprisingly easy considering all that we had been through to get to that point.  We celebrated with my mom and dad and gave thanks for all that God has blessed us with.  I think the most moving part of the ceremony was when the judge said, "I hereby declare that it is in the best interest of this baby girl for her to become the daughter of David and Julie Washington."  What a powerful and humbling statement to hear spoken aloud.  Now, our sincere and faithful prayer is that God would make it so.