GOTCHA DAY 2011!

This past Wednesday, October 5th, we celebrated Reid's GOTCHA DAY!

It's hard to believe that this was already his THIRD Gotcha Day celebration! For those not involved with adoption, "Gotcha Day" is a term that a lot of families use when describing the court finalization date that forever (legally) joins their child with their family. This court hearing seals their records, allows you to legally change their birth name if you choose, have a new birth certificate issued, final adoption decree signed, etc... To say it's a huge day in our family would be a massive understatement!

Reid's GOTCHA DAY was October 5th, 2009 - you can read all about it and see more pictures HERE. In 2009, Ben and I and both of our families also threw a massive celebration party with over 80 of our closest friends and family who so faithfully supported and prayed for us throughout our entire adoption process. It was such a special day! You can see pictures from the original Gotcha Day party HERE.

Ben and I decided that Reid only needed one birthday party per year (he might protest this later.. haha!), so each year on October 5th we spend the day together as a family and let Reid pick anything he wants to do. It's really becoming such a special tradition!

This year, Reid decided he wanted to spend the day at the Little Rock Zoo - his favorite spot! Here he is (with his puppy, Scout) on our way to breakfast at Chic-Fil-A... then off to the zoo!

Our family - love these two with all my heart!

The Penguins

Me and the little man =)

Reid loves the Giraffes...

And the zebras... Daddy was helping him to see better

B and I

This tortoise was the highlight of his day... it begged to be petted like a dog, and Reider LOVED it! Of course!

I really need to get better about taking more pictures, but that is all I have (we miss our personal photographer, Aunt NeeNee!). The three of us had such a wonderful day and capped it off with burgers, fries, and milk shakes at The Purple Cow (again, Reid's pick)!

Michael Reid - Mommy and Daddy love you more than you will ever know! You are the miracle that completed our family and we are so thankful for you each and every day. Looking forward to many, many more Gotcha Day celebrations!