Fudge Returns

After 2 weeks on the road my parents dog, Fudge returned today. Late this morning they received a call from the Stark County Dog Warden saying they had a dog similar in description to the one they were looking for. They referred Mom & Dad to Petfinder.com to identify him. There in cage #26 was Fudgie's mug shot(above).

Mom & Dad went down and posted his bail and is now sleeping soundly after a nice dinner. We MapQuested his pick up location and he wandered a little over 4 miles from their home.

Happy 2nd Birthday Andrew

The family came over for lunch today to celebrate Andrew's 2nd birthday!! With Sydney's birthday just around the corner both kids got lots of nice gifts. Andrew joined in the singing of Happy Birthday before blowing out his candles. He enjoyed it so much we had to keep relighting them. Later, we took them to Toys R Us and using the gift cards Grandpa Greg & Grandma Liz provided they each got to pick out their own toy. Sydney chose a veterinary kit & sidewalk chalk and Andrew went with a race track and Thomas Train Musical Caboose.

Andrew's Check Up

Andrew went to see Dr. Lonsdorf today for his 2 year check up. He is now 33 inches high and 25.5 pounds. That puts him in the 50th percentile despite all the food he eats. :) He have a lock on our pantry now to keep the kids from sneaking snacks.
He said his language skills appear to be at his age level too. Good news! I guess he has made up for the late start he got in English. :)

Reunited

Last weekend Andrew was reunited with his foster sister, Rachel. They shared the same foster mom in Korea. Rachel now lives in Stow only 20 minutes north of us. What a small world!

Andrew & Rachel in South Korea

Andrew & Rachel in Canton, Ohio

Going on an egg hunt

The kids went on an Easter egg hunt today at Rivertree. This being Andrew's first time it took him a little while to get the hang of it. Every time he found an egg he replaced it with an egg in his basket. Once I showed him there was candy inside the eggs his strategy changed. He is definitely food motivated. :)

Jungle Terry and all his animals were there too. Sydney placed herself front and center until the alligator & snakes came out then she dove for cover behind her friend.

Fudge

Last Friday night my mom let their dog, Fudge out and he never returned. He has taken overnight adventures before but never this long.

We contacted the pound & human society and found out all their residents are posted on Petfinder.com so we will continue to check it daily. Who knew, now days you can search for your dog from the convenience of your computer. :) Nevertheless, if you are in the Canton area please keep an eye out for Fudge. He is a 10 year old, slightly overweight, chocolate lab with a gray beard. He is also missing the bottom portion of his left ear.

After looking back at all these old photos, I just cannot figure out why he left! :)
>

Cleveland Zoo

We took the kids up to the Cleveland Zoo last weekend. Theres nothing like hauling 2 kids bundled up in winter coats, hats & gloves around in the 40 degree weather. But, we all had a good time. Thankfully, many of the animals are housed indoors in the winter so we got to warm up in between. Andrew loved the crocodile and Sydney like the giraffes.

Andrew is really progressing with his verbal skills. I expected more of a delay since he never even heard English for the first year of his life. He is now 23 months old but, right on track saying mama, daddy, thank you, please, nemo, hotdog, fishy, choo choo, no and his favorite, MINE! We put the kids on the scale last night and Sydney is 33 pounds and Andrew is at 25. He is closing in quickly. That boy loves to eat!

Sydney is all registered for kindergarten. I can't beleive she is almost five. She is really looking forward to riding the school bus too. Thankfully, a few other girls from ballet will be on her bus so she will have someone to sit with. I'm sure she will thrive in school. She seems to catch on really quickly and is very social so making friends shouldn't be a problem. I was very pleased with what she has absorbed this year in preschool. She now recognizes & writes all her letters and is putting her name on the back of all her papers. She loves writing it so much its everywhere; in the shower steam, on the side of our dirty car.

Happy St Patrick's Day

Boca Raton

Matt & I had a fabulous time in Boca Raton. Chase really went all out to thank their top performers. We flew first class and spent 3 glorious nights at the Boca Raton Resort & Club. The first night they had a Moroccan themed welcome reception with tons of appetizers, music, activity tables, even a fortune teller. The next day Matt went golfing while I had a manicure & pedicure. That evening was a beach party complete with crab races, hair braiding and shell painting. Mixed between all of these events Matt had to attend meetings but I got to hang out by the pool and get a little sun. I almost didn't know what to do with myself. We have not traveled alone with out the kids, ever! I almost felt naked without a stroller, diaper bag and tons of extra luggage. On Saturday we joined the deep sea fishing excursion. I grew up fishing with my grandpa in the Florida Keys and was really looking forward to getting out on the ocean. Turns out, the only thing we did out there was look at the ocean. We didn't get a single bite. Although our group was highly motivated I cannot say the same for our boat crew. Thankfully, we had the awards dinner & dancing to put a good ending on the trip.

I have to send a huge THANK YOU out to my parents,Matt's dad & Liz. While we were basking in sunshine, my parents were in cold Ohio dealing with our vomiting children. Andrew & Sydney both came down with the 5 day stomach flu. What timing! I felt terrible! But, they we awesome. Spending their weekend, tending, comforting and washing bedding & clothes 24/7. I LOVE YOU GUYS! Another thank you goes out to Greg & Liz who came down on Saturday & Sunday and took Sydney off their hands. THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!

Weekend Without The Kids

Congratulations to Matthew!! He was selected for the 2007 Manager Incentive Trip. The top 10% of Chase Management earned an all expense paid trip to Boca Raton, Florida. And.... they are paying for the wives to come along too! This will be the first time both of us have left the kids for a long weekend. My parents will have them for 2 days and then Grandpa Greg & Grandma Liz will have them for the last two. Sydney is a bit apprehensive but I'm sure she will do just fine.

Happy Birthday To Me

Today I turned the big 30! It was much harder for my mom than me. I guess I don't think of it as old.??

Matt made the kids & I pancakes for breakfast. I got a nice watch & a new Mickey Mouse diamond necklace. Then we went shopping at Dillards. Matt was one of a handful of lucky Chase Bank employees to earn an all expense paid trip to the Boca Raton Resort and they are paying for the wives to come along too. They are having an awards dinner one evening so Matt took me shopping for a new cocktail dress. I think I tried on 2 dozen or so but found 2 that worked. So we bought them both! :) Then we had lunch at the food court. Not my first pick for a birthday meal but the kids love the Chinese food place in there and ate a ton of fried rice & Lo Mein noodles.

Later, Sydney & Matt went to play basketball while Andrew & I cleaned the house for playgroup tomorrow. He did a great job following me around the house with his lawnmower while I vacuumed.

The day ended on a sweet note when Sydney surprised me with a DQ ice cream cake. There was no doubt she picked it out, it was pink and decorated with Disney Princesses.

Family Weekend

What a busy weekend! On Tuesday we held a small memorial service for Grandma Lisic. Despite the terrible weather, the entire family was able to make it. Since almost everyone lives out of state we arranged a weekend full of events to keep everyone entertained. We visited the London’s Chocolate Factory, went ice skating, sledding & bowling. Sydney loved having Cousin Sydnee to play with.

Explaining Death

The subject of death was not a topic I was looking forward to discussing with my 4 year old. We sat her down and Matt explained how sometimes when people get very old and sick like great grandma was they go to live in heaven where they will not hurt anymore. She just sat there with a confused look on her face. I didn't want to use the "D" word but with that look of confusion it might be the only way she would clearly understand what we were saying. I said "Honey, Great Grandma died". She burst into tears. It was a terrible sight but there was also some sense of relief that she understood what we were trying to say. That was until she said "I don't want to get old" , "I don't want to live in heaven". Poor thing! She hasn't really developed a sense of time. She doesn't understand turning 5 years old is much different than turning 90. After trying to explain we decided to let things settle for a few days.

Today Sydney asked to go visit Mary (great grandma's roommate in the nursing home). I surprised but pleased, she understood that great grandma no longer lived there. I told her that she and Grandma Franny are going to bake cookies and take them to Mary very soon. She replied "Maybe we can mail some to Great Grandma". :) Trying to think quickly I said "I don't think we can". "Why" she asked. "Well, I don't think they have a post office in heaven". She was content with that answer, what a sweetheart!

Quick trip to Florida

Since Matt was heading to Vegas on business, I packed up the kids and headed to Florida for a few days. We only got as far as the Orlando Airport when Angie called telling us of Grandma Lisic's death. Grandma was 90 years old and recently fell and broke her hip & arm for the 2nd time. The doctors didn't feel she was strong enough for surgery so they put her on bedrest and ordered comfort care. She had her good days and bad but, only ate a few bites of food at each meal so we knew it was only a matter of time.
Since our family is spread across the US, Mom & her brothers decided to set up a service in early February so everyone could attend.
With Sydney being so close with great grandma I knew she would not take the news very well. Since Matt was not with us I decided to wait until we returned home to tell her. But, I am glad we were able to spend time with my mom during this difficult time.
During our stay we ventured over to Sea World Orlando where we met Grandma Pam. I miss having Sea World up here in Ohio. My mom always took us and I hoped do the same with Sydney. Oh Well!!! We all had a great time.

In Memory

In memory of Anne J. Lisic who passed away on January 24, 2007 at age 90. We love you grandma!

Sleeping

One of the few quiet moments!

Disney On Ice

Andrew had a fun afternoon with Grandpa Greg & Grandma Liz today while we took Sydney out for a special day. Disney on Ice, Princess Wishes! Needless to say she was very excited, wish I could say the same for Matt! But our seats made up for it. Right down on the ice!


The costumes & scenery were spectacular. But, the most memorable part of the evening was Sydney's "light bulb" moment. She was watching the Little Mermaid portion of the show when Flounder skates by. For those who don't know Flounder is a fish. In the show the skater is wearing a large cosutme in perfect likeness to the real Flounder except for the fact that his legs are sticking out the bottom to allow him to skate. I took a picture but you cannot see the legs too clearly. Anyway, Sydney looks at Flounder and turns to me and says "Flounder doesn't have legs!" Not sure what to say, I reply "he has to have legs to skate". Sydney says "you mean there's a people in there?". I felt sorry for her as a little of the magic faded away.

OSU

We all dressed up in our red & grey last night. A player on Matt's 30+ soccer league threw a big OSU Party! Matt would have won the best dressed award for his Jim Tressel costume. Too bad our excitiment was quickly dashed by the chomping Gators! R.I.P. Our beloved OSU Buckeyes!

Ring in the New Year

This year we rang in the New Year with our friends The Pester's & Eshler's. We had the kids take a long nap in the afternoon so they would be pleasant by midnight. The party started around 7:00 PM with lots of drinks & snacks. The kids kept busy with hide & go seek and wrestling with Kamrin. Sydney was thrilled to be invited out to the barn to feed the horses. She is a real farm girl at heart. Soon it was midnight and we all toasted with champane and a kiss. HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

Holiday Season

The tree is gone and the lights & ornaments are stashed away. Boy, the holiday passed just as quickly as it came.

We stayed at my parents house on Christmas Eve and had the traditional appetizer dinner. Around 7:00 AM Christmas morning Sydney scurried from bedroom to bedroom waking everyone. Then flew down the stairs with mommy on her heels trying to catch her initial reaction. Now days, I would say that has to be my favorite part of Christmas. She didn't fail to come up with a great reaction. "Holy The Smokes" she exclaimed "Nuts and Berries look at all those presents". Who knows where she learned those phrases but it was priceless none the less.

The kids are overwhelmed by all their new toys. Andrew finally has some "boy" toys to play with. I asked Sydney what her favorite gift was, she replied "all of them". How diplomatic of her! FYI Santa did follow through with the scooter and Genevieve doll she requested. Andrew is currently favoring the train table and pirate ship.

A Call From Santa

Matt called Sydney last night posing as Santa. She was timid at first but quickly got into the conversation. Santa asked what she wanted for Christmas; she replied with a Genevieve Doll, Scooter and a Hippopotamus (she loves that song "I want a Hippopotamus For Christmas"). With a big belly laugh Santa said he would see what he could do. Sydney mentioned seeing him at the mall, and reminded him she was sleeping at her grandma's house in Canton, Ohio so he should come there. After talking about what the reindeer like to eat, Santa had to go and wished her a Merry Christmas and she replied, and a Happy New Year?

First Gift of Christmas

Christmas is rapidly approaching and we are trying to finish up our shopping. Last Friday we celebrated with our playgroup friends. The kids had a gift exchange and Andrew received his very first Christmas present. As far as we know Andrew did not celebrate Christmas in Korea so we cherished this moment. He wasn't really sure what to do at first but Sydney was right there to help. It was a Little Tykes snowplow truck, thank you Wirick Family!

Officially Ours

Today was a big day for our family. Andrew's adoption was finalized, he was granted US Citizenship and got his name officially changed to Andrew David Min Lavelle!!!!! What a day!

Our appointed time was 1:30 PM, Nap Time! I was afraid Andrew was going to be either really crabby or sound asleep. But, to my surprise he pleasantly appeared, all dressed up in his tie in front of Magistrate Diana Stevenson of Summit County Probate Court. She verified our name spellings and date of births, then turned to Sydney to speak on behalf of our family. AHHHH! I had a feeling that was going to happen. She asked if Sydney liked being a big sister, did she she help mommy & daddy take care of him and if she wanted him to stay with us forever. Thank goodness she answered yes to all of the questions! Cuz, on the car ride there she told me she didn't want Andrew anymore because he hits. :) The magistrate then let us come behind the bench and Sydney got to stamp the offical court seal on Andrew's adoption papers. HOORAY!!! Andrew gave the magistrate five and blew her a kiss and we were done.

I saw this quiz online and found it very interesting. Its a portion of the US Citizen test. Andrew was too young to take it but I'm glad I didnt have to, because I failed. If your interested in trying your luck, here is the link.....

http://reference.aol.com/quizzes/citizenship

School Concert

Tonight was the Rivertree Preschool Christmas Concert. After last year's performance we wernt sure what we were going to see. I guess anything would be better than standing on stage with her hands down her pants again.

This year she marched out on the stage and to our delight she actually sang. And for icing on the cake, she did all the arm motions too! But, all good things must come to an end. At the end of the second song the girl in front of her had to go to the bathroom. Of course, when one goes they all have to go. Sydney and 6 other girls headed off to the bathroom for the remainder of the show.

Letter to Santa

Jackson Township has set up a mailbox for letters to the North Pole. So, Sydney and I sat down and wrote Santa a letter. Below is her dictation.......


Dear Santa,

My name is Sydney and I want you to come play with me. I’ve been good this year but, I did hit my brother, Mommy put me in time out.

I want you to send a pirate ship for my brother so he can sleep in it when he gets big.

I want a scooter, Barbie car, and Genevieve.


We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.



From,

Sydney Lavelle

First Visit With Santa

Andrew met Santa for the first time today. To my relief he had no fear. Although he was not able to tell Santa what he wanted for Christmas, Sydney happily told him she wanted a scooter. That was news to us, of the dozens of requests she had made that was the first time we heard about the scooter.

Disney Cruise Photo Slideshow

Thanks for your patience. Here is the photo slide show of our Disney Cruise. Make sure you turn up the volume on your computer first.

You may need to cut & paste this link....

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3025494879690857836&hl=en

Disney Cruise

WOW! What more can I say about the Disney Cruise Line. Working in the travel industry & this being my 10th cruise I had very high expectations, which they met and many ways exceeded.

As predicted the kids were totally surprised and thrilled. We woke them up around 5:00 am to leave for the airport so they were pretty groggy and didn't really question where we were going until we arrived in Orlando. Once we collected our baggage and headed for the Disney Cruise Line desk Sydney recognized the cruise line logo, looked at me and said "We're going on a Disney Cruise"!

As passengers boarded, the cruise staff introduced each family over the PA system. "The Disney Magic now welcomes aboard the Lavelle Family"!!!!! That was a nice warm welcome. The first night we dined in the Animator's Palate restaurant. The room is black and white and as the dinner progresses the room and character animations slowly gain color. Throughout the week we rotated between 3 dining rooms while our waiter and table mates remained the same. Compared to other cruise lines this was a nice change. Andrew & Sydney loved the buffet line especially for kids. Pizza, chicken nuggets and Mickey mac & cheese 24/7.

We are sending a shout out to Elena, Jose & Carla, our tablemates from Puerto Rico! Sydney & Carla became friends and had a great time digging in the sand together even though they didnt speak the same language.

One of our ports was Cozumel, Mexico where Sydney & I took the dolphin encounter excursion. We spent about 35 minutes in the water playing, kissing and dancing with a 9 year old bottle nose dolphin named Romulo. Sydney was very nervous & cried during most of our swim but finally warmed up to the sweet playful charm dolphins exude. She did give him a goodbye kiss and now says that was her favorite part of the trip.

Andrew had many favorites; riding the elevator, dancing with the characters, running on the track, flirting with the ladies,and saying "AAAARRRRRR" like a pirate to anyone within shouting distance.

The children's programs are much more extensive than others I have seen. DCL has dedicated an entire deck to children's programming; we had to force Sydney to come out of there. She enjoyed the pajama parties, character tea parties, story time, Mouseketeer training, dress up fun, water slide, beach digs, and pirate face painting, just to name a few. They also have a movie screen above the pool so everyone can enjoy all the classic Disney movies while swimming or having a snack.

Of course they had plenty of non Disney things for the adults too. Matt loved anything sports related. I enjoyed the dessert & cooking class, towel & napkins folding demonstration and reading a book on our balcony. AHHH!!! I wish I could go back.

This was the cleanest ship I have ever seen, at times their attention to sanitation was almost insane. As some of you know, cruise liners are sensitive to highly contagious gastrointestinal bug called Norwalk Virus. Not a pretty thing! And with a high ratio of children on board it can spread like wildfire. Therefor, Disney Cruise Line pulled out all the stops. The housekeeping staff kept the ship immaculate and crew members were stationed everywhere handing out antibacterial wipes. Every time we entered & exited the ship, kids club, restroom, and dining area someone was there. And, it works. As far as I know, no one fell ill on our sailing. :)

For the first time we enjoyed fireworks on board a cruise. After many years Disney obtained permission and became the first cruiseline to launch a small firework display during their Pirate Deck Party. Very cool!

We made two stops at Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. Where Andrew got to experience the ocean & sand for the very first time. He was not thrilled! :) But we had a great time anyway. The characters even joined us in their beachwear. This was our last port and I wish I would have had my video camera out on deck when we cast off. The island's full time staff stood at attention as the ships horn blared a final "When You Wish Upon a Star". Saluted, then dawned their Mickey gloves and waved us goodbye. It brought a tear to my eye. I am a sucker for attention to detail!

As you can tell, we had a great time! I cannot say enough about the cruise & it's crew. As always we are putting together a photo slide show and hope to have it posted soon. Here are a few pics in the mean time.

Surprise SHHH!!!!

A great travel agent rate passed over my desk last week. It was an opportunity to cruise aboard the Disney Magic, and we couldn't pass it up. We leave on Saturday for 7 nights in the Caribbean sun. Seeing it already snowed several times here, we could use the sunshine. Best part is... the kids have no idea, we decided to surprise them. Sydney asks us on a daily basis to take her back to Disney World. She still has no concept of distance or money, but I love her passion & spirit. She has told me countless times that she doesn't want to live in Ohio anymore, she wants to live at Disney World.

Even though we will not be visiting DisneyWorld this trip I think she will be just as happy. Ever since she could walk & talk she has been pulling the Disney Cruise Line brochures off my office shelves, so she is well aware of what it is. I cannot wait to see her face when she realizes where we are going. We have been packing in a spare bedroom so hopefully we can make it to the airport before her questioning begins.

Please, if we see any of you in the next few days..... SHHHHHH!!!! Don't spoil the surprise!

Trick or Treat

Tonight we took the kids trick or treating at Great Grandma's nursing home. All the residents sat in their doorways passing out candy to all the little ghosts & goblins. In our case a lady bug & shark.

Andrew had a shakey start but once he figured out to put the candy in the bucket rather than hold it all in his hands he did much better. By the end of the night he was taking the candy they handed him, then quickly reaching in their basket and grabbing a few more.

Disco Bowling

We had a blast "Disco Bowling" with the kids this weekend.

Cavs Game

Matt got season tickets to the Cleveland Cavaliers again this year. To kick off the season he & Sydney participated in the Benchwarmer Program. Before the game they got to sit on the Cavs bench and watch all of the players warm up. They even lined up for the pre game introductions of the team and high five'd all the Cavs players. Sydney also got an autograph and a picture with Scott Williams, Cavs TV announcer and former player. Her favorite part though was getting to hug the Cavs mascot, Moondog. Go Cavs!!!

18 Month Visit

Andrew had his 18 month check up today. He is now 21 lbs and 31 inches. He was in good spirits until the nurses came in....poor guy had 4 shots today. It doesn't seem to be the shots he hates, it's being pinned down to the table. After they were all finished and I picked him up he immediately stopped crying and laid his head on my shoulder. That always warms your heart!

Walking For A Cure

This morning Angie, David, Sydney and I walked in the Strides for Life Breast Cancer Walk in honor of MOM!!! She is now a 5 year survivor.

The walk begins at the Football Hall of Fame and makes the turn around at the President Mc Kinley Memorial. It's quite a hike up to the top but, like many others, Mom took the express route down. WE LOVE YOU MOM!

Pumpkin Patch

Today we went to Walsh Farms with our playgroup friends. They had a hay maze, petting farm, hayride, and a corn box which is like a sand box but with corn. Andrew didnt care for it much but Sydney made corn angels in it.


Sydney went her usual "Great Pumpkin Hunt". She spent about an hour walking up and down the field looking for just the right one. All the finalists were separated until the perfect one was selected. Andrew on the other hand was quite content sitting in the wagon eating cookies. When ever there is a food option that's where you will find him. :)

Children Say The Darndest Things

Sydney was watching TV this afternoon when a commercial for KY Warming Massage Jelly came on. She stood there locked into every word. Afterwards she turns to me and says "Mommy, you should get that K Jelly, Daddy can rub it on you". :) I couldn't help but burst into laughter. Kids say the darndest things!

Get Your Horse

Like I mentioned in an earlier post, we are helping out with the "Evening at the Races" fundraising event. It is hosted by our adoption agency and the proceeds will benefit Andrew's orphanage in Korea. Horses are $35 each and give you the chance to win $70 if your horse comes up the winner.

Once you have named your horse, please send your name, the horses name, address, phone number to.....

FRIENDS OF ADOPTIVE FAMILIES, INC.
3111 Ravineview Circle, Stow, Oh 44224


Make checks payable: Friends of Adoptive Families

Go Buckeyes

Disney Video

Matt created a photo video of our trip to Disney. Make sure you turn up the volume on your computer, then use the link below to view or click the title of this page(Disney Video).

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6425557208274334731

Disney World

I can't say enough about Disney World. It really is the happiest place on earth. We spent 5 glorious nights at the Disney Pop Century Resort and the kids loved every minute. I wondered how Andrew would react to getting back on a plane but he had no problem. He loved saying hello & goodbye to every person he passed. When we arrived in Orlando the Disney staff was waiting with their Mickey gloves on. They called Sydney "Princess" and took her by the hand and led the way to our motor coach. While Andrew napped, Sydney road with her nose pressed to the glass watching for the highway signs to change from green to purple. For those of you who have been to Disney recently know, once you enter Disney property the street signs change color. When they did she jumped up and shouted "Daddy, were at Disneys Worlds", the other passengers chuckled at her delight.

After many unsuccessful attempts to watch the space shuttle launch my mom stopped by for a visit. I think she really enjoyed watching the look on her grandchildren faces as they met each character. Since this was Andrew's first visit he was a bit apprehensive when the characters came near but Sydney on the other hand is an old pro. She is a true believer and in her 4 year old mind, Cinderella lives in that castle and Ariel really does her hair with a dinglehopper. In true Disney fashion the princesses live up to that standard. They never break character even while holding a conversation with an adult.

When we asked Sydney what her favorite part of the week was she said visiting the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique. This is a new spot on the Disney map. This salon is for little girls who want to be princesses. They each get their own fairy godmother who does their hair & makeup. Then they get dressed up in a princess costume complete with shoes & purse. Later that evening along with Matt's mom we had dinner with Cinderella, Prince Charming and the Fairy Godmother.

I think Andrew's favorite part was the bus. He would giggle with excitment as we boarded the Disney bus every morning & evening. He would wave and give five to everyone he could and by the end of each ride he had always made a friend. A close second to the bus would be the Lion King Show.
I will post more pictures soon, so keep watching.

Fishing Picnic

Today was the 2nd annual playgroup fishing picnic. Every month I get together with some of my sorority sisters and their kids for a playgroup. Then on Labor Day weekend we invite the dads and have a fishing picnic at my friends, Bob's cabin. The kids have a great time reeling in the blue gill and flinging seaweed at each other. I think Sydney's favorite thing is the worms.

First Day of School

Sydney started back to preschool today. She is attending RiverTree on Monday, Wednesday & Fridays from 9:00 am - 11:30 am. She missed her friends & teachers this summer and couldn't wait to start back. Unfortunatly, she didnt quite understand that Ms. Tawyna wouldn't be her teacher again this year. Matt went into the office late so he could stay home and make her Mickey pancakes and see her off on her first day.

When I returned to pick her up she was smiling and told me all about Ms. Jodi and being line leader. :) What a young lady she is turning out to be.

Andrew & Sydney Pics

0
Matt & Sydney at the Alliance Carnation Queen pageant. Each year Matt escorts the ladies during the evening gown competition since Chase Bank is the title sponsor of the pageant. Sydney loves to watch, and thinks all the women look like princesses.

Andrew, 16 months old

Austin

Boy, it has been a busy week. In passing, our neighbor Sue, mentioned her son was so disappointed that he couldn't race in an upcoming Soap Box Derby race. Her father had been helping her son, Austin build a derby car but, unexpectedly passed away before it was completed. Now when this conversation took place, Sue had no idea we were involved with the derby. Since then my dad, Matt & I have tried to pick up where Austin's grandpa left off and complete his car so he could fulfill his grandpa's wish of having his grandson race in the Soap Box Derby. This past weekend we all gathered at the big hill and watched Austin race in the Akron Fall Rally.
Way to go Austin, your grandpa would be proud!

Click on this page title "Austin" to watch a video tribute Matt created.

Orphanage Fundraiser

Every year I try to give my time to a non profit organization like the All American Soap Box Derby, Ronald McDonald House, American Red Cross. This year I joined a new committee, Friends of Adoptive Families. A non-profit group created to raise money for the orphanages Family Adoption Consultants serves overseas. Essentially, our organization is made up of Northeast Ohio adoptive parents who want to give back to the orphanages who cared for their children. I couldn't think of a better way to say thank you to the men & women who cared for Andrew.

I would like to invite you all to become a part of our 10th annual Evening at the Races. This fundraising event will be held on Friday, October 13, 2006 at the Cleveland Metroplex Sports & Event Center.

Last year we hosted over 400 people and raised $23,500. These funds were used to purchase immunizations, diapers, formula, clothing for Andrew's orphanage and the three others served by FAC. $5,000.00 was put towards the Tomorrow Plan in China, this fund helps pay for surgeries needed by the orphans in that home. In the Philippines a $2000 donation paid for the salary of a child care worker at Concordia Children Services. For the Korea Social Services Home in Korea we purchased an $8,500 industrial gas dryer.

This year, we have a variety of projects that desperately need funds including the purchase of medical equipment, educational materials, playground equipment along with basic supplies like diapers and formula. A detailed list can be supplied upon request.

Tickets are $20 each and include a buffet dinner, and all the beer, wine and pop you can drink. We will be there betting on our favorites, so please join us at our table.

If Warrensville Heights is too far to drive. Maybe you or someone you know would like to donate a raffle prize, purchase an ad in our event program or just make a cash donation. We anticipate over 400 people in attendance at this years event, offering a splendid opportunity for public relations and advertisement. We will acknowledge the contribution in our program book distributed to each guest at the event.

Our program printing deadline is September 22, 2006 so we kindly ask that you respond before then to assure being included in the program.

All of us at Friends of Adoptive Families and Family Adoption Consultants genuinely thank you for your generosity and commitment to all the waiting children.


If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.

Dinner with Alex

We met the Henne Family at Hong Kong Buffet last night. I felt bad for the waitresses who had to clean up under our table. The kids left quite a mess!



Alex & Andrew riding the dragon outside the restaurant.

Centerfield Sydney

The tball season wrapped up last week. Much to her daddy's relief Sydney was actually a decent player. For a 4 year old of course.

Matt put together a video montage of Sydney's first season. Below is a link, if it doesn't work try to cut and paste it. Like Andrew's movie this also has sound so turn up the volume and enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPza34nnPag

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPza34nnPag

Hall of Fame Game

Matt & Sydney at the Football Hall of Fame Game last weekend.

Weekend in Cleveland

With most of our weekend plans taking place in Cleveland we decided to get a hotel room and make a mini vacation out of it. On Saturday, Matt played in the Hoop It Up Challenge. Its a 3 on 3 basketball tournament at the Muni Lot. His team faired well and qualified for the championships in Orlando, FL. Sydney & Grandpa Greg were there to cheer him on while Andrew & I attended a baby shower.

One of Andrew's friends from Korea, Patrick, came home to his forever family last week. Our friends Melissa & Kevin Hensel were pleasantly surprised to receive the travel call a few months early. It was great he could join us for the shower.

Saturday night Matt & I had a greatly needed adult night out, we had a lovely dinner at Morton's and went to see Cirque Du Soleil. Sydney & Andrew spent the evening at Chuck E Cheeses with Angie & David. Both were pretty sugared up by the time we returned. My favorite moment of the night was Sydney telling me all about David's house. "Its a big house with lots of doors & garages, he must have a lot of cars." David lives in a condo! :)

This morning Matt finished up his basketball games while the kids and I hung out at the hotel pool. Andrew loved it but, Sydney is still pretty apprehensive about pools. She still talks about falling in grandma's pool two years ago.