China Adoption Reunion 2009

Photos later.

We just got back from a reunion with our travel group from China. Amy was wild with glee, playing with 10 other beauty queen munchkins. Don and I enjoyed hanging out by the pool with all the families the most. I loved doing silly walks into the pool with Amy. It was such a compliment when little Delany declared that I was a silly mom. What a nice compliment. Will be so happy to resume a diet of less that 80% hamburger again now that we are back home. It was nice to see our China travel family again.

Salamanders, Pavers, Cockpits and "Camp-outs"

This was our first family reunion in the house that Don's siblings collaborated on at the Waldora campsite. The house is amazing and as usual, the woods of St. Mary's are gorgeous. I've never seen prettier trees than the ones you see up there. The blue spruces and red maples are my favorite. Amy loved our bedroom in the camp, which is pictured with the seafoam or teal colored walls. Don selected this paint color, and I dig it. The other picture from the "camp-out", is Amy holding a salamander from the "crick". The pilot of one of our flights gave us the exciting opportunity to sit in the cockpit. Last but not least, we made a donation to the lovely Sandler Center, and we were rewarded with the lovely paver, right near the entrance.

It was great to see everyone and celebrate this most special family tradition. It was bittersweet because on Sunday it was Jane's birthday, and because everyone is concerned about Melanie. It was fabulous to see lovely Alicia and to get to know lovely Maddie and Tessa better.

Keep stopping by and a shout out to Alicia

No new pics but please come back. Next two weekends are reunion filled (Don's family and adoption family). So there will be pics and stories. But be patient because two longs weekends away plus work means possible delay.

I want to shout out to my niece on Don's side, Alicia. If you are a mom, she is exactly how you want your child to be. So happy Amy will get to absorb some of her ways this coming weekend in PA. She was the first child I know of to like me and hang out with me. It was this relationship that made me want to be a mommy. One time, when Don and I were on the fence, Alicia shed a tear at our departure from camp. This event sealed my resolve to be a Mommy.

So, Alicia, if it weren't for you--who knows?

Best Busch Gardens Day Ever

Why was yesterday the best Busch Gardens Day Ever?
Because Don suggested it!
Because Amy is riding lots of rides fearlessly.
Because Don stepped out of his Felix mode and actually chose and ate Fried Mozzarella sticks!
Because the three cold beers over the hot day went down great and helped my courage to ride roller coasters alone.
Because I warmed up with Alpengeist while Amy napped.
Because I got to ride the front row of Griffin while Amy napped.
Because Don let me ride Griffin again after Amy woke up.
Because I gave a young guy $20 to shoot baskets ($5 ea) and he won us an enormous stuffed animal.
Because I still can't believe Don ate Fried Mozzarella.