Reunions

There are few more emotionally gratifying moments than a reunion with someone you care about. There's the anticipation of seeing someone you haven't seen for a long time, and then when you do see them, you've grown in such parallel ways that it's like you'd never been apart.

I felt that this last weekend when Mike and Kristina Christopherson stayed with us for a few days. I've known them both since the 7th Grade at Bonneville Junior High in Salt Lake. Everytime I see them, they have such a great way of making you feel good about yourself. We had a great time. I had hoped it wouldn't end, but then of course, the reunion wouldn't be as special.

I noticed it again Monday night when Andrew's friend Sam stopped by. Sam and Andrew became close friends last year, but Sam's family moved to Salt Lake last summer. When Andrew found out Sam was moving, I think it was the first time in his life he had ever felt real, honest sorrow. He stopped by Monday night for just a few minutes. As Andrew waited for him to come over, I could sense his anticipation. When Sam's mom dropped him off, the excitement that both of them felt, while trying to maintain their cool, was obvious.

Both experiences reminded me of the fact that, no matter what friends you have in your life, those that you develop in your youth just seem to stick with you forever.

What have the Leavitts been doing the last four months?

In March over spring break we spent four days in East Zion roughing it in our own comfy little cabin. We enjoyed hiking, horse back riding, and hanging out with the Richs. Mike also came home with a spider bite on his hand that ended up sending him to the ER three different times. All is well now and I'm ready to tie dye my kids clothes, buy the whole family some Birkenstock and move to Zion. It was a great trip.

February Ethan turned seven years old, but has the attitude and style sense of a fourteen year old. Ethan also competed in his first swim meet. Go Ethan.

In January Mae had her "brain" on her shoulder removed. She was a champ through out the whole thing.

Now It's really Offical

In January we had Mae sealed to us, and now she's got us for eternity. Do you see the fear in her eyes.

Christmas time at the Leavitt home. Santa must look different in Taiwan, because he really freaked Mae out. The boys humored their mom by agreeing to wear matching shirts, although Andrew thinks he's getting a little old for it.

December 21st Andrew turns the big 10, and is convinced that his voice is now deeper.

It's Offical

December 18th we have Mae's adoption finalize here in the U.S.

The boys got to skip school to come

to the court house with us. We thought it would be a special experience, and it was. The boys were absolutely thrilled to see real prisoners with jumpsuits and all!

Mae's B-day

November 28th Mae's feeling a little overwhelmed by her first birthday.

Visual assistance

November 3rd - 10th We travel to Taiwan to meet our Mae face to face. I'm not sure she was too impressed, but we were.

Absence makes the heart grow fonder

So we haven't spoken for awhile, you and I. Obviously, the last post we had was on our last day since leaving Taiwan with Mae over four months ago. A lot has happened since then. Thanksgiving, Mae's birthday (1) , finalizing Mae's adoption in the U.S., Andrew's birthday (11), Christmas, New Year's Day, getting sealed to Mae, Martin Luther King Day, Groundhog's Day, Ethan's birthday (7), Valentine's Day, President's Day, a three day vacation to Zion National Park (aren't we adventurous), Ben's birthday (5) and Sara and my nervous breakdowns.

Mae has adapted well and is a full-fledged Leavitt. Apparently, no one told us that Mae wasn't all smiles, all of the time. Her photos from the orphanage were deceiving. Or perhaps she was just happier there. Either way, we have quickly been reminded of what it is like to have a one year old.

Seriously though, she's wonderful and Andrew, Ethan and Ben are proving what steller older brothers they can be.

I promise to be better about posting. More later.