Jammin' Out

Last night we had a great night out at the Kennedys.  Thanks, Mike for an amazing dinner!!  The kids clearly enjoyed their homemade mini pizzas.

While the adults enjoyed great wine, appetizers, conversation and laughs, Davis and Savannah had some friendly competition on the wii.  Hanna played on the computer right next to them.  Although it wasn't until after dinner and dessert that the fun really began.  The kids discovered the pool table and drum set upstairs. I believe the pictures speak for themselves.

Let the busy life begin!

Davis started soccer last week.  He had a blast.  He goes every Saturday morning in Morrisville and scored two goals his first scrimmage.  He was pretty proud of himself and so were we.  More than the goals, I was so proud of how he hustled the whole hour.  He ran hard the entire time and never let up.  He also was tripped during a game and he got right back up grinning.  He has a tendency to blame others for his mistakes and get angry, but he displayed good sportsmanship so that made mommy really proud.  He is growing up way too fast.  Hopefully tomorrow will go just as well.

Look at the boy hustle!

Jango Fett and Little Pumpkin

Yes, I am a little late at posting about Halloween.  I started work last week and have been a little busy, but happy to be back into the swings of things.  Hanna has done great at pre-school.  She pushes me out each morning and runs to see her teacher.  She is a little more clingy in the evenings after we bring her home, but I think that is just being tired and wanting a little more re-assurance that we will always come back to get her.  Davis has been tracked out the past three weeks and was able to spend some alone time with Oma and Pop Pop.  He was thrilled to be the center of attention.  Penguini, his favorite sleep toy was left behind but he was a big boy and didn't melt down at bedtime.  It is on its way via USPS back to Newport Ave.  He grinned ear to ear when I told him Pop Pop had mailed it back to him.

Davis was happy to show Hanna the ropes on how to trick or treat and she thought it was her personal responsibility to take two pieces of candy at each house and hand deliver a piece to her big brother.  Davis tried to tell her he didn't need the help, but she just didn't seem to want to let go of that responsibility.  Hanna is learning more and more English every day.  It's an amazing process to witness.

Not digging the hat, it didn't stay on long to say the least.

Hanna and her Pop Pop.  He sure is something special to her.

I was fortunate to be able to go on a field trip with Davis while I was off of work, since volunteering isn't really an option when you work full time.  They of course (like the other hundred classes that were there the same day) went to Hillridge Farms.  I think it really made his day that I was able to go with him.  It was special for us to hang out.

The only shot of us together, better than nothing.  We had fun on the hayride- it was taking us to the picnic tables to have our lunch.  I hadn't packed a school lunch in forever.  It was fun!

He had to find just the right pumpkin.  He almost missed his chance he was taking too long to decide.  He is such a cool kid- I love him to pieces.

Interesting Article

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101101/ap_on_re_as/as_china_census

Two Milestones Achieved

Today was Hanna's first day at Primrose.  She wasn't clingy and didn't cry at drop off, but you could tell she had apprehension.  I was very proud of her.  It probably helped that the kids were outside on the playground.  She wanted to play, but didn't want us to leave.  She is my big girl and I can't wait to see her blossom and her language skill improve each week.

After we dropped Hanna off at school, I took Davis to the dentist.   They put a little numbing jelly around the loose tooth and it came right out.  He is excited about his first visit from the tooth fairy.  We certainly are surrounded by blessings and I think we will celebrate today, not sure how yet.

It's my last full week at home.  I am ready to go back to work but leaving the less scheduled routine behind will be bittersweet.  Davis starts his 3 week track out this week, so I am fortunate to spend some one on one time with him before I go back to work next week.

Just thought I would post some older photos of Davis...to remind me how quickly life can pass you by.  Enjoy the moments.

Davis' first Halloween costume

18 months old

5 months old, yes he was a big baby.  

Just a few shots of Hanna that were shared with us from the orphanage director.  These photos are special to us since photos of her first few years are so limited.  

Davis' Debut in Children's Choir & His First Loose Tooth

Davis had his first performance with the children's choir at church last Sunday.  He was on the front row and sang his little heart out.  I was so proud of him!  The Christmas program is the next performance, and that is going to take some practice.

Bottom row, second from the left

He also discovered today that he has his FIRST loose tooth!  He was on cloud nine and can't wait for the tooth fairy visit.  He has been wiggling it all day and immediately asked for an apple to eat for snack.  I have a feeling it will be out by week's end.

Happy 3rd Birthday Hanna

Happy birthday sweet girl!  Friday was Hanna's 3rd Birthday (10/15).  On Saturday we celebrated at home with close friends and family.  She had a full day and seemed to enjoy all the commotion around the house and especially loved the bounce house that we rented.  She LOVED it when we all sang happy birthday to her.  She wasn't sure what the tune was, but she knew it was just for her.  The theme of the party was cupcakes mixed with a princess twist.  I was a wonderful day and the evening ended with a Hanna first.  She pointed to the bed during our bedtime rocking routine to let me know she was ready for bed.  She usually likes to milk the rocking for as long as she can, but even with extra doses of sugar throughout the day, the jumping left her wiped out!

Jump fun with big brother and cousin Micah.  The bounce house was delivered early and they took advantage of the extra play time.  It was perfect to give me time to set up for the party.  

Her amazement at the Happy Birthday song.  It truly was touching because we have no idea how birthdays were celebrated with her if at all.  I have to believe there was some celebration...it breaks my heart to think otherwise.

She wanted to be on Pop Pop's lap while opening presents, and wouldn't open another one until she was in the right position.  It was really special watching her, she also seemed a little overwhelmed with all the gifts.  

Autumn is in the air...and that means pumpkins, mums, state fair, beautiful colors and coats!

I can hardly wait for October each year so I can head up to the attic and get my fall decorating items out.  I enjoy it almost as much as Christmas.  Friday afternoon after Vince got off work, we headed to a pumpkin patch close to the house to make this year's selections.  It's tough getting shots of busy kids, and Davis is at the age where he poses, which don't make the best photos in my opinion.  I prefer the quick grins.  They took their jobs very seriously, and had fun selecting pumpkins for our front porch.  After we were home, we added our tattoos to them and only need some mums to complete the look although I am finding it hard to find healthy looking mums this year.

Smelling the Roses with Hanna

Okay, so we weren't literally smelling roses, but we were enjoying each other's company immensely and the wonderful weather.  We played outside in the backyard on the playset for a solid hour or more.  She was just enjoying my attention, encouragement and laughter and I was giving thanks for all the smiles and the looks that said, "this is really fun".  It's moments like this that warm your soul.  Here are some photos of my sweet girl at play.

IG is 40!

Vince and I had our first night out without the kids, since bringing Hanna home, this past weekend.  Our good friend Ian turned 40 and we celebrated with him. It was a great party.  What better reason is there to ask Oma and Pop Pop to watch the kiddos while we have a little adult fun?  The soiree was catered by 42nd Street Oyster Bar, the NCSU mascot, Mr Wolf , joined us and there were poker and blackjack tables to gamble the night away.  Vince was taking lots of notes and throwing plenty of hints my way.  Happy Birthday IG- here is to another 40 more!