Our son, Noah Antonio, is twenty moths old, and though our adoption was complete a year and a half ago, we still can't stop talking about what a great experience it was, and how we can't wait to get Noah a baby sister quite soon! Everything went so smoothly, thanks to everyone there. Traveling to Guatemala was an extremely enjoyable trip and really a vacation.

Noah has been such a great baby and is turning into a really sweet little boy. He fills our hearts with a ton of joy. He is learning to talk very well, except trying to say "Guatemala" is kind of a challenge!

Since returning from Guatemala, one of the most gratifying things we have done is meet other families that share our experiences. So far, Noah has quite a collection of Guatemalan buddies.

At the 1995 EAC Picnic we met many people and had a great time. We have also met several local Guatemalans. When we met our little Noah for the first time in the hospitality suite, the next baby that came in was Ava Carlson.

We spent time together in Guatemala City, and became re-acquainted at the Cleveland EAC Picnic. We had so much fun that we went to Minnesota to visit the Carlson's in September. Then in October, we all met in Chicago for another fun weekend. In January, we all went to Mexico for an awesome week of sun and fun! Through all of these activities, Ava and Noah have become buddies, but--best of all--the six of us have become very close and consider the Carlson's our best friends.

It is truly amazing how much our families have in common and will always share, thanks to our having met our children in the same room within minutes of each other in a foreign country.

To EAC and all of the wonderful staff in Guatemala: you do an amazing job. We are eternally grateful to you for helping us adopt our son, but we are also grateful to you for introducing us to our wonderful friends.