Halloween

We went trick-or-treating around our neighborhood with some friends down the street. We first had to carve our pumpkins. Jake did a really neat Elmo for Zowie. Zowie and I did a traditional smiley face. I had her help me take out the insides. She kept saying "Ewwww", but after a little coaxing she helped me.

Our friends (There are 4 total fairies, 1 Hannah Montana and 1 Batman) Sometimes hard to get Zowie to smile and look at us when we're taking her picture.

Zowie and her friend Amanda

The 4 Fairies

Zowie trying to scare me

Phoenix Zoo

We went to the Phoenix Zoo to meet up and visit with Jerry, Rebecca and their kids (Zowie's previous family). We had a wonderful time with them!

We first fed the Sting Rays

Zowie got splashed in the face and didn't quite like that

Rebecca helping Zowie feed them

Jerry and Zowie on the carousel

Trunk-Or-Treat

Our church had a Trunk-or-treat Friday night. We started off with a hotdog dinner, then carnival games, and then the trunk-or-treating.

Zowie and her friend Lucy

Fishing for prizes

Beanbag toss

Schnepf's Farm

When Jake got home from work Thursday afternoon, we took Zowie to Schnepf's Farm. It was nice because it was 1/2 off for Queen Creek residents on Thursdays.

We took a train ride

Zowie loved the slide. She went down with Jake the first time and then by herself a few times.

Petting farm

Carousel ride

Bumble Bee ride

"Toddler" Shower for Zowie @ Jake's work

Jake's work threw Zowie a little shower welcoming her into our family. It was so nice of them. We went to his work and they had lunch (pizza) and some fun cupcakes made into a cake. Then she opened up some very nice gifts. She got lots of clothes, a fun car that she loves, some princess organizers and a princess bag. She had a lot of fun and everyone loved her.

The store spelled her name wrong, it's an "i" instead of a "y"

She loves Elmo!

Utah trip

Jake, Zowie, and I drove up to Utah for Jake's brother Matt's wedding. All of his siblings and their kids (Zowie's cousins) were going to be there. Perfect timing for them to meet Zowie! We had a great time, and Zowie had so much fun with her new cousins. They are mostly boys, Tatum was excited to have another girl cousin.

This looks like Zowie is saying "Ugh, 12 hours in a car?!?!" She did really well. A friend from work let me borrow his portable DVD player.

Jake's family gave several gift to Zowie welcoming her into the James family. Thanks everyone, she loves all her toys and clothes.

"Z" for Zowie and "J" for James. We'll paint them and put them in her room.

Jake, Zowie, and I visiting the Mt. Timpanogos temple taking pictures waiting for the new couple to come out to get their pictures done. This is Zowie's first temple!

Some of the cousins, there are a few boys missing from this picture.

Zowie and Carson

Zowie being a monkey. She was swinging on the bars.

Carson and Zowie playing together

Carson's sister, Tatum, doing a little dance for me.

Zowie in front of the temple. We're going there someday soon to be sealed.

All the cousins on the James side.

The new couple, Matt and Lydia coming out to get their pictures taken.

Tatum at the luncheon

My sister-in-law, Kerstin, made these beautiful wedding cakes. She is soooo talented.

Lydia had all sorts of candy placed out for people to fill in little boxes to take with them.

Lydia and Zowie

Matt and his siblings, minus Kyle and Joe

Tatum and Christopher helping Lydia with her dress

Lydia and her new sister-in-laws

Going home through the Hoover Dam. The new bridge is getting closer to being finished.

Park Playtime

Zowie and I went to a little park near our house. I met another parent who was playing with his two daughters who are also adopted. They let Zowie ride one of there 3 wheelers. She had a lot of fun. She saw people swimming in the nearby pool and wanted to go too. Next time.

She loves slides