I posted two new videos to our website. You can view them using the links on the right side of this webpage.
The first is a montage of pictures from Sydney's first cheerleading season. The second is a pictures & video of our trip to Korea. Make sure you turn up the volume on your computer first.
Hope you enjoy!
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Gotcha Day
At this moment exactly two years ago today we were on our way to Detroit and my stomach was in knots. At 3:05 PM Andrew would come into our lives. It feels like just yesterday, but at the same time it feels like he has been with us forever. How could a little boy born round the world make it into our arms and be such a perfect match for our family.
He amazed us how quickly he adapted and blossomed into an all American boy. But, on the same note, we strive to keep the honor, strong work ethic and culture of the Korean people incorporated into his life.
People tell us how lucky Andrew is. But, we are the lucky ones; Andrew has given us so much more.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Happy Birthday Sydney
Having two April birthdays makes for a lot of stress. This year we decided to for go the big birthday parties and opted for simple & small. Andrew had the family over for dinner & cake.
Sydney decided to leave Andrew home with grandma & grandpa and take 2 friends to the Cleveland Zoo. It turned out a beautiful 75 degree day and the girls were delightful. We moved though the zoo quicker than I thought and everyone got to see their favorite animals. Except for Matt. He pouted when there were no unicorns; the girls got good laugh.
Here is a link with all the pictures:
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=2BbNW7Vo5ZOJg
Sydney decided to leave Andrew home with grandma & grandpa and take 2 friends to the Cleveland Zoo. It turned out a beautiful 75 degree day and the girls were delightful. We moved though the zoo quicker than I thought and everyone got to see their favorite animals. Except for Matt. He pouted when there were no unicorns; the girls got good laugh.
Here is a link with all the pictures:
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=2BbNW7Vo5ZOJg
Monday, April 07, 2008
Happy Birthday
Happy 3rd Birthday Andrew!!!
Grandma Fran & Grandpa Bud came over with cupcakes to celebrate. Per Andrew's request we had sloppy joes, chips, pasta salad & orange juice for dinner. He was very happy with the puzzles he got from both us and grandma and grandpa.
This Sunday we are having another party with the rest of the family to celebrate.
Friday, April 04, 2008
On the road to recovery
Our family was dealt a devastating blow recently. Matt's dad, Greg was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Tuesday's surgery successfully removed the prostate and lymph nodes. So far, all lab work has come back clear, it appears the cancer was contained in the prostate with no migrations! FANTASTIC. Greg, the survivor is now on the road to recovery. Please keep him in your thoughts.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Competition Season Closes
She has tried swimming, baseball, soccer, ballet, and gymnastics but I think Sydney has finally found her talent in cheerleading. She's a natural. Mom is so proud, and dad too! We all had a great time this weekend at the Elite Cheer Championships in Columbus, Ohio. This 2 day competition wrapped up the competition season. All nine NEO squads competed so we had a huge contingent of family & friends present.
All the teams did an outstanding job and took home 7 first place trophies & 2 seconds.
You can also find the Cubs Team photo on the NEO Website: www.neoallstars.com/Teams/Cubs.html
NEO Cubs heading into warm up area.
Sydney is on the far left side.
All the teams did an outstanding job and took home 7 first place trophies & 2 seconds.
You can also find the Cubs Team photo on the NEO Website: www.neoallstars.com/Teams/Cubs.html
NEO Cubs heading into warm up area.
Sydney is on the far left side. 
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Happy Easter
Happy Easter Everyone! For the second year I took the kids to the egg hunt sponsored by our local adoption group. With faces from all different backgrounds, it was like the United Nations of egg hunts. Dispite the really cold weather the kids had a blast.
Later, Sydney decided to dress Andrew up for Easter. Good thing we wernt leaving the house!
Monday, March 17, 2008
Greetings From Seoul
It was Sunday, March 9th at 11:40 AM when our plane took off from Akron Canton Airport. After layovers in Detroit & Tokyo we touched down in Seoul, South Korea at 9:45 PM on Monday, March 10th, nearly 24 hours later.
I was exhausted but anxious to explore Korea once again. This time with Matt, who was making his first trip to Asia & first flight over eight hours. We were also joined by Michelle Messner a fellow volunteer at Friends of Adoptive Families. Together we would spend four days in Seoul before escorting two ten month olds back to the US to meet their adoptive parents for the first time.
We gathered up our luggage took a city bus to the Hamilton Hotel about an hour away in a section of town called Itaewon. So far, the trip had been uneventful, until we reached our room and discovered we had left one of our carry on bags containing our lap top & lots of paperwork on the city bus. Matt raced back downstairs cursing most of the way. The clerk at the front desk assured us not to worry, figuring the bag was gone; I started thinking how grateful I was that I purchased the travel insurance. The clerk chatted away with the bus company in Korean while we paced the lobby. He hung up and told the bus company would check on the bag and drop it off the following morning. Despite not sleeping for 24 hours the anxiety of our lost bag had us wide awake. We headed out to the Seoul Pub for a nightcap. The Korean people are very friendly, and the bar owner, Mr. Jung had us laughing in no time. I would describe him as a spitting image of a character from the movie "Good Morning Vietnam", the man in the Shiney Green Suit.
We fell asleep around midnight watching sumo wrestling on TV. But, my internal clock was so messed up I was awake by 4:30 AM. I tossed on some clothes and headed down to the lobby. To my delight there behind the desk was our lost bag. The honor of Korean people truly baffles me sometimes. If that laptop was left on a city bus here in Canton Ohio I would have never seen it again.
On Tuesday morning we headed over to Korea Social Services (KSS); this is the orphanage where Andrew once lived. There we did what are called “update reports” on five infants. These meetings are to evaluate the progress & take photos to insure the children are healthy and progressing normally. The info will also be shared with their adoptive parents back in the states.
While at KSS we also had an opportunity to meet with Ms Lee the head social worker and see Andrew’s file. She was able to fill in some of the blanks on how Andrew came to be at KSS.
Most of our free time was spent shopping. We hit all the popular markets; Itaewon, Namdaemoon and Insadong. You can find everything under the sun within a few steps; you could buy shoes & stir fried bugs at the same shop.
Yes, the food is very interesting. Matt never worked up the courage to taste the live octopus but it was offered in almost every place. I remembered the incident with the raw meat from my last trip so I studied the menu a little closer this time. I stuck with a traditional Korean dish, Bulgogi. This is a thinly sliced stir fried beef served with kimchi and a ton of other interesting side dishes. For most of you who are not familiar with Korean food. Everything you order comes with a variety of side dishes & kimchi. It is sort of like the salad & bread of American cuisine. Kimchi is cabbage leaves layered with hot pepper paste, fish sauce, and various other seasonings then fermented in a big clay pot for many months. It is a staple of the Korean diet and served at every meal.
By far, the most interesting part of the trip was our tour of the DMZ. Everyone is familiar with the Korean War but did you know technically the war never ended, in July 1953 the two sides only signed a cease fire agreement and established this DMZ. The demilitarized zone is a strip of land running the entire length of the Korean Peninsula, it serves as a buffer zone between North and South Korea. It is 155 miles long and approximately 2.5 miles wide, and is the most heavily armed border in the world. The tight security measures & over one million landmines have left the environment and wildlife largely untouched for the last 50 years.
Matt & Heather at Freedom Bridge
Matt at Dora Observatory with North Korea in the background. I was required to take this photo behind a yellow line about 10 feet back in order to prevent me from getting North Korea in the photo.
First stop was the third invasion tunnel discovered in October 1978 with the help of a North Korean defector. It was built by the North after the signing of the cease fire agreement. At 95 meters high and 2.1 meters wide. It penetrates 435 meters south of the border, running through bedrock at a depth of about 230 feet below ground. Capable of moving a full division plus their weapons per hour, it was evidently designed for a surprise attack on Seoul. At only about 1 mile outside Seoul, they were really close! In their defense they claimed that the tunnel was a coal mine. They even hastily painted it black and scrubbed on some coal during their retreat back North. Unfortunatly, no photography is allowed in the tunnel or most other areas of the DMZ. Boy, I would have loved to seen what I looked after immerging from this bottomless pit. Trust me this was a work out. It’s a about quarter mile straight down; killer on the back & calves. Then flattens out into the tunnel, I have no doubt it was built by malnourished North Koreans. Because if you stand any taller than five feet, you will be crouching and crawling your way through the blasted tunnel. Thank goodness they provide hard hats. When I was first handed one it figured it was like any other US construction site, where insurance reasons require you to wear one to prevent lawsuits. But this was no joke! The repetitive clunk of hardhats on the tunnel ceiling drove home the point. The tunnel itself is fascinating; at the end you are greeted by an iron door preventing you from going further into enemy territory. Definitely could have used a concession stand though! Because the quarter mile walk down now meant a quarter mile walk straight up. Ugggh!
Although grueling the tour was very educational and eye opening. These elaborate measures keep what is now one of the world's most modern nations from one of its most backward. In my mind any country whose military still goose-steps is something to be feared. But, despite being lead by a communist dictator and having nuclear capabilities many South Koreans wish for reunification. For Koreans, the DMZ is also an emotional and psychological wall. Many families were torn apart as a result of the war and the creation of the DMZ. Therefore, many are preparing for day when the barbwire comes down. One of these preparations is Dorasan Station and by far the most disconcerting portion of our trip. This train station is the northernmost stop on the South Korean railway. The reason it is so bazaar is the fact that this pristine modern station is completely empty of passengers. That’s right; it is a fully functioning, staffed station with zero arriving and departing passengers. Creepy! Like something out of the twilight zone. Again and again our tour guide proudly showed off the station and all its capabilities just waiting for the day passengers can travel to & from North Korea. I’m guessing showing off this station to tourists is another propaganda tactic in hopes North Korea will hear about. ??? Who knows? The technology is likely to be out of date by the time the station becomes active.
Dorasan Station
Inside Dorasan Station
Although, our trip was coming to an end, the real reason we were here was just beginning. Escorting two children back to Detroit to meet their adoptive parents for the very first time. Ms. Lee introduced us to Mi Ae & Hee Mang at the Seoul Airport. They were both about 10 months old and were very cautious of the light haired strangers. We gently introduced ourselves and snapped a few pictures for posterity before making our way through security. From this point forward they would known by their American names, Leah & Jonah. First step was changing them out of the many layers of clothing. We pack those away for later. Leah warmed up quickly and was soon clapping and showing off her raspberry talents. Jonah was much more aggressive, and had this sweet way of drawing you in then biting your face. I was suckered in every time. What a charmer. Over the next 20 hours we playing peek a boo through the seats, paced up and down the aisles and spilled a lot of cheerios. Both kids were a delight and made our job relatively easy.
Finally, we touched down in Detroit and headed straight for the restroom. I’m sure we looked terrible but the important part was making sure the kiddos looking their best. We freshen them up redressed them in the outfit provided by their foster mom before heading through US Immigration. Always a source of stress. After about an hour of that, it was time for the big moment. We staged ourselves in front of the big frosted door; on the opposite side was the parents & family. One last hug & kiss and the door slid open. Flash bulbs started popping and you quickly start panning the crowd for someone claiming your child. I was carrying little Leah and within seconds an open armed mom appeared. It brought chills down my spine just as it did before. It is a rush of adrenaline not easily forgotten and what drives escorts to make the long journey time and time again.
I was exhausted but anxious to explore Korea once again. This time with Matt, who was making his first trip to Asia & first flight over eight hours. We were also joined by Michelle Messner a fellow volunteer at Friends of Adoptive Families. Together we would spend four days in Seoul before escorting two ten month olds back to the US to meet their adoptive parents for the first time.
We gathered up our luggage took a city bus to the Hamilton Hotel about an hour away in a section of town called Itaewon. So far, the trip had been uneventful, until we reached our room and discovered we had left one of our carry on bags containing our lap top & lots of paperwork on the city bus. Matt raced back downstairs cursing most of the way. The clerk at the front desk assured us not to worry, figuring the bag was gone; I started thinking how grateful I was that I purchased the travel insurance. The clerk chatted away with the bus company in Korean while we paced the lobby. He hung up and told the bus company would check on the bag and drop it off the following morning. Despite not sleeping for 24 hours the anxiety of our lost bag had us wide awake. We headed out to the Seoul Pub for a nightcap. The Korean people are very friendly, and the bar owner, Mr. Jung had us laughing in no time. I would describe him as a spitting image of a character from the movie "Good Morning Vietnam", the man in the Shiney Green Suit.
We fell asleep around midnight watching sumo wrestling on TV. But, my internal clock was so messed up I was awake by 4:30 AM. I tossed on some clothes and headed down to the lobby. To my delight there behind the desk was our lost bag. The honor of Korean people truly baffles me sometimes. If that laptop was left on a city bus here in Canton Ohio I would have never seen it again.
On Tuesday morning we headed over to Korea Social Services (KSS); this is the orphanage where Andrew once lived. There we did what are called “update reports” on five infants. These meetings are to evaluate the progress & take photos to insure the children are healthy and progressing normally. The info will also be shared with their adoptive parents back in the states.
While at KSS we also had an opportunity to meet with Ms Lee the head social worker and see Andrew’s file. She was able to fill in some of the blanks on how Andrew came to be at KSS.
Most of our free time was spent shopping. We hit all the popular markets; Itaewon, Namdaemoon and Insadong. You can find everything under the sun within a few steps; you could buy shoes & stir fried bugs at the same shop.
Yes, the food is very interesting. Matt never worked up the courage to taste the live octopus but it was offered in almost every place. I remembered the incident with the raw meat from my last trip so I studied the menu a little closer this time. I stuck with a traditional Korean dish, Bulgogi. This is a thinly sliced stir fried beef served with kimchi and a ton of other interesting side dishes. For most of you who are not familiar with Korean food. Everything you order comes with a variety of side dishes & kimchi. It is sort of like the salad & bread of American cuisine. Kimchi is cabbage leaves layered with hot pepper paste, fish sauce, and various other seasonings then fermented in a big clay pot for many months. It is a staple of the Korean diet and served at every meal.
By far, the most interesting part of the trip was our tour of the DMZ. Everyone is familiar with the Korean War but did you know technically the war never ended, in July 1953 the two sides only signed a cease fire agreement and established this DMZ. The demilitarized zone is a strip of land running the entire length of the Korean Peninsula, it serves as a buffer zone between North and South Korea. It is 155 miles long and approximately 2.5 miles wide, and is the most heavily armed border in the world. The tight security measures & over one million landmines have left the environment and wildlife largely untouched for the last 50 years.
Matt & Heather at Freedom Bridge
Matt at Dora Observatory with North Korea in the background. I was required to take this photo behind a yellow line about 10 feet back in order to prevent me from getting North Korea in the photo.First stop was the third invasion tunnel discovered in October 1978 with the help of a North Korean defector. It was built by the North after the signing of the cease fire agreement. At 95 meters high and 2.1 meters wide. It penetrates 435 meters south of the border, running through bedrock at a depth of about 230 feet below ground. Capable of moving a full division plus their weapons per hour, it was evidently designed for a surprise attack on Seoul. At only about 1 mile outside Seoul, they were really close! In their defense they claimed that the tunnel was a coal mine. They even hastily painted it black and scrubbed on some coal during their retreat back North. Unfortunatly, no photography is allowed in the tunnel or most other areas of the DMZ. Boy, I would have loved to seen what I looked after immerging from this bottomless pit. Trust me this was a work out. It’s a about quarter mile straight down; killer on the back & calves. Then flattens out into the tunnel, I have no doubt it was built by malnourished North Koreans. Because if you stand any taller than five feet, you will be crouching and crawling your way through the blasted tunnel. Thank goodness they provide hard hats. When I was first handed one it figured it was like any other US construction site, where insurance reasons require you to wear one to prevent lawsuits. But this was no joke! The repetitive clunk of hardhats on the tunnel ceiling drove home the point. The tunnel itself is fascinating; at the end you are greeted by an iron door preventing you from going further into enemy territory. Definitely could have used a concession stand though! Because the quarter mile walk down now meant a quarter mile walk straight up. Ugggh!
Although grueling the tour was very educational and eye opening. These elaborate measures keep what is now one of the world's most modern nations from one of its most backward. In my mind any country whose military still goose-steps is something to be feared. But, despite being lead by a communist dictator and having nuclear capabilities many South Koreans wish for reunification. For Koreans, the DMZ is also an emotional and psychological wall. Many families were torn apart as a result of the war and the creation of the DMZ. Therefore, many are preparing for day when the barbwire comes down. One of these preparations is Dorasan Station and by far the most disconcerting portion of our trip. This train station is the northernmost stop on the South Korean railway. The reason it is so bazaar is the fact that this pristine modern station is completely empty of passengers. That’s right; it is a fully functioning, staffed station with zero arriving and departing passengers. Creepy! Like something out of the twilight zone. Again and again our tour guide proudly showed off the station and all its capabilities just waiting for the day passengers can travel to & from North Korea. I’m guessing showing off this station to tourists is another propaganda tactic in hopes North Korea will hear about. ??? Who knows? The technology is likely to be out of date by the time the station becomes active.
Dorasan Station
Inside Dorasan Station
Although, our trip was coming to an end, the real reason we were here was just beginning. Escorting two children back to Detroit to meet their adoptive parents for the very first time. Ms. Lee introduced us to Mi Ae & Hee Mang at the Seoul Airport. They were both about 10 months old and were very cautious of the light haired strangers. We gently introduced ourselves and snapped a few pictures for posterity before making our way through security. From this point forward they would known by their American names, Leah & Jonah. First step was changing them out of the many layers of clothing. We pack those away for later. Leah warmed up quickly and was soon clapping and showing off her raspberry talents. Jonah was much more aggressive, and had this sweet way of drawing you in then biting your face. I was suckered in every time. What a charmer. Over the next 20 hours we playing peek a boo through the seats, paced up and down the aisles and spilled a lot of cheerios. Both kids were a delight and made our job relatively easy.
Finally, we touched down in Detroit and headed straight for the restroom. I’m sure we looked terrible but the important part was making sure the kiddos looking their best. We freshen them up redressed them in the outfit provided by their foster mom before heading through US Immigration. Always a source of stress. After about an hour of that, it was time for the big moment. We staged ourselves in front of the big frosted door; on the opposite side was the parents & family. One last hug & kiss and the door slid open. Flash bulbs started popping and you quickly start panning the crowd for someone claiming your child. I was carrying little Leah and within seconds an open armed mom appeared. It brought chills down my spine just as it did before. It is a rush of adrenaline not easily forgotten and what drives escorts to make the long journey time and time again.
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Coffee Fundraiser / Korea
I want to send a big thank you out to the handful of you who came out to Caribou and supported the coffee fundraiser we had last week. I really appreciate you fighting the blizzard to support a good cause. We raised a little over $200.00. That money will help orphans in Korea, China, Guatemala & Philippines who are still waiting for their forever families. We just finished building a new website so check it out sometime: www.FriendsOfAdoptiveFamilies.com
Half of the proceeds will be deposited in the Friends of Adoptive Families account and donated to our various causes this year. The other half is immediately going to purchase diapers, shampoo, lotion and Tylenol for Andrew's orphanage in Korea. The orphanage social worker, Mrs Lee specifically requested these items so I will deliver them personally next week. Matt & I leave for Korea on Sunday. Thats right! My parents are watching the kids while Matt and I, along with another escort, Michelle bring some little ones home to meet their forever families for the first time. How exciting. My last trip was awesome and I cannot wait for Matt to experience Korea.
Half of the proceeds will be deposited in the Friends of Adoptive Families account and donated to our various causes this year. The other half is immediately going to purchase diapers, shampoo, lotion and Tylenol for Andrew's orphanage in Korea. The orphanage social worker, Mrs Lee specifically requested these items so I will deliver them personally next week. Matt & I leave for Korea on Sunday. Thats right! My parents are watching the kids while Matt and I, along with another escort, Michelle bring some little ones home to meet their forever families for the first time. How exciting. My last trip was awesome and I cannot wait for Matt to experience Korea.
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Glasses for Sydney
At the suggestion of the school nurse we took Sydney to the eye doctor. Good thing! She is far sighted and has astigmatism in her right eye. He recommended glasses full time except during sports. He said she can see without them but her left eye is doing so much work he doesn't want it to deteriorate.
She probably tried on 50 frames before she settled on a cranberry red thick framed pair. I tried to steer her towards the light, wire rimmed ones that would blend into face but she wasn't going to have it. Don't get me wrong that style looks great on some people, not me, but it did look cute on her. She's the one wearing them so I agreed.
She probably tried on 50 frames before she settled on a cranberry red thick framed pair. I tried to steer her towards the light, wire rimmed ones that would blend into face but she wasn't going to have it. Don't get me wrong that style looks great on some people, not me, but it did look cute on her. She's the one wearing them so I agreed.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Cavs Bench
As a season ticket holder Matt was able to arrange for he & Sydney to sit on the bench during warm ups. To Matt's suprise Sydney was totally into it. One of the newest players, Delante West even autographed her poster.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Kalahari
We joined the Henne Family at Kalahari yesterday.
Alex, Sydney & Andrew
At 173,000 square feet its the largest indoor waterpark in the country. Living here in cold Ohio swimming in the winter is a real treat. We went up Wednesday afternoon and played till close; spent the night in their hotel and hit the slides again the next morning. Everyone had a blast.
Alex, Sydney & AndrewAt 173,000 square feet its the largest indoor waterpark in the country. Living here in cold Ohio swimming in the winter is a real treat. We went up Wednesday afternoon and played till close; spent the night in their hotel and hit the slides again the next morning. Everyone had a blast.
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Africa
Well, it's been about four years since I took this trip with my mom. This week I finally got around to organizing the pictures into a video slideshow. Better late than never. I am a bit disappointed though, the quality of the pictures has deteriorated a bit since I loaded it onto Google Video. You can access the video by clicking on the link located on the right side of this webpage.
I beleive traveling is by far the greatest learning experience one can have. Especially to a third world country like Kenya. I have gained a whole new perspective on what poverty really is, a sense of what its like to be a minority, and so much more. For me it was eye opening and life changing.
So often in the travel business I hear folks say they are going to wait until they retire to see the world. I cannot say it enough, "don't wait"! Besides the obvious limitations we gain as we age. The world would be a more peaceful place if we all took the time to go see how others live; learn about the people,their customs & what daily life is like.
I beleive traveling is by far the greatest learning experience one can have. Especially to a third world country like Kenya. I have gained a whole new perspective on what poverty really is, a sense of what its like to be a minority, and so much more. For me it was eye opening and life changing.
So often in the travel business I hear folks say they are going to wait until they retire to see the world. I cannot say it enough, "don't wait"! Besides the obvious limitations we gain as we age. The world would be a more peaceful place if we all took the time to go see how others live; learn about the people,their customs & what daily life is like.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Potty Training 101
Potty training is in full swing at our house. So far we are doing well. I say "we" because potty training is a whole family effort. It's difficult to make a concious effort to remember others bowel movements. But, Andrew is doing better than I expected. We learned quickly the pull up method doesnt work for us. So we went cold turkey, the poor kid spent two days with no underwear, but its working! I think the candy corn treat is helping too.
The motivation for diaper freedom was sparked by our visits to area preschools. Can you beleive it, Andrew is already registering for preschool. Where has time gone? It seems like only yesterday when he joined us at the Detroit Airport.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Jamaica Mon'
We packed up kids the last week and headed to Jamaica. Six nights at the all inclusive resort, Beaches Boscobel was enough to push us through the remainder of the Ohio winter.
Rainbow outside our room
They had a fantastic children's program run by a group of certified nannies so the kids were very busy. The resort is also partners with Sesame Street so all the favorite characters are there to join in the fun.
We played at the water park, rode the banana boat, built sandcastles, ate a ton, and soaked up a ton of sun!
Sydney's first banana boat ride.
Andrew took home a scar to forever remind us of his trip to Jamaica. Our room had a deck that over looked the ocean. Andrew & Sydney were running in & out when he slipped on the tile and fell backwards onto the track the sliding glass door runs on. He appeared alright when I first scooped him up but soon there was a stream of blood running down his neck. I grabbed a wash cloth and applied some pressure and rushed him down to the concierge office. They paged the hotel nurse and helped me over to her office. She cleaned up the wound and determined we needed stitches. Uhhh! I was dreading the idea of a Jamaican ER. She reassured me with a "no problem mon", the doctor will come here to the hotel. Thank goodness! Within the hour Dr. Kumar arrived and gave Andrew a check up and decided to use medical glue to close the wound rather than stitches. Andrew was an excellent patient. He sat very quietly while he shaved his head, filled the big gap with glue and squeezed it shut until the glue dried. OUCH! Mommy was so proud of her brave little guy. By afternoon he was good as new and showed off his big boo boo to a surprised Matt who was golfing at the time.
Andrew at the scene of the accident
Andrew was restricted from getting the area wet or dirty for at least 24 hours. Hard to explain to a 2 year old on a beach vacation! But, we made the best of it.
Rainbow outside our room
They had a fantastic children's program run by a group of certified nannies so the kids were very busy. The resort is also partners with Sesame Street so all the favorite characters are there to join in the fun.
We played at the water park, rode the banana boat, built sandcastles, ate a ton, and soaked up a ton of sun!
Sydney's first banana boat ride.Andrew took home a scar to forever remind us of his trip to Jamaica. Our room had a deck that over looked the ocean. Andrew & Sydney were running in & out when he slipped on the tile and fell backwards onto the track the sliding glass door runs on. He appeared alright when I first scooped him up but soon there was a stream of blood running down his neck. I grabbed a wash cloth and applied some pressure and rushed him down to the concierge office. They paged the hotel nurse and helped me over to her office. She cleaned up the wound and determined we needed stitches. Uhhh! I was dreading the idea of a Jamaican ER. She reassured me with a "no problem mon", the doctor will come here to the hotel. Thank goodness! Within the hour Dr. Kumar arrived and gave Andrew a check up and decided to use medical glue to close the wound rather than stitches. Andrew was an excellent patient. He sat very quietly while he shaved his head, filled the big gap with glue and squeezed it shut until the glue dried. OUCH! Mommy was so proud of her brave little guy. By afternoon he was good as new and showed off his big boo boo to a surprised Matt who was golfing at the time.
Andrew at the scene of the accidentAndrew was restricted from getting the area wet or dirty for at least 24 hours. Hard to explain to a 2 year old on a beach vacation! But, we made the best of it.
Monday, January 07, 2008
Lavelle's Go Green
We have been recycling a good portion of our trash for years but this year my resolution was to be more green. This weekend I got Matt & Sydney to sit down and watch an episode of Oprah which was disturbing yet inspiring. The next morning we started. We have unplugged our kitchen appliances & cell phone charges when they are not in use. Changed out 20 of our most used light bulbs to the green energy saver ones. Amazing thing is, they are said to last 10 years. Just think, Sydney will be driving next time I have to climb up there to change the bulb. I'm anxious to see if we see a difference on our electric bill. I will be sure and let you all know.
My favorite is the 3 reusable grocery bags mother in law gave me. They are awesome. I grocery shop once a week and generally have at least 12 plastic bags to haul into the house. Now I fit a weeks worth in 3 bags.
How often do you run your dishwasher? We run ours about every other day if not everyday. Mainly because the top rack fills with cups before the bottom is full. So we simply implemented the one cup a day rule. Each of us picks a cup at breakfast and use it throughout the day. How come I didn't think of it before??? The kids get a kick out of choosing the cup of the day.
So, next time you throw something away. Think about this. Where is away????
Our family challenges you all to try go green. Even if its just one lightbulb. You can even comment on our blog and let us know what you did.
My favorite is the 3 reusable grocery bags mother in law gave me. They are awesome. I grocery shop once a week and generally have at least 12 plastic bags to haul into the house. Now I fit a weeks worth in 3 bags.
How often do you run your dishwasher? We run ours about every other day if not everyday. Mainly because the top rack fills with cups before the bottom is full. So we simply implemented the one cup a day rule. Each of us picks a cup at breakfast and use it throughout the day. How come I didn't think of it before??? The kids get a kick out of choosing the cup of the day.
So, next time you throw something away. Think about this. Where is away????
Our family challenges you all to try go green. Even if its just one lightbulb. You can even comment on our blog and let us know what you did.
Thursday, January 03, 2008
Happy New Year
Boy the holidays just flew by. It seems like forever since I posted anything. We had a great Christmas, the kids were spoiled as usual. A few of Sydney's favorite gifts were her webkinz, horse riding video game, High School Musical DVD's, American Girl Doll, and Star Station. Andrew had the all "Cars" Christmas. He loves that movie and whatever goes with it. He has spent hours playing with all the diecast cars Angie got him. Matt is in love with his new IPod and I love my new laptop. But, I still have to purchase the Microsoft Office programs, so if anyone out there has some I can borrow please let me know.
For the second year we spend New Years Eve with the Peter & Eshler Families. We passed the time playing Wii and managed to stay awake till 1:00 AM.
Our resolutions:
Matt- not be lazy, exercise and eat better
Heather- be more green and learn Korean
Sydney- learn more about horses & read
Andrew- potty training (our resolution for him)
For the second year we spend New Years Eve with the Peter & Eshler Families. We passed the time playing Wii and managed to stay awake till 1:00 AM.
Our resolutions:
Matt- not be lazy, exercise and eat better
Heather- be more green and learn Korean
Sydney- learn more about horses & read
Andrew- potty training (our resolution for him)
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Holiday Visit To Florida
We flew down to Florida this past weekend to visit Matt's mom & grandparents. Sydney made friends with our pilot on the escalator ride so he invited her up to the cockpit. 
Despite the forced smile in the picture she had a great time. Captain Hans let her sit in the drivers seat & take the wheel. She was tickled pink!
We flew into an 80 degree Tampa Airport. A nice change from our 20 degrees and snowing. Picked up our $9.00 a day rental car, what a great rate, and headed off to Anna Marie Island to visit the Browning's. As always they were happy to have the company.
Pam took Sydney to her school with her the following morning. She joined Mrs. Bird's kindergarten class for the day. She had a great time! She was fascinated by the sand & sea shells on the playground. She is used to the gravel & mulch here in Ohio. By lunch she made so many new friends she opted to sit with them rather than eat with Grandma Pam.
We wrapped up our weekend with a visit to the South Florida Museum where we saw Snooty, the world's oldest manatee. He is 59 and quite sweet.
Then celebrated an early Christmas with dinner & gifts. Andrew loved all his Cars items & Sydney was relieved to receive the American Girl Doll named Ivy. Pam even got both her AG Dolls matching Ohio State cheerleading uniforms.
Despite the forced smile in the picture she had a great time. Captain Hans let her sit in the drivers seat & take the wheel. She was tickled pink!
We flew into an 80 degree Tampa Airport. A nice change from our 20 degrees and snowing. Picked up our $9.00 a day rental car, what a great rate, and headed off to Anna Marie Island to visit the Browning's. As always they were happy to have the company.
Pam took Sydney to her school with her the following morning. She joined Mrs. Bird's kindergarten class for the day. She had a great time! She was fascinated by the sand & sea shells on the playground. She is used to the gravel & mulch here in Ohio. By lunch she made so many new friends she opted to sit with them rather than eat with Grandma Pam.
We wrapped up our weekend with a visit to the South Florida Museum where we saw Snooty, the world's oldest manatee. He is 59 and quite sweet.
Then celebrated an early Christmas with dinner & gifts. Andrew loved all his Cars items & Sydney was relieved to receive the American Girl Doll named Ivy. Pam even got both her AG Dolls matching Ohio State cheerleading uniforms.
Sunday, December 02, 2007
3 Cheers for Sydney
Sydney had her first cheerleading competition today. Back in August she joined the NEO Cubs, a traveling competition group who has teams ranging from 5 years old to collegiate level. Today's competition was close to home, at the Canton Civic Center.
Sydney & I arrived early for warm ups. She was very excited and nervous about preforming in front of the large crowd. Unlike ballet she could see the audience beyond the stage. By 1:00 PM Sydney's fan club had arrived, Daddy, Grandma Franny, Angie, David, Andrew and Drew. When the announcement came over the PA introducing the NEO Cubs Grandma's tears began to flow. Sydney marched out and took her spot on the mat then turned and gave us all a big wave. She was beaming! The music started and the Cubs team did awesome. I was shocked, we have only seen bits and pieces of the routine as she practiced at home. But, out there on the floor she really put on a show. And, to our surprise was promoted to the flier in the mount sequence. We knew someday her tiny size would come in handy! Way to go Sydney! We are all so proud of you.
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