This afternoon Abriha and I went out to get the mail and sure enough she and Axum each had an envelope addressed to them.  The envelopes were from the Department of Homeland Security.  Abriha helped me open them.  Inside we found their official certificates of citizenship.  Yes, they are U.S. Citizens!  Abriha was extremely excited and kept saying “YEA!!!” for the next hour or so.  She was also excited to show Axum his certificate.

Congratulations kids, it truly is a blessing to be a US citizen!

Melkam Gena!  (Merry Christmas!)  Today we celebrate Ethiopian Christmas.  Nate and I got exactly what we wanted – our sweet kids.

Abriha Zayla Blair

Axum Tariku Blair

We wish each of you Melkam Gena too!

This morning Abriha and I had a jewelry making party.  She must have made jewelry before because she was very excited and knew exactly what to do.  She made numerous bracelets, necklaces, and head jewelry.  She was really focused and did not want to stop until she used the very last bead (about two hours later).

We were listening to itunes in the background and Bust a Move came on.  Abriha immediately jumped up and started getting down!  We haven’t played that song for her before but apparently she liked the beat.  She has her own style.  Check it out:

These last few months we have been overwhelmed with gratitude for our family and friends who have been so generous.  As many of you know our sisters did a puzzle fundraiser for us in an effort to help with costs associated with the adoption.  We were amazed and humbled by the generosity of the people around us.  We were pleased to receive $7,730 towards the adoption.  Thank you for your contributions towards bringing Abriha and Axum home.  We love you and will forever be grateful.

We posted this picture of our first trip but we had to cover the kids’ faces.  This was the day we passed court and officially became a family of four.