My celebrity look-a-like!

Someone from my Yahoo DTC group told us about this face recognition site. I tried it out and here are the results. I didn't know this girl but she is apparently from the TV show "Lizzy Maguire". Aside from similar facial patterns we also are both of filipino heritage. Maybe we do look a little alike? :) Check and see who you look like
www.myheritage.com

Barrier Adoption Video Journal (part 2)

I had this video on our blog before but I was having some technical difficulties and had to delete it. Here it is again. I think I got it right this time. This family did a great job putting together this video of their trip to China to adopt their daughter. Recently I received an email from a woman that saw this video on our blog only to realize that the orphanage they were showing was the same orphanage where her twin daughters had lived. It meant a lot for her to see the orphanage. I think she had some photos but not as many as these people were able to get. I can't imagine going through this adoption process without the internet. It has been a lifeline for us in providing us with important information and connecting us to so many others that have adopted or are in the process of adopting. Plus when it all seems so far away I can go to youtube and see all these amazing videos. It has been wonderful!

Cuteness

I know the problem. You make too many expressions!

Years ago, before we had children we used to travel a lot. On one trip, we were in Belize and went on a day trip to go snorkeling with sharks and sting rays. Frankly, I am still shocked that I did it because Jaws somewhat ruined me for open waters. Anyway, when we got into the water Dave was having trouble with his snorkel mask. Every time he went under water the seal would break and let water in and impair his vision. We figured he had a bum mask and so he swapped with the instructor but it was still happening. So the instructor told him to put his mask on and he would watch Dave go under water and see what was happening. They went under and then came up. The instructor proclaimed, "I know what the problem is. You make too many expressions!" At first we were very confused, so I went under and watched Dave too. Sure enough the instructor was right! Every time Dave went under water his eyebrows would go straight up with a look of surprise and this would break the seal on his mask and water would get in. Years later he has passed his many assorted facial expressions as well as his very expressive eyebrows to our boys. I took these photos of Derek today all with in a few seconds. Lets hope he doesn't wasn't to be a snorkel guide one day! :)

Play Date and Lunch

Sometime this summer after we officially started our adoption process, I bought I really huge double burner skillet at Target. For newly found superstitious reasons I wasn't allowing myself to purchase anything for our future little one. However I was allowing myself to purchase things under the premise of having a large family one day. This skillet fell into this category. Every time I break it out it makes me happy :) Today Evan's friend Greta came over for a play date and lunch. The kids requested grilled cheese. Grilled cheese for 4 took up the whole pan and two burners! I am prepared to cook in mass quantities for all my hungry kids. Just look how hungry Derek is with his mouth wide open waiting to be fed like a little bird ;)

The kids also played a lot of Club Penguin. I have a feeling club penguin will be mentioned in several of my blog postings so I won't go into all the specifics here but needless to say, we play a lot of it and the boys give me assignments to earn virtual coins for them when they are sleeping. I am 37 years old and up late playing children's games wondering if I am playing against an 8 year old or a 40 something? If they are good, I assume they are young If they are not good, I assume I am playing against another parent! Ha! ;)

Today is our 2 Month Anniversary!

As of today it has been 2 months since we have been officially logged in with the CCAA. 2 months down, how many more to go? Latest guestimates are 24 months from LID to refferal but there are rumors of a speed up :) I am keeping my fingers crossed that we can bring our sweet child home sooner than later. We love her already!

Special Friend Day

They had "Special Friend Day" at Evan's school this week. Each child is allowed to invite a special friend or relative to school that day. Evan brought his Aunt Susan! I know Evan was so thrilled that she could make it! Susan came over ahead of time to visit with Ryan and me as well. Later when we had to leave for tennis lessons, Ryan told me he'd rather go to his Aunt Susan's house. I guess he wanted his special friend time with her too :) A big thanks to Aunt Susan from all of us! XO