Eighteen years ago, on February 14, 2008, a judge signed the papers and the four of you officially became ours. Every year since, Valentine’s Day has been our family’s anniversary.

This year we celebrated it over Presidents’ Day weekend with a few days in the snow at Government Camp at Mount Hood — Mommy and me, Xander, Liem and Travis, Abia, and of course Cachito. Here’s how it went.

Monday, February 16

We got to the cabin the night before, and Monday morning was exactly what a snow day should be: a fire going, bagels on the counter, and a Forever Family banner strung across the loft. Abia joined in on a few games with the boys while the snow kept piling up on the truck outside. After lunch we bundled up and went out to play in it, and that night we had dinner at the Glacier Public House in town.

Tuesday, February 17

Ski day. We rode the lift up together, and everybody found their own pace on the way down.

Wednesday, February 18

Round two on the mountain for Xander, Liem and me, then a quiet evening back at the cabin.

Thursday, February 19

Before we packed up we got everyone under the banner for the picture we take every year. Then it was the drive home, and dinner that night at home with Grandma Mary Ellen and Papa Jack.

Happy anniversary, Mommy, Markita, Xander, Liem and Travis ♥. Eighteen years in, and we would choose the four of you all over again.

— Daddy