Goodbye Mackin Journey Blog!

Hello blog readers.  After much thought and consideration, I've decided to end the Mackin Journey blog.  I almost did it last year around this time, but kept on writing because I knew we had some dedicated followers.

Although the blog started with an adoption journey.. it's turned into our life story.  There are several reasons I'm ending the blog.  First and foremost for security purposes.  There are a lot of people that have our blog that are strangers to us.  Secondly, I don't think it's fair for me to share all the details of Porter's life with people we don't know.  Some day his life journey will be his to tell.

So, goodbye to supporters.. I wish you well!

Christmas Day... 2011

Presents from Santa

Carter-Grace with her new ball

First time we've used our formal dining room since we moved into our house over 4 years ago.

Yum... all our appetizers.. forgot to take pics of our annual steak and lobster Christmas dinner!

He totally gets presents.

I fell in love with Bieber when I heard his song "Under the Mistletoe".. but I still wish he would pull up his pants!

It says.. Mackin Brewing Co.. fun stuff.

Seriously.. if ya had any idea how many times I've already picked up the pieces of this.....

"The Boy" Getting Love.

The Boy.. and his new chair.

Setting up the new train set.

Playing with the new train set.

My number one favorite thing about the holiday's.  Receiving holiday cards from my friends.  The holiday's have never been some heart warming time for me.. but when I see all the faces of the people in these cards that are a part of my life.. it makes me feel good. 

 I also love eggnog.. and the first time I see it in the grocery store always makes me feel happy. 

Christmas Eve Open House

So, our Christmas Eve open house has sort of evolved over the last couple of years.  Since most of our family lives out of town.. we normally are home for Christmas Eve and don't really have anything going on.  This will be the 3rd year we've said.. just come on over.  

So here we are on Christmas Eve.. making food.. and wondering.. will anyone actually come over.  We have no idea who's coming.. or if anyone will come at all.  As it turns out.. we had a bunch of neighbors and friends stop by.  It was a great night!!

(one small comment before I post pics.. we put out our pirate flag which means.. come on over.  I'd like to say that we've put out the pirate glad a lot.. but honestly.. it's only been a couple times)  The neighbors that we have are the ones I've dreamed of for years.. ones where you are friends.. and know their phone numbers and email addresses.  We're no in any one's business.. but we care about each other.  It's definitely a place to call home.)

Paul & Lottie

They brought this yummy spread.. MMMM!

Don & Vicki (you'd think they are going to a duck game)

Brian & Colleenie

Porter with Jorie (Colleen & Brian's daughter, I always say he's got a soft spot for the blonde's)

You can't really see it.. but I made the naughty list.. and I wouldn't want it any other way!

It really was a great evening.. tortilla soup, a few appetizers.. and great friends.

Last Of The Paperwork

Although Chris and I don't travel outside of the country that often... we thought it was important to get Porter's Passport.  It's the final piece of paperwork and document that we wanted to get. It's a relief to have everything behind us.

I had to give them Porter's Certificate of Citizenship (yes, the original) for them to process the paperwork.  It was a little unnerving since it took so long for us to get it.  The passport came on Friday, and the COC came the following day.. It only took about 4-6 weeks for processing, so that's a pretty good turn around.

Now if only we had a trip to Mexico planned... a girl can dream!