MOMMY'S DAY WEEKEND

Mommy's Day weekend 2010 was such a great weekend. We went to the beach for the weekend with Joe's mom & dad and we all had a relaxing fun time. We headed to Clearwater and enjoyed Indian Rocks Beach, some place we have never been. For dinner we went to Quaker Steak and Lube, and it was the best wing place I have ever been to. Such a great kid friendly restaurant with the best wings, . . .did I say that already. Dang, they had such good wings! We will definitely go back because it is the only one in Florida. Most of their restaurants are in PA and Ohio. Saturday was such a beautiful day for the beach, as you can see by the pixs. The kids had fun with their boogie boards and just playing in the sand. When we got home on Sunday we enjoyed a nice relaxing day and the bestest MOM brownies I ever had. Thanks to Nana & Papa, my wonderful husband and my great kids for such a great weekend.

Mommy brownies

Mommy's favorite kiss

Surfer girl!

Nick couldn't stay off his "cars" phone

Sissy, I will help you up!

Ok, Nick I will help you this time.

Chicken heads . . .

AWWW, so cute snuggle buddies.

Nana & Papa relaxing . . . ..

Mikey from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory . . .

Someone is ready for the beach .

Who is the star??

GIFTS FROM TAIWAN

Today, April 28th, we received a box from Nick's foster family in Taiwan. Before we even opened it we were very touched that they took the time to put it together and send it. Then when we opened it we couldn't get over the time and thoughtfulness that was put into this box. It had Aborigine items like vests, head dress and belts to keep Nick's culture alive. It had some of Nick's mementos like a couple of stuffed animals and a hat as well as a photo album of more pictures of Nick when he was a baby. Ohhh, he was such a cutie pie, and a chunky monkey. We love the box of goodies and so did Nick. He told stories behind allot of the items and it was so sweet to hear what he had to say about his foster family. What a bond they had! We are so blessed to have him and know that he was taken care of so well. Love and hugs to his Foster family!!

All the goodies

Nick and the goodies



Nick dressing in some of his costume! He so cute, anyway we get him!

NICK HAS HIS FIRST SURGERY

So, our little guy had to go in for his first surgery on Friday, March 19th, and what a little trooper he was. Because his teeth were not taken care of in Taiwan his mouth was a mess, according to his dentist. The dentist thought it would be best if we put him in the hospital to have all his teeth done at once instead of having multiple appointments and his pediatrician agreed. So, he went in at 8am and didn't get home until 2pm, doing well, but minus 5 teeth. The dentist could not save those five, 2 front teeth. But he looks so cute without his two front teeth. But let me tell you this kid is working it. Joe and I are trying to get him to eat good food, soft food of course, but everytime we try to give him applesauce or eggs or soup, his belly is too full. When you ask him what he wants it is chocolate ice cream that mommy bought for him. He has learned to work the system. You can't help falling in love with his new $3000 smile. We are so proud of him because he has not cried much at all having had gone through what he has. Natalie, on the other hand has had a rough weekend because she had her two front teeth built up and the nerves covered because her teeth were so weak. The poor thing does not like her new teeth because they feel funny. Hopefully, they will fall out sooner than later and Nick's will come in sooner than later. We are so very blessed with our babies.

Nick putting his own band on

Nick filling out his own paperwork. :)

After surgery

Heading home . . . .

NATALIE TAKES ICE SKATING LESSONS

This is what Nick was doing while the girls were skating.
Natalie & Rebekah and their new skating friend

Natalie started ice skating lessons yesterday at the RDV. For those of you who have not been to the RDV sports complex, it is amazing and so close to the house. So, for 8 weeks Natalie will be trying out the sport of ice skating. Who knows she could be the next Kristi Yamaguchi. :) So, her and her friend Rebekah are taking lessons at the same time but not with the same teacher. Both teachers were saying how well the two beauties did and that was no exaggeration. Yesterday was the only the second time that Natalie and Rebekah have been on ice skates and when it came time for free skate the two of them took off to skate around the rink by themselves. They both did their share of falling, but it was too cute. When they fell they just got right back up and skated some more. Before they did get on the ice the teachers taught them how to fall and get back up. They are both excited to go back again next week - good thing. :) Besides Marybeth and I have time to catch up while they are skating.

Doing great!

She learned how to get up and did looked too cute.

Natalie & Rebekah with Miss Lauren - Natalie's teacher

Notice the hands are out, just like she was taught

CHINA HOTEL - My Favorite

When we were in China getting our beautiful daughter, we stayed at this awesome hotel. I just found out this week that the hotel was imploded and is no more. It held alot of memories for us and our China group and I am sure many others because it was a hotel that many adoptive families stayed in while in China. I will remember the many hours walking Natalie around and around the hotel floor and the fun baby block parties we had with the other families and the beautiful park right outside the hotel driveway. We spent a week there before we moved onto
Guanghou to finalize the adoptions. Memories.

http://en.jxwmw.cn/system/2010/02/09/010185911.shtml

Chinese New Year Eve

Today was our Chinese Lessons and it was a great class for the kids. Since tomorrow is Chinese New Year, the year of the Tiger, the teacher did alot of fun lessons with the kids. She read a Chinese New Year book about the celebrations, they colored a Chinese dragon, they traced the words for a Good Luck Chinese Scroll, they ate Chinese snacks, they made hong se longe (red chinese dragons) and got red envelopes to take home. For us adults it was fun to watch the excitement of the Chinese people about this holiday. Miss Christina, the teacher, has such a great way to teach the kids chinese. I am even learning some, which I can hopefully pass on to our friends, the D'Aurias when they go to Taiwan.

XIN NIAN KUAI LE! (Happy New Year!)

Nicolas' dragon

Natalie's Dragon

Miss Christina giving Natalie her red envelope after she says xin nian kuai le

Miss Christina giving Nicolas his red envelope after he says xian nian kuai le

MONSTER TRUCK JAM

We went to the Monster Truck Jam last night, thanks to Joe's friend Tim. What a blast it was! The kids loved it, Natalie more so than Nick. She was dancing and making truck noises and everyone was getting a kick out of her. One of my favorite events was the Soccer mom demolition. Joey and I thought I would do great in that race. hehe! Because we had so much fun we want to make it a yearly event.. Go Grave Digger!!