Melinda's Best Birthday... EVER

Happy Birthday to Me! Happy Birthday to Me!

Matt and the kids always go all out to make my birthday special, and this year was no exception. I was showered with thoughtful gifts and homemade cards. The girls even made coupon books. Adelaide's was filled with coupons for hugs, kisses and cleaning chores. Eleanor's coupons included "Spiderman" and some pictures of robot guys. I can't wait to cash those in to see what they get me.

The girls chose the theme - Halloween and Pokemon. Awesome. Adelaide even made pretend poke-balls for the table.

Can we all take a moment to admire Matt's

Pokemon cupcake skills? Oooo... ahhh...

1 candle... because they couldn't fit 33 on there.

Steven enjoyed singing "Happy Birthday" to mom all day, until it was actually time to sing "Happy Birthday." Then he couldn't understand why, instead of being allowed to eat a cupcake, he was being asked to sing while we lit one of the aforementioned cupcakes on fire. What the?! It was the poutiest rendition of "Happy Birthday" you ever did hear. 

It was a wonderful birthday, but the best present came from our adoption agency, CCAI. They called to let us know we've been cleared to travel on 9/14. That's right, one week from now! 

We knew there was a small chance we'd travel next week, but we'd pretty much given up on that, since they typically give you a 2-3 week travel warning, and we were out of that window. We were right on track for the October 5 group. But, the stars aligned and paperwork for stamped and we squeaked into the earlier date! 

We have a lot to plan in one week, plane tickets and more! But, wow! Finally, we're off to get Jefferson! Nothing could have made my day any better.