Biruk turns 5

Yesterday we celebrated Biruk's 5th birthday. His given birthday was on April 25, but due to all the craziness we had going on over here we wanted to wait a little bit. Anyways, we all had lots of fun and it was extremely low key. I didn't want Biruk to get overwhelmed nor spoiled because he had a birthday. We just had Kari and her family over and Danica's best friend. Biruk really hasn't made any friends yet outside the family because he hasn't started school. He was just so happy, joyful, grateful and kept telling me before he went to bed over and over "Gooood Birthday".

At last, we were able to get a family picture. Anastasia "hates" taking pics. That is why she wasn't in the Easter pics. No, we haven't put her up in a group home (we never will) but that is why she mostly is never in the pics. Actually Kari bribed her to be in this picture.

Kari, her two daughters' Robbyn and Deanna, and her mom Linda. Kari has been such a blessing to our family. She has been with our only family for almost 5 years taking care of Anastasia. During this time she has also become one of my best friends and often times a confidant. Also we have the same values and expections and I think that makes us such a great team. I am so thankful to have Kari, but even more so for Ana because Ana is just crazy in love with Kari. Linda, Kari's mom, has adopted Ana as her own granddaughter.

Robbyn, Deanna and the kiddos

Danica and Jesika (her best friend) with the kiddos