Dog Games

I was making dinner in the kitchen and as usual, Roc was camped out in the doorway waiting for me to drop some food. Justin had been carrying around the GameBoy and dropped it while stepping over the dog. I landed right side up, and in between Roc's paws! It looked as if he was playing video games! Go Roc!

Yea for Brian!

Brian made the 8-yr. old All-Star team for baseball! He is beyond excited and we are so very proud of him. Tournament play should be interesting and I guess we are now adding another month onto the baseball season!

Slippin' and Slidin'

The boys and their friends had a great time on the Slip and Slide today. They were both so tired that night - and sore the next day! Brian woke up and didn't know why his hips and belly were sore. Maybe because he slid across the yard for over an hour? Our grass on the other hand turned into a mud pile! But it was worth the fun they had!

Sean

Sean Brian Brian

Great Flowers

I saw these flowers in a neighbor's yard tonight. They are on their way out, but the color was so pretty!

Nothing New

I broke down and called our adoption agency today. Not good news. In the past when I have called, I was told there was a bit of movement for those waiting for referrals of healthy girls. My last call was almost three weeks ago. And we have not moved up the list at all since then.

When we applied the wait for a girl was about 10-12 months. We have one week left until we hit 14 months of officially waiting. I know there is nothing we can do but wait, but when you go past what was expected, well that is downright awful!

I know our agency, or any other for that manner, cannot predict the future, but it feels like the closer we get to when we expected a referral, the farther away we still are. If things don't get moving soon, we may be looking into July, or even August (gasp) for a call. Which is not too bad, but we had our hearts set on April/May. So, waiting for months longer is just torture!

Soccer Tryouts

Brian had soccer tryouts for the under nine (U-9) team tonight. And of course it was the first day above 85 degrees in a month! He did really well and we hope he makes the team. There were about 18-20 kids in his age group and only 14 can make the team. He should get a phone call soon....

Nursery Ideas

I found a sheet a few days ago that I think will be the inspiration for Kathryn's room. I have changed my mind, um, well, about a few hundred times, and I think that is because I never really had a theme that I loved. I have liked a few ideas, but nothing just hit me. Until this! I am so excited!!!!

My mom and I went to look at paint samples and we will have to decide on the carpet too! At least the huge room transformation will keep me busy from referral to travel!

the sheet

pink 3 walls and brown 1 wall
accent colors to do rings and circles
on the brown wall

Justin Speaks

Over the last few weeks, Justin's vocabulary has been slowly, and steadily, increasing. It is about time! The kid was really starting to worry me! He now puts two words together and is adding new words daily! Of course, the down side is that he has become much more opinionated at the same time! Lately I have gotten, "milk, now", "no bed" , and "stop it Sean-y" He is too much!

I did finally get in touch with early intervention for his speech - or lack there of - and they are sending someone out to evaluate him on July 10th. It was their first available appointment! I think he is doing better and adding words, but I still don't understand much of what he says. Even if he doesn't qualify, they may be able to give me some tips for how to work with him myself.

Swim Lessons

Sean started swim lessons today - he had a great time! Luckily our pool has a playground so that Justin and Sean could be entertained for the hour that Sean was in the pool! Swim lessons will run for two weeks - hope the weather holds!

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads and Dads-to-be!!!

This will be Brian's last Father's Day with three kids - and next year will be his first with a daughter!!!!

Bubbles!!!

If you live in NJ - or near NJ - you will understand when I say the boys were glad to get outside after dinner without getting wet! We did get a late afternoon shower, but that made it perfect for bubble blowing! The bubbles did not pop when they hit the driveway or the grass! Justin was squealing with delight! And it made for some neat pictures too!

School's Out!!!

Today was the boys' last day of school! I cannot believe how fast this year has gone! And that in a few short months my first baby will be a third grader! He got to meet his new teacher and see his classroom for next year! The funny thing is that his teacher is the wife of my fifth grade teacher and she was our lunch aide when I was in grade school! Brian doesn't go to the same grade school that I do, but the two schools are very close and in the same district.

My middle guy will be in Kindergarten in the fall! He will be six at the end of August! Yikes! It will be nice to have them both in the same school next year - nice for them and easier for me to manage drop-offs and pick-ups!

Sean's pre-K class had a party at a local picnic this morning. They served hot dogs at 10am, but the kids didn't care! The water ice that followed seemed much better to the adults! And the cupcakes from the local bakery - YUM!

Sean on the playground

Justin smiling about his first bite
Sean and his friend L Sean eating watermelonJustin unsure about his hot dog

Breakfast with Friends

A few friends from Brian's class got together for an end of the school year breakfast. The mom who hosted it only lives a few houses from school, so it was perfect for the kids to all walk together. Well, perfect except for the rain! The kids had bagels and donut holes and juice. They signed year books and then were off to school.

After the kids went into school, the moms and one dad, went back to enjoy homemade sticky buns and coffee! We sat and talked for over an hour. It was really nice to just sit and sip coffee with friends!

End of Year Party

Brian's class had their end of the year picnic today. The room mothers brought juice and pizza and then the kids played a few games. But, the highlight of the day was when the ice cream truck came! They spotted it around the corner and went nuts! Every kid was screaming for ice cream!Even Justin was excited!

the ice cream truck was spotted!

waiting in lineBrian's coneJustin's cone

Game Day!

Brian's whole school had game day today. They divide all the students onto different colored teams and they compete in different kinds of relay races! In the pictures below Brian is in yellow!

sack race

ball race
running to the finish going thru a hoopthe hurdle

Ride 'Em Doggie

I was so surprised that Roc put up with Justin sitting on him! Roc is very good with the kids, bust usually runs when they try to ride him. I don't know if he was feeling generous tonight or just to tired to get up! Justin sure had a ball while it lasted though!

Justin getting on Roc

tough guyRoc has had enough..Justin giving Roc a snackbus ride!