Celebrating a Milestone Birthday

Sophia turned ten years old today.  It's hard to believe that a child I once held is now almost as tall as me.

Sophia at the orphanage prior to being adopted.

She's less than a year old in this picture.

Sophia has an outgoing, engaging personality. 

Sophia is full of laughter...

seeing her with a smile and laughing is typical.

She's a fun child to be around...and has a generous, caring spirit.  She's open to trying new things...and has a good attitude about it in the process. 

Sophia as a scarecrow. 

Yes, she's tied to the wooden cross

in the middle of a cornfield.

We've enjoyed many trips together during the past ten years - Hawaii (twice), China, Japan, Pella (IA), Pennsylvania, Oregon, Florida, California, Kansas, and many trips to Grand Marais. 

Sophia wanting to feel the cold water of Lake Superior

at our favorite beach in Grand Marais - Cutface Creek.

She's tried many new activities through the year - including dancing, ice skating, swimming, and horseback riding. 

Dancing during the recital at Cinderella dance camp with

the Minnesota Dance Theater.

She has a love for animals and her family.  This picture was taken on January 1, 2008.  Sophia and Olivia decided together that they wanted to wear their Chinese dresses when we went out to dinner at a Chinese restaurant - a long-standing family tradition for New Year's Day.

Casey, Sophia, and Olivia

As I look at pictures of Sophia through the years, I feel incredibly blessed to have her as my daughter.  She has brought so much joy to my life...and filled it with so many wonderful memories. 

To celebrate Sophia's milestone birthday on December 30th, we had a special breakfast (waffles - her favorite breakfast),

Sophia at breakfast with a bouquet of flowers in her favorite colors

and a circle of pink carnations - one jar for each year of life.

we went to see "Voyage of the Dawn Treader" (a movie she has wanted to see since the previews began in November), ate at her favorite Chinese restaurant, enjoyed a purchased birthday cake (versus a homemade one which I normally do),

Sophia blowing out the candles on her birthday cake.

and opened presents (one for each year).  It was a nice birthday for us all...and one that I hope she remembers fondly when she's older.

10 jars of pink carnations surrounding a bowl of 10 eggs.