North of the Border

The remainder of our stay with Aunt Barbara and Uncle Charlie was terrific. Barb watched the kids for a day while I had a pedicure, shopped, went to lunch and then a movie. Needless to say I enjoyed my day off and Barb Molly and Aidan did too. We packed the car on Friday morning and there were many long faces as we pulled out of the driveway. Everyone agreed that it was a great visit and we plan on doing it again soon. Daddy received many hugs and kisses when we got home.

We were home just long enough to do the laundry and pack the car for our next adventure. We left Sunday morning and headed to Welland Ontario to visit our dear friends the Petrachenkos. Our hosts were Mike and Monique and their two children-Savannah (15) and Maverick (12). The travels went well and took about 7 hours. We arrived around 4pm and headed straight for the pool. Molly and Aidan swam in the pool by themselves (with their vests on and several adults standing on the edge). This was a first (one of many for the trip as it turned out) for both. They even climbed in and out of the pool unassisted via the ladder. Daddy hopped in after a while but Molly and Aidan insisted on "doing it myself".

Other highlights of the trip included a birthday BBQ for Mike, golf for the guys and a trip to the zoo for the girls and kids. The rest of the time was spent eating, drinking and being very merry indeed. We stayed up into the wee hours almost every night and spent several of them around an outstanding camp fire. I must mention that Monique is an OUTSTANDING cook and I'm sure we've added more than a few pounds during our stay.

Molly and Aidan were very comfortable. They loved the swings and sand volleyball court in the back yard. They also took a shining the Savannah and Maverick. Molly started calling Maverick her "favorite kid" while Aidan called him Max. Both Savannah and Maverick were good to the kids. Molly and Aidan napped and slept at night well. They went to bed at 11pm two of the nights we were there (a first) and Aidan napped in his stroller at the zoo (another first). Both kids ate well and we discovered that they both like cashews and pistachios.

After a whirlwind tour that when by in a flash we loaded up the car and headed home yesterday. We had a great trip. It was wonderful to spend time with our friends whom we consider family. We already look forward to our next visit.

On the Road Again

After breakfast on Sunday, Mommy, Molly and Aidan piled into the van for a road trip to Virgina and a visit with Aunt Barbara and Uncle Charlie. It was smooth sailing except for the automatic toilet that flushed while Aidan was doing his business and literally scared the poop out of him. Poor boy! The kiddies were whisked out of the car upon arrival and I was practically left standing on curb after a brief hug and kiss. You know how it is when you have kids. Molly and Aidan explored the house and got acquainted with the two HUGE resident dogs, Dakota (yellow lab) and Simba (Akita/chow mix). Aidan made quick friends with them while Molly kept her distance. Aunt Barbara supervised a Play-Doh session while Uncle Charlie and Mommy enjoyed a few cold ones on the deck. Molly and Aidan knew they were going to like it here when Uncle Charlie bought them a cone from the ice cream truck shortly before dinner. The treat didn't ruin their appetites and the feasted heartily on steak, mashed potatoes and corn on the cob. We played outside after dinner and Molly and Aidan went to bed around 9pm with hardly a peep.

We spent Monday at the pool and had a great time. Aidan is now comfortable swimming unassisted (with his vest on) in the big pool. Molly continues to be a water baby and gets more confident every time she swims. Both kids crashed after we got home and we had to wake them up from their nap. Aunt Barbara has DVR and recorded several episodes of the Backyardigans. Molly and Aidan watched one on the 42" flat screen while drinking a juice box in Aunt Barbara and Uncle Charlie's bed. It doesn't get much better than that! It was off to the Lego store when Uncle Charlie got home. Aidan has been talking about going for more than a month and his face was priceless as he perused the selection. He selected Gordon and carried the box around until we got home. We also visited another toy store where Molly selected some princess gear and a toy princess camera. We had dinner out, came home and played with the new toys and had a bath. Lights out at 9:30pm with very little protesting. Aidan brought Gordon to bed with him and we heard him playing for a while. Molly sacked right out. Another great day.

I should also mention that I have been receiving my usual royal treatment. Barb has been getting the kids up, getting my coffee ready and preparing all of the meals. Sweet!

Gotcha Day Anniversary

On August 8, 2005 we walked through the gates of the Delphin baby home in Kostanai, Kazakhstan with Molly and Aidan strapped to our chests in their Snugglies ready to begin our new lives together as a family. Bob, Beth and Nicholas were by our sides. We were fortunate to have run into an other adoptive family who was able to record the unforgettable moment for us. That was the day our real journey began and it has been one amazing ride. Our overwhelming love for Molly and Aidan grows and grows. We still look at their sweet little faces and cannot believe how blessed we are.

In celebration of the occasion, Beth, Nicholas, Molly, Aidan and I spent the day together. The kids enjoyed a day of playing and swimming at our house and got along famously with only a few minor poking incidents. Aidan referred to Nicholas as "that other guy" and his buddy. Molly called Nicholas her brother. Pat and Bob joined us after work for Chinese. We watched the video of our last few days in Kostanai which included the memorable moment I wrote about above. It was a GREAT day. Our family grew in Kostanai not to 4 but to 7 as we've also added Bob, Beth and Nicholas. More blessings. We are truly thankful.

What's Going On?

I haven't been in the mood to write so I thought I'd post of few pictures instead.