James' Adoption Day

Two years ago today, our amazing three year old, James, became a forever member of our family (paper legal), and we couldn't be happier about that.  To celebrate James' adoption anniversary, the morning started with making a cake together.  Since James loves to help in the kitchen, he really enjoyed this, and what child doesn't love to play with sprinkles and M&M's! This recipe was following Sweetapolita and her Funfetti Layer Cake

 

Then later in the morning, my dad came over and picked up James to take him out on a fun outing.  They grabbed a bite to eat and then took a tour at a cool reptile museum.  This is really special because it is the first Grandpa (my dad) and James outing just the two of them.  One of the requirements was no more diapers...the grandchild must be potty trained because my dad doesn't do dirty diapers.  James had fun seeing all the different animals and being able to touch some of them.

Afterward they picked up my nephew (same age as James) and returned to drive James' Jeep around.  Both sets of grandparents and my nephew joined us for dinner to celebrate the adoption.  We had hamburgers with homemade buns, potato salad, beans (my mom made), and fruit (my mother-in-law brought).  Then for dessert we had the cake James helped make and some chocolate ice cream...to offset all the vanilla.

I think James had a great day, and he felt incredibly special.  I doubt he understands the whole concept of adoption and what it means, but I have been told and believe that we should use "adoption" vocabulary frequently in our daily lives and make adoption a topic a child will feel comfortable asking questions about as they grow older and helping them to understand and come to grips with the whole idea.

If nothing else James' adoption is a perfect reason to celebrate.  : )