It's All About YOU!

One of the things we've always liked to do as parents is to spend time with each of our kids one on one.  We have found, that as much as we enjoy our family time together, there is definitely a specialness to spending individual time with them.  It's been a practice of ours that has allowed us to deepend those relationships, and to really get to know each of our five precious kids. 

Initially we didn't dive right into this with Kayleigh and Michael.  Being new to our family our three existing (domestics as I call them... :) were the anchor and security blankets for our two new (imports.....) and that family as a whole dynamic was so much better for helping them grow into our family.  I think it helped them not feel like they stood out, which made them uncomfortable, but rather allowed them to blend in while they figured out which end was up.

We've been doing the one on one time with them for some months now though and it really is a special time.  Last night I took Kayleigh out for a dinner date after she finished dance class (Michael was out with Jodi as well...).  We had such an amazing time.  We have such a playful fun relationship.  I love watching her at dance class, and when she sees me through the window she can't help but burst into a big beautiful smile (she will usually try to play like she's not noticing....).  Once we're in the car our somewhat complicated game of car tag begins at some point (there's not a lot of room to avoid being tagged in the car....) and we joke and laugh a lot.

Last night we hit the new Applebee's here in our hometown of Kyle and just had a great time hanging out, giving her lots of hugs, eating dinner (the ribs were actually pretty good....), and watching some XGames BMX event on TV (that one guy bit it pretty hard....).  Afterwards a trip for frozen yogurt (we both love junk food....) and home to chill out. 

This morning I find out in talking with Alyssa that I think she got a very happy report (just about verbatim it sounds.....) about our date.  While Kayleigh will still play it closer to the vest past a certain level, we know that the attention and love we give her is making a huge impact.  It is so exciting to know that her life is totally different than it would have been, and that we get to play a part in that.

AND, just to set the record straight, SHE started the game of car tag Friday, not me..... ;)