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

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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.

County Fair

We took the kids to the county fair today. I remember my grandpa & mom taking me when I was little. The pig barn was always my favorite. Sydney loves the horses. She has been trying to convince Matt & I that she could keep a horse in her room.

Andrew didn't seem to have a favorite. He rode peacefully in his stroller taking in all the sights.

All American Soap Box Derby

As usual our family volunteer project was the All American Soap Box Derby. This year Matt took the entire week off work to participate. They kept him busy working on a video slideshow to present to the major sponsor, Levi. Sydney helped organize champ gift bags and made a quick appearance on ESPN. Andrew gave all the officials their grandchild fix and made friends with the Japanese Team. I ran the 50/50 raffle but due to the rain we only brought in $1400.00. Boo!

Sydney & Andrew both loved Ducky Downs the derby mascot.

Sydney & Andrew Picture

First Words

How come kids never say mommy for their first word?? I know daddy is easier but still. :) Nevertheless, I am happy to say Andrew said his first English words. He now says daddy, bye and Bob. He also says moo for cows and cockadoodldoo but I'm not so sure those count.

I would say his transition has been a success. He definitely knows who his mom & dad are and has no problem letting us comfort him when he is upset. Which is a crucial step in the attachment process. Although, he is very clingy. I guess I would be too if everyone I knew was now gone. He holds onto us so we wont disappear too.

Along with TBall Sydney is taking art class this summer. She loves to paint & make crafts so this class was perfect for her. Last week they painted and this week they made faces with clay. I'm not sure where her artistic side came from, neither Matt or I are???

Home Opener

Sydney had her first real T-Ball game on last Wednesday. She got to bat two times and hit the ball on her first attempt each time, and she put all 30 pounds of herself into the swing. In the field we are pleased to say that she had the assist on the only out by either team. She fielded a slow groundball by the pitchers mound and threw a three hopper to the first baseman. Next stop the big leagues!!!

Family Reunion

My Grandma Lisic turned 90 years old this past week. Since it has been over 20 years since the entire family gathered in one place we decided this was the perfect time to have a family reunion. Family traveled to Ohio from Georgia, Florida, Missouri, and South Carolina. Grandma was overwhelmed but happy to have all her children with her to celebrate.

Spring Training

Yesterday, Sydney & Matt attended Jackson T-Ball Spring Training Day. She got to meet her fellow teammates and received her team shirt & hat. She looked adorable in her humongous jade green shirt with SYDNEY spelled across the back. After a team picture they completed 3 skill stations: batting, fielding, and baserunning. Apparently Sydney is a good hitter but loses interested in the field. Throughout the evening she asked Matt repeatedly to go play on the playground.

FAC Picnic

This weekend we attended the Family Adoption Consultants Summer Picnic. FAC places children from China, Guatemala, Philippines, and South Korea. It was neat to see all the children in one place. A crowd I could actually lose Andrew in. :) There was a fashion show of children wearing their native dress. Sydney kept busy at the art table & kickball game. While Andrew & I shopped at the international bazaar. I got a Korean Christmas ornament and when I payed for it they gave me Korean change.

Heather's New Job

As many of you know I have been volunteering for the American Red Cross Rape Crisis Center for the past few years. Through my supervisor I learned of a job opening in the emergency services department. I interviewed, completed the training and I am now working full time as the after hours emergency services caseworker. So what is that, you ask!

After the Red Cross office closes I am the on call caseworker who handles the emergency services calls. I direct advocates to local hospitals to handle sexual assault cases, send Red Cross teams to area fire & disasters, arrange transportation for dialysis patients, and process emergency casework for families of US Armed Forces personal.

So far, I am loving it and the best part is, I work from home. I can organize disaster teams in my pajamas!

And yes, I am still a travel agent. The travel business is my first love.

Geauga Lake

For Father's Day the whole family went to Geauga Lake along with Grandma Franny, Grandpa Greg & Grandma Liz. It was a beautiful day and not a lot of people.

Sydney couldn't get enough of the waterslides. But, she needs to grow another couple inches to take on the bigger, better slides. So when that time comes she will be the first in line.

Andrew was happy splashing in the shallows.

Pool Fun

Hong Kong Buffet

A new Chinese restaurant opened in the Belden area called Hong Kong Buffet, so we decided to check it out. My expectations were not real high since most Chinese buffets I have been to were not good. But this time we were pleasantly surprised. It was clean, food was good and the service was excellent. I am not sure if that is their typical service or if Andrew had something to do with it. The waitresses buzzed around our table, tickling, waving and giggling at Andrew. Of course, he just soaks it up. What a flirt!!! I am not sure who was more fascinated; the waitresses with Andrew or Andrew with the waitresses. The chef even came out to greet the kids.

Andrew had a great time sampling all the different foods. We found out he likes zucchini, potsickers, General Tsao chicken, fried rice, cantaloupe, lo mein, pepper steak, and fortune cookies.