Flowers In Bloom

Yesterday was a great day with the kids.  Michael had his first belt test in karate, testing for his yellow belt, and he did great scoring the 4th highest score of the night.  We could tell he felt confident and he did very well!  Jodi, Kayleigh and Bekah came to watch, and Dylan and I were sneaking peaks when we could of his testing :)  After test he was out on the playground with his group of friends running around as usual.  After testing was done for the night we hit Taco Bell for some munchies to unwind with a few other families.  Michael was sitting with the group of guys again, and Kayleigh with the ladies. 

I just had a great moment watching them.  They both look so healthy and happy.  Michael was all smiles, hanging with his friends and big brother, and had this look of happiness on him.  It has been such a total transformation from the little boy we met at the orphanage who looked like he had no friends and was just trying to stay out of the way of the older boys and trouble.  Now he's happy, active, outgoing, has a super duper big brother and group of friends, activities he is excelling at and loves to do (we can't leave early enough on karate nights...) and has really warmed up to our family like he's always been here.  I always make a point of starting and ending each day with big hugs and kisses and I love you's for the kids, but last night was the first time that he was the one that came to me on his own for it, instead of the usual me going to them.

Kayleigh is like her sisters in that they just laugh at us with our karate stuff, but she seemed really interested in watching Michael test and very supportive.  She has really blossomed since coming home with us and is such a beautiful girl, and very full of personality (her and Alyssa continue to seem like twins separated by geography...).  She has gone from a quiet somewhat lanky girl with scraggly hair to being full of 15 year old teenage girl personality and energy, and has really transformed into a beautiful and healthy young lady.  I have noticed that she has been warming up more in recent weeks as well, and loves to be chased around the house and goof around.

I love these kids :)