Sophia's 16th Anniversary of her Adoption Day + Caramelized Ham and Swiss Cheese Sandwiches

November 26th marked the 16th anniversary of Sophia's adoption day.

Minutes after we first met each other in China.

It's hard to believe it has been that many years since we were in China. Time goes by way too quickly.

Left: On Sophia's adoption day - November 26, 2001 (11 months old).

Right: Sophia 16 years later at a jewelry-making class.

After a special breakfast of waffles with maple syrup, we relaxed since it was a Sunday. During the afternoon, Sophia, Olivia, and Paige went to see "Justice League" at a local movie theater. They enjoyed it.

For dinner, we had Caramelized Ham and Swiss Cheese Sandwiches - a recipe from Taste of Home. We've had these before, and they are one of Sophia's favorite sandwiches.  The recipe below is for one batch. I make 1 1/2 batches - or 18 sandwiches. The sandwiches fit in a 9"x13" pan. There are plenty for leftovers the following couple of days after they are made.

Ingredients:

1 package (12 ounces) Hawaiian sweet rolls, split
1/2 cup horseradish sauce
12 slices deli ham
6 slices Swiss cheese, halved
1/2 cup butter, cubed
2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard
2 teaspoons poppy seeds
1-1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

Spread roll bottoms with horseradish sauce. Layer with ham and cheese; replace tops. Arrange in a single layer in a greased 9-in. square baking pan.

In a small skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir 1-2 minutes or until tender. Stir in remaining ingredients. Pour over rolls. Refrigerate, covered, several hours or overnight. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake, covered, 25 minutes. Bake, uncovered, 5-10 minutes longer or until golden brown.

Note: these sandwiches can be re-heated in the microwave. They taste delicious on the first day as well as on following days as leftovers.

Dinner - the ham and Swiss cheese sandwiches and a variety of vegetables.

Typically we have done some type of special dessert in the past. However, we had leftovers from Thanksgiving, so whoever wanted a dessert had either cookies or ice cream.

We have in the past also had Sophia and Olivia choose a gift from China that we bought when we adopted them in 2001 and 2003. We haven't taken out the memory bins yet, so they haven't chosen what item they want.

In the evening, there was a beautiful sunset.

The sky and clouds were a variety of shades of oranges, golds, and purples.

It was a nice way to end Sophia's 16th anniversary of her adoption day.