Ryan & Derek's first day of school!

Today was Ryan and Derek's first day of school! Ryan is in the 4 yr old preschool program and Derek is in the 3 yr old program. It was a new school for both of them and Derek's first day ever of school. They did great! And to be honest I was holding my breath as I left Derek. He has never done anything by himself and he was very brave. Ryan, as always, did wonderfully. I should have taken a photo of myself too :) It was my "first day" with all three boys in school and I left there with mixed emotions. I am so excited for all 3 of them but it really felt weird that they were all off doing their own thing. Where has the time gone? But heck, it was only 2 1/2 hours that all 3 were in school at once, I could devote that whole time on laundry alone :)

Evan's first day of 1st grade

Got blueberry smoothies?

Oma's Bithday

Today would have been my grandmother's 89 birthday. I called her Oma. That's german for grandmother. But she was so much more than my grandmother. She raised me off and on, but mostly on, from when I was just a few days old. She was the only constant in my life. She passed away last August. Her passing is still very difficult. Outside of the family I have with my husband, she was the only family I had left. I loved her so much and I am so thankful for all the love and care she gave me. I would not have the life I have today with out her. Happy Birthday Oma! I miss you and love you.

Spy Kids

The boys are so into the Spy Kids movies these day. Evan had a friend over and I helped them dress like spies in "trench coats" and dark glasses so that they could be incognito for their secret mission. I gave them their secret file with their mission and they took it very seriously. At one point they even wore fake mustaches and goatees. They were really cute!

Vietnam Adoptions have shut down

As of Sept 1, 2008, the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the US and Vietnam expires and will not be renewed. That means Americans will not longer be able to complete adoptions from Vietnam. This also means that we have not and will not be adopting from Vietnam. So many would be parents and children caught in the cross fire. It is an absolute tragedy.

Birthday Boys!

It has been a very long time since I have posted anything on this blog. It took a special occasion to get me back. This past week Evan and Derek celebrated their 7th and 3rd birthdays! I couldn't be more proud. I also couldn't be more surprised at how quickly time has flown by. The first photo is of the boys blowing out their birthday cake candles at their family birthday party. And the second photo is one I took on the Evan's actual birthday. We went to Longwood Gardens with friends and Evan was heading down a spiral staircase and looked up at me. I snapped the shot. He looked so happy and so relaxed. It was a great day!