JULY 4, 2010

Here are some fun pictures from the 4th of July. It was Nick's first so we wanted to do it up. We had a nice relaxing day Joe's brother's house. It rained all day, but it didn't dampen the atmosphere at all. Thanks, Ken & Jen for hosting.

FINAL HOMESTUDY

Nicolas & Lori

As we complete our final homestudy for Nicolas, our friends are preparing to go to Taiwan to experience the same adventure we did one year ago. They are leaving on 7/10 and their Gotcha Day will also be 7/14. We can't wait to celebrate it together next year. So, safe travels MaryBeth & Steve. Can't wait to see the pictures!

On June 26th, we had our final homestudy meeting with our social worker Lori. She is always fun to talk to and so easy to be around. The kids also like her because she is such a people person. The update went well and we are glad to be done. And we are looking forward to our 1st Gotcha Day with Nick. Can you believe we have had him almost a year? Things have truly changed around our house. The biggest change, which we love, is they get along so well . . . . . okay when they want to.

CHINESE CLASS IS OVER FOR THE YEAR

Saturday was the last day of Chinese classes for this year. And we were very lucky to have joined the school this year because this celebration not only included the end of the year celebration with the classes doing their own thing, but it was also the celebration of the school being around for 30 years. Can you believe that? Such an awesome accomplishment. Some of the students have been there for 15 years. I have met some amazing parents through this school also because these parents either want their adopted children to stay close to their culture or they want their children to keep their culture. Looking forward to next year because the kids will be one year older and can participate in the cultural programs like folk dancing or yo-yo.

Natalie's class singing the colors song in Chinese
Nicolas' class singing a duck song. Cute!

Natalie and her class with Lasher - Miss Christina

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