Wow - has it really been 4 months???

Looking at my last post, I was amazed that it had really been 4 months. And on top of it I left it on such a "sour" note. Not like me, but the summer has definitely taken over. So, a little update is in order.
We have had two big trips this summer. We took an Amtrak to see my sister. Thought it was better than 11 hours in a car! Only to have been delayed on our first train, which caused us to miss our connecting in Chicago. Which in turn caused us to be put on a shuttle bus for 5+ hours in 90+ degree weather. It was NOT a pleasant adventure with a 5 and 2 year old. But we did have a lot of fun once we arrived - water balloon fights, a trip to the Henry Ford Museum and the Toledo Zoo - - which was awesome! There's just something special about seeing Ahly and Dreyden with their cousins who are 4 and 1 1/2. The trip home was mush more pleasant - - they both loved the train! I am hoping Dreyden remembers it. Even now, almost 6 weeks later he loves playing choo-choo train :)
Then not even a week after returned we did our big camping adventure. Both kids did try tubing... I was a little concerned about Dreyden, but we took it nice and slow. He got off with the biggest grin I've ever seen on him! Ahly went a couple of times and did have one "wipe-out". But came through like a trooper. (they all went with an adult - is case anyone is concerned). The most unfortunate part of the vacation and the glorious weather, was the fact that we were more than double our average for rainfall this summer and the mosquitoes loved it. They also loved my beautiful children! I have never seem them as bad as we had them his summer. Pretty much had to stay covered head to toe once evening came. The biggest surprise was being able to see an albino deer in the wild. I have pictures, but they are on my phone - which I still haven't figured out how to download.
Now we are pretty much "soccer" parents. Yes, Ahlyana wanted to play soccer this year. She is lovingnow. We had the little talk of "if you say you are going to play, you have to. People are counting on you" She gets very shy around larger groups, so she tried her hardest to say she didn't want to play the day of her first practice. Now it's 2 days week of soccer games - followed by a standing trip to the ice cream shop!
Dreyden has transitioned to his big boy bed. We have had it there for three nights and for 3 nights he has slept in it without a problem. Doesn't even attempt to get out - which I find strange, but loving it! Potty training - comes and goes. We have to do the big push soon, just haven't had 3 consecutive days to do it.
And the big news - - - my little girl is going to Kindergarten!!!! How is this possible, seems like just yesterday we were bringing her home. Again she is very cautious about going, but knows it will be fine. She loved 4K so I'm sure it will be fine. Mom may be another story.. This weekend I am hoping to start a tradition with her. We are leaving on Sunday, going to closer/bigger town and staying at a hotel over night. We'll do some swimming and go out for dinner. Then on Monday we'll do all our school shopping and head home. Sounds like good Mother/daughter time to me :) - - - I am really excited for this.

Well I think that's it. I, of course, have pictures from the summer and hope to get those posted this weekend. Stay tuned................

Just plain insensitive

Ok, I have to post this here or I will continue to "stew" over it! I know my adoptive Mommies will understand this.
We recently had Ahly's 5 year check. While in the room with the Dr, we were discussing her small stature. Mind you Ahly is on my lap I am facing the Dr, maybe 3 feet away. And out of the blue he says "I suppose we don't know the stature of her Mom"........ I froze, afraid of what Ahly was going to ask, and what could I prepare to respond.. Luckily, she was to busy to hear (eating no less). But I couldn't believe it. Is he really that naive that he couldn't even had said Biological Mom or even something like "I suppose we don't know much about her past history"..... But no he used the MOM card right in front of Ahly!!!! I am so thankful she was preoccupied. God was definitely watching over us that afternoon. Sigh......
This joyous time was then followed up by 3 immunizations and a blood drawing. My poor girl had had enough, and so had her MOM!

Seems like forever since a post.

Well since pictures have been far and few between, I decided to unload them and get some posted. To my dismay, our camera is on the outs - most pictures are blurry so we only have a few. This is including D's birthday, A's Forever Family day and the kids birthday party - - - I am just sick.













D's Birthday and his cupcakes. (He's all about that candle)
















Birthday party, and Mom's attempt at a race car. (that started out as Thomas the Train - oh well)















Again the birthday party and her Barbie Doll cake. Combined birthdays are great, but what was I thinking by trying to make 2 cakes!















A's choice for her birthday outfit! I was so glad she wanted to wear this.
Thanks to my co-workers daughter, we have quite a few to choose from and grow into.
I think she has a really long torso - don't you? ;)













And you know - The Fam.











This tricycle was his favorite! It was in a bag and he did that cute triple take - looked in - all wide-eyed, looked again - big smile - looked again - jumping up and down. Not even sure he knew what it really was until it was out of the bag.

4 years as a forever family!!!!

I cannot believe that today is 4 years since we first held our daughter! (almost to the hour) The time has gone so fast, it really does seem like yesterday. (except that there is another forever family day in-between there) The car ride to the orphanage, that felt like it took forever, the walk up the stairs to see Anju, finish some paperwork and FINALLY meet our daughter. The thoughts are still so clear in my mind. Were we going to notice her right away, could we get a glimpse of her, what would her reaction be, crying, smiling, maybe sleeping......
Just typing this brings back such strong emotions, that feeling of having her put in my arms for the first time and cuddled right in was the BEST feeling I had ever had. Everything in that moment had disappeared. The wanting to be a Mom finally fulfilled. It really was a peaceful moment.
Now I think, where did my baby go, so independent, so grown-up! Snuggles are a nightly occurrence - which I'm glad hasn't gone by the way-side yet! The words "you're the best Mommy ever" are ever so endearing.
Happy Forever Family Day to the Conners too! Who were there to share that very special moment with us and their son Ian. You will forever be part of this special memory!

Happy Birthday Little Man!

I can't believe my boy is '2'. What a day we are going to have. Which I'm sure will include sugar, sugar and more sugar :) But that's OK, it's a big day! I'll try and post pictures soon. (just like I still need to do for Christmas) All morning it's been "happy bertday, happy bertday" as he bounces and skips around the house. It is sooo cute.

Happy Birthday Little Man, We LOVE YOU!