Welcome to the U.S.A ~ ONE year ago TODAY!

Exactly ONE year ago TODAY we arrived home from Guatemala with our youngest Princess!

June 7, 2007

Louisa Faith Anay Melvin

"Lyza"

Lyza waiting at The Grand Tikal on our shuttle to take us to the Guatemala City Airport!

OK...come on already...let's get out of here!

Lyza fell asleep right away in my arms upon take off! I looked back over the city from the air and cried my eyes out. What a bittersweet moment......excited to get her home and show her to her new family and home, yet sad to take her away from the only life she had ever known...and her wonderful foster family.

Lyza sat like a "Big Girl" for most of the flight from Guatemala City to Atlanta, Georgia. This one toy kept her entertained for nearly 1.5 hrs!! She was SOOO good!

We have landed in Evansville, Indiana! We went through customs in Atlanta, Georgia and changed her into her "U.S.A. Princess" outfit!

Welcome Home Lyza...Mommy and Papa!!! We were greeted by a WHOLE LOT of family and friends eager to welcome us home.......but mainly to welcome Lyza home! We arrived home late, around 10:45 pm! Sissy was the first to get to hold her.....here you can see she is tickled pink to see her big sissy again!! And big sissy is just as happy to show her off finally!

"I am so glad I am home in Sissy's arms!"

"And they had all kinds of cool toys waiting for me!"

My first night at home in my new bed......ahhhh, sweet dreams little one!

There were so many welcome home posters and banners for Lyza. I kept all of them....but this one was "specially" made for her by Madisyn. What a treasure!

Thank you to everyone for your love and support.....both THEN and NOW! What a ride this has been....and what a joy it is to wake up every morning to the two most beautiful spirited kiddos in the world!

xoxoooxxo

Mama' Misty