Andrew Starts Kindergarten

The first day of kindergarten has finally arrived!!!! Andrew has been anxiously awaiting this day for months now. His preschool teacher said he was more than prepared to take on the challenge.
I am not sure what was more exciting for him; starting school or riding the bus. He hopped on, gave us the a thumbs up and off he went.

North Canton Kindergarten is still half day / everyday so Andrew was back home by 12 noon. His bright smile told all as he pulled up. He told us all about art class, playing with Claire at recess and the Kissing Hand book at storytime.

Third Grade

Sydney started third grade today! She was so pleased to be assigned to Mrs McDaniel's classroom. She has been teaching for 31 years and runs a pretty tight ship so Sydney should thrive in that structured environment.

What she was wearing was a big concern this year. She picked out this shirt with Grandma Franny and we found the cutest polka dot lunch bag.

When she returned home she was not overly chatty about her day (not unusual). We are just happy to get anything more than, "fine". She was excited to tell us about changing classrooms for science and social studies.

What an exciting day. We joined my mom this morning for a trip to the Akron Zoo. Sydney looked adorable all dressed up in her zookeeper outfit that aunt Leah gave her.

After a hearty lunch at Luigi's we headed over to the school to find out what teachers they had. Excitement was in the air as they raced to the doors and frantically searched for their names. Andrew got Mrs Steepleton for kindergarten. Sydney is in Mrs McDaniel's third grade class. Both were very happy, thankgoodness. :)

Korean Liberation Day

On August 15th South Korea commemorates its victory over Japan Day, which liberated Korea from Japanese rule. To celebrate the Korean American Association of Greater Cleveland hosts an annual picnic at the Brecksville Metroparks. This is a great opportunity to amerce Andrew is his culture as 300-500 Korean Americans from all over Cleveland attend.

The addition of entertainment was a nice touch this year. There were musicians, taekwondo demonstrations, bouncy houses, and karaoke. The raffle is our favorite; we won some hot pepper paste, half gallon of soy sauce and 40 pounds of rice!

I was thrilled to see the Lim's also in attendance. Matt and I escorted their daughter Joanna home from Korea in February. She was beautiful and brings so much joy to her new parents. :)

I want to extend a big thank you to the KAAGC for the warm welcome to all the adoptive families in attendance. And to our friends, the Choe / Lubin Families who spoiled my kids all day.

School Starting Soon

School supplies, haircuts, new shoes. We are getting ready to head back to school. Andrew is ecstatic and ready to jump on the bus at this very moment. For Sydney on the other hand, school does not come easy, compounded by separation anxiety makes her very apprehensive. In an effort to eleviate some of her tension we decided to throw a back to school bonfire for her & some of her friends.

Hall of Fame Game

A big thank you to the Wood Family for the tickets to this years Hall of Fame Game. For Andrew and I it was our first NFL game. The weather was hot and we were very thankful to be on the shaded side of the stadium.


Sydney spent quite sometime searching the field for Chad Ochocinco from Dancing with the Stars. Andrew had Claire! :) Both were ready to leave once the snacks ran out.

Backyard Camp Out

Bonfires & smores with the neighbors has become beloved weekend tradition. Last night we decided to expand the idea and erected four campsites spanning across the yards and had a camp out. The kids had a blast pitching tents and piling in all the sleeping bags, air mattresses and flashlights.

Lavelle Family

The Lavelle side of the family ascended upon our home this weekend. Matt's sisters, boyfriend Bill and beagle Ry from Chicago arrived for opening night of "Jake's Dilemma". A play written by Matt's Dad, Greg that was produced and performed by the Dover Players in North Olmsted.

Jake’s Dilemma is a fantastic little comedy that takes place in a 50’s style diner in Arizona near “Area 51”, known for its alien sightings. A paranoid old man, Jake (played by Greg Lavelle), the owner of the diner, holds hostage a young couple who he believes to be from outer space.

The weekend festivities continued with a BBQ, Hall of Fame Balloon Festival and bonfire!!!