Our Mini Vacation to New Hampshire

Last week Colby and I went to New Hampshire. Mike had to work so this was the first time Colby went somewhere with ust one of us. We went for just a few days. My parents also went and they took two of my nephews, Keith (age5) and Alex (age 9). My mom and I brought the three boys to StoryLand one day and then the next day the boys stayed in the lake swimming and fishing with my dad. They actually caught a few little fish and 1 really big one! The trip was a nice reprieve from all of the packing. Speaking of which, we have a tentative closing on both houses on Aug 3rd. I can't wait. Living in this maze of boxes is driving me crazy! Plus the uncertainty of the move has really caused some acting out on Colby's part. So much is changing and he is taking it all in stride for the most part. But, I think he is nervous about it. Right now we live right up the road from Mike's parents and his mom watched Colby most days after school. I think they will both miss that time together a lot. We will definitely have to come visit both sets of grandparents a lot. And they can visit anytime too. We'll have a nice big backyard for cookouts in the summer and just relaxing. We're already thinking about a September party. Anyone want to come???

Just a few NH pics:

Fun Summer Photos and an Update

It's been a busy and HOT summer so far. Colby and I have gone to the park, swimming, and the movies. We went to see Madagascar 3 and Colby hasn't stopped singing Polka Dot Circus and Move It since! All while we are packing up and getting ready to move to our new house. I can't believe we actually are moving! Things are going well, we are told, and the closing on both houses should be the end of this month. So here I sit surrounded by boxes, newspaper, and bubble wrap. UGH!

For our fun family day to celebrate "America's birthday" as Colby refers to the 4th of July, Mike, Colby, and I went to Mystic Aquarium. We had taken him there for his 3rd birthday but hadn't gone since. He loved the beluga whales and penguins. But I think his favorite was the sting ray tank. Colby and I even fed the sting rays!

And now on Sunday Colby and I will be taking a few days to go to New Hampshire, Lake Winnipasaukee. My family has a house on the lake there. My mom and dad are going too and they are taking 2 of my nephews, Alex (age 9) and Keith (age 5). My mom wants to bring the boys to StoryLand. We brought Colby there last year too. Mike has to work though so just Colby and I will be going. Probably from Sun to Wed. It will be the first time we are separated as a family. Colby has had sleepovers for a night but it's never been him with just one of us. I'm a little nervous how he will react but I think having his cousins there will help.

And in other news: not only am I moving to a new house, I was just informed that the superintendent has moved my teaching position to a different school. So now I need to pack up my office and set up in a new school. Not really happy about it. I really enjoyed my other school and the people I worked with. I don't like change and moving to a new house is enough change for me. But, we'll see what happens I guess.

So, here are some great photos from our summer so far.

4 Years Ago

4 years ago today Mike and I made our way from Yekaterinburg to Kamensk, a 2 hour drive during which our coordinator was stopped by the police. We met the most adorable little boy, complete with a curl in the middle of his forhead. That day would change our lives forever. The moment I knew there was such a thing as true love at first sight. Gotcha Day wouldn't be for more than 7 months later and we would finally be home as a complete family on 2/21/09 but 6/24/08 would be the day we saw our son for the first time.

Where Did May Go? A Really Big Update

Ok. I just noticed looking at this today that I never posted in May. How did that happen? I can't believe a whole month went by and not one single post. That has never happened before. Ok, so a pretty long update on what has been going on.

The end of the school year is fast approaching. I have been busy at work with end of the year testing mandated by the state, as well as final paperwork and meetings. I can't believe Colby will be done with PreSchool and on to Kindergarten! Where has my baby gone! Oh right, he now stands 44 inches and has lost a baby tooth already. And he is READING!!! And not just baby books either. I am so proud of all his hard work this year. Colby was even chosen as the Student "Wolf" of the Month for his class in April. So cool!

We have celebrated Colby's 5th birthday, Mother's Day, and my ?? birthday. We went to the CT Science Center for Mother's Day. Grandma Donna and Grandpa Tom brought us all to the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) for Colby's birthday. Colby was so excited and he enjoyed his Johnny Rocket's milkshake and special birthday song sung by the waitresses! We also celebrated Memorial Day with 3 picnics, and my cousin Chelsie's college graduation. In the next few months we will celebrate my nephew Keith's 5th birthday, my niece Lizzie's 3rd birthday, and my cousin Stacy's wedding. A busy but exciting time!

AND, after much nagging on my part, oh at least a few months worth, I was able to convince Mike that it was the right time to find a new house. The housing market isn't great if you sell, which we are, but to buy it is a bargain. So in May we were looking at new houses and trying to sell ours. It worked! This past week we found a buyer and we found the house that is right for us! It isn't too far from where we are now, but it is out of the city and the property is amazing. It borders a Fish and Game Preserve. 3 bedrooms, a good sized kitchen/dining room, and 2 smaller living/family rooms. I'll also enjoy the extra bathroom. But the best feature is the yard and large deck. We hope to expand a little and I want a large front porch but we love it. The closings are in July. I'm not sure how we will close on our house here and the new one the same day but I guess it will all work out. Just another adventure for our family. Thankfully it is in July when I am not working at school. Anyone want to help pack and help us move???

Happy 5th Birthday!

Happy 5th Birthday Colby!

I can't believe just how big you have become.

But, you will always be "My Baby"!

 Our Russian cuties:  

Nicholas, Sean, Colby, Connor, Max, and Roman.

 Cousin Keith and the pinata.

 Sean and Cousin Lizzie enjoy the swings.

 Cake and presents.

 Colby, the next great Bull fighter!

                                                                            Getting ready for the PBR, Professional Bull Riders.

Growing Up

A comment that Laura left reminded me of something. Every Easter I have taken the same picture of Colby. His first Easter home in 2009 came just weeks after becoming a family. The Easter Bunny brought him a cute singing bunny complete with light up cheeks. I have taken a photo of Colby against the same wall in our kitchen holding that bunny. Boy has he changed. See for yourself!

Easter Hoppenings 2012

We had a wonderful holiday weekend with our family. It was nice to take the time Saturday with Mike's family and Sunday with my family to relax and enjoy ourselves. I still haven't had much time to download all the photos. We've been really busy lately. But here are just a few of our Easter Hoppenings! And look at what the "Easter Bunny" put up in front of our house!!!