Emily's First Special Persons Day at Tamarac

Grandma, Grandpa, Papa and I had a great time visiting Emily's kindergarten class and meeting her teacher, Mrs. Bonesteel, and her classmates. It was fun to see Emily's work hanging in various areas around the room. The bunny in the above layout is her work of art. I love it!!

We also visited with her music teacher, Mr. Siegenthaler. He played the guitar while the children sat and listened. Then we got to see the class do a dance that is the envy of the elementery school. All the kids were having a great time dancing; even the boys.

Before we knew it our hour had slipped by and it was time for the children to return to their daily routine for the remainder of the day.
Hugs and kisses,

Alex Has To Have His Lunchable

I think this is too funny, so I have to post it. You all know we have Alex every Tuesday. Well, months ago Pops (our boys' name for Papa) bought a Lunchable for Alex's noon time meal. He bought a ham, cheese and crackers one. It had a Reeses Peanut Butter Cup included with it for dessert. Ever since that day, Alex has to have a Lunchable so he can have his Reeses Peanut Butter Cup. The above layout shows the five steps to Alex eating his dessert. Too funny!
Hugs and kisses,

Father Daughter Dance

The Girl Scouts have a Father/Daughter dance every year. This year's occurred while we were in Florida; thus this entry is being made way after the fact. We were given lots of pictures by Kara and Em's parents. So many, it was difficult to choose which ones to use in my layout.

I would like to mention this was Emily's first Father/Daughter Dance. She was over the moon, but only lasted forty-five minutes. Exhaustion set in and Emily went home with Grandma and Grandpa. As you can see, Kara partied hardy. The night can never be long enough for our fourth grader. The stamina comes with age!

I hope I have provided a view of how the night unfolded. Our girls looked beautiful in their new dresses. They danced, laughed and had a great time with their friends. As you can see, both enjoyed dancing with Dad. Another memory made . . . .
Hugs and kisses,

A Birthday in NYC's American Girl Place

Kara's birthday is January 3rd and her gift from Nana and Papa was a day at The American Girl Place in New York City. Between Mom's January and February work schedule and Nana and Papa being snow birds, it didn't happen until April 10th. But it was well worth the wait.

We started out April 9th and stopped at the Bronx Zoo. The girls had lots of fun. Actually, so did Nana and Papa. Then we continued on for a night's stay at The Hilton. The first picture in the above layout is the view from Nana and Papa's room; the Radio City Music Hall's marquee. Our two rooms were beautiful and conveniently across the hall from each other.

Our breakfast brunch at The American Girl Place was at 9:30 Sunday morning. The girls wore beautiful dresses. Their dolls even had dresses to match theirs. The tables in the Cafe were set quite elegantly. The theme centered on a very bright pink. The napkin holders were so cute. The girls got to take them home. The menus were also bright pink.

We each ordered what we wanted and feasted on a delicious breakfast. Of course, we had to have dessert. It was some kind of mousse topped with a pretty blue daisy flower. Kara's had a candle and we all sang happy birthday to her. She had that sweet shy look she gets on her face, but I know she loved it.

Then it was off to the Doll Hair Salon where the girls picked out which hairdo they wanted for the dolls they broughtwith them from home. We got the add-on to have each doll's face and hands cleaned professionally. It really was interesting to see how these "doll hair specialists" could undo the knots and comb through the dolls' hair. At the end of about an hour session, Molly and Julie looked gorgeous.

Oh, I forgot to include that Corey stood in line quite a long time to get numbers so Kara and Em could stand in line for their turn with the hair specialist. I know; it gets complicated. But what a Dad those girls have.

Next it was off to get Kara and Emily's picture taken by the photographer. All the pictures came out just beautiful (of course). Mom and Dad allowed the girls to choose which pose each wanted. Last, we went shopping. Kara picked out two dolls. She had been saving every penny she got to buy one of them. Emily picked out a doll. Then it was on to buying things their dolls "really needed."

I can honestly say that, with the exception of Christmas, I have never enjoyed a girly day so much. This place is like a special haven for little girls. Kara kept saying how happy she was to be there and how she had always wanted to go there. Em's smiles were too beautiful. Both girls were over the moon. I know Papa and I made memories for our girls with this trip. But I have to tell you, I went home with so many wonderful memories of celebrating a very special 10th birthday for Kara on April 10, 2011.

It really was like a dream.
Hugs and kisses,

T-ball Season Begins

We had a fantastic Tuesday with Alex, as always. I can see him becoming self sufficient right before my eyes. I hate to admit it, but our "baby" is growing up.

As soon as his Dad and he walked through the door, he couldn't wait to tell us he got his T-ball uniform. He is playing on the Chicago Cubs team. He said his Dad even let him sleep in his uniform shirt. How cool to have such a Dad!

Alex's first baseball parade is this Sunday, followed by a one inning game. I love watching his excitement, as he names all the people he wants to see him play. It will be interesting to see if this enthusiasm continues. We'll watch and see.
Hugs and kisses,

Life Is Back to Normal

Well kids, we got home Monday afternoon. It was not fun unpacking all we brought with us for the month. Then, of course, there is all be bought while in Florida, mostly for you four wonders. Papa and I were so excited to see you. You all looked like you have grown a few inches. We loved getting all those hugs and kisses. Many more from the girls. We all know it is not a boy thing. Emily and Kara, you warmed my heart by actually sitting on my lap and snuggling with me. Em kissed me tons of times and would touch the side of my face softly. I was over the moon:~) We have to go on trips more often, just so we can come home and get all this attention.

Today is Friday. So we have been home four days. All the unpacking and putting away is done. This morning I signed on to Facebook to catch up. There was a statement and blog link posted by your Mom, Alex and Zack. After reading a number of the posts on that blog, it again hit me in the face just how lucky we are that "life is back to normal" has the meaning it does for our family. There are millions of children and adults whose "normal life" is heartbreaking; even lacking the food needed to thrive. Please ask your Mom to read you the latest post on this blog: http://actofkindness.blogspot.com/

Boys, this is your Mom's post on Facebook:

"How humbling that the kindness of strangers and one special person can make a boy living in an orphanage so happy; and it all hinged on him getting glasses. All of our kids could learn something from that."

Kids, I know you are aware that Papa and Nana sponsor a young girl living in an orphanage in Petropavlosk, Kazakhstan. We also donate to help make it possible to add happiness and love to the lives of these wonderful children in many different ways. It would be wonderful if you could draw pictures for me to include with our packages (like Kara has done). You could also start a "Donation Fund" by saving your change in a jar. You could then purchase things these children need. It could also be used to help make the postage charge more affordable.

Our family has adopted children from Kazakhstan, Russia and China. This has established a bond between us and these international countries. There are millions of children living in the United States who are in need of food, clothing, medical attention and toys our children take for granted. Please find a place in your heart to seek out an organization to add happiness and health to the lives of orphaned children. You can check with your parish church, call your town or your school. You can search the Internet and find so many not-for-profit organizations whose purpose is to improve the lives of children who have become orphaned.

Thank you and God bless.

Hugs and kisses,

Zack's New Hideout

Hot off the phone! Zack, Mom sent these two pictures of your new room. The orange is awesome. And I love your new bed cover. Mention to Mom you need a new night stand. You have so much space. Makes you wonder how you lived in your old bedroom, doesn't it?

See you soon, Zack. Enjoy your new room.

Hugs and kisses,