Mentor Day

Brian got to go to Mentor Day today. It is basically a soccer practice where the high school guys and girls play one-on-one with the younger kids. Brian had a blast and was so excited that the guy he was paired up with was also #6 on his team! The little things that are important to Brian! After the practice the high school guys and girls played each other - that was fun to watch! They were all so competitive! The boys won but the girls gave it a good shot!

Sunday Sports

Another close game for the Ravens! I really thought they were going to win this one! Joe was 18/27 with 142 yards, but 2 interceptions. Maybe next week will bring better results!


Brian's soccer game ended in a tie, 3-3. He did score the first goal of the game. It was so neat - he got a break-away and dribbled right up to the goal. He took a split second to aim his shot and kicked it high to the left hand corner - perfect shot!

Brian and his team are improving with each game. They are finally learning to hold their postions a bit better and to pass the ball. It is so great to watch them actually beginning to use what they learn in practice! Go Super Boots!

Five Months Down!

I cannot believe how fast the wait is going. I know it will only get harder from here on. I have heard that after the six month mark that the wait continues to get harder. And then the wait from referral to travel is absolute torture! We are still waiting on our USCIS clearance, but I am not expecting that until about December. Otherwise wait times are holding steady at about a year. So right now it looks like late April to early May at best for a referral. The good news is that, for most families, travel times seem to be a bit quicker lately!

Baby vs Donut

Can you tell who the winner was? Yes, Justin loves donuts, well Justin at least loves to lick the chocolate icing off of the donuts. But, hey, who can blame him?

Yum, donuts!

Did I do that?
Yeah, so what if I have chocolate on my face!
enough pictures lady!

Happy 17 Months Justin!

Wow! I cannot believe my baby is 17 months old! Justin is doing great. He fits in great with our family and has such an easy going personality. I can see glimpses of the terrible twos emerging with a few tantrums here and there. He definitely makes it known when he is not happy! He says a few more words but doesn't use them with any consistency. It seems like he says things when I am least expecting it - and then won't say them again for days or weeks. Right now he can say more, bot-bot (bottle), mom, dad, cup, hat, nose, shoe, milk, no, go, baby, ni-ni (night-night), and ball. There may be a few others, but like I said he doesn't say them often.


Justin is running and kicking a ball while running. I think he dribbles a soccer ball better than some of the kids on Brian's soccer team. He can walk up and down steps while holding onto a railing. He can climb on just about anything. He goes down the slides - even the big ones (gulp) all by himself. And he won't let anyone help him. He loves to throw things - especially matchbox cars. We are trying to end that habit! He loves Elmo and Cookie Monster. He loves music and to dance. He always blows kisses and waves bye-bye! Justin is a great kid - and I always say, well worth the wait!!!

The Fire House

Our town's firehouse had an open house tonight for the kids. There were lots of firetrucks to look at and take pictures next to! They got to climb in an ambulance, try on a neck brace, and get a free band-aid. Free hot dogs, soda, and hot chocolate were enjoyed by all! The boys also got a lot of free stuff - pens, tattoos, notebooks, frisbees, fire hats, balls, pot holders, rubber duckies, stickers and coloring books! They each got a turn to squirt a real fire hose to knock down a fire in a wooden building. Brian went through the smoke house, but Sean opted out this year! It is really neat - a fireman sets off a smoke alarm and teaches the kids how to crawl through the "house", keep low, and check for hot doors etc. Then they have to climb down a ladder to get out.




And of course, every one's favorite part - free Mr. Softee ice cream!

the boys in front of an old fire truckJustin with a smileice cream anyone?Brian squirting the hoseSean's turnJustin in the ambulanceBrian climbing out of the smoke house

Happy 37th Brian!

Happy Birthday to Brian! Wow 37 years old! Aren't you glad I posted that for all to see? The boys said you were really old, like almost 50! Ha, ha, ha!

Happy October!

Can you believe October is here already? I have no idea where September went! The boys are already in a countdown to Halloween - especially Sean. He has been telling me for the past few mornings how many days there are left until he gets free candy! He looks at the calendar and then counts to October 31st - at least I know he is actually listening to something in school! Brian is going to be Joe Flacco, Sean a yellow Clone Trooper, and Justin a bear! I got the bear costume last year from e-bay - it is so cute. Warm but cute, let's hope for a cool Halloween!