Late Summer Update

We have been have a fun summer, but the highlight was our new boat! We've talked about getting a boat for years, and finally took the plunge. Jeremy is very happy about it, and working on his wakeboard tricks.
We've just been figuring out how to operate it! It will make for some great family time.

Deiana has been busy with gymnastics and soccer. Twice a week for each, helps to use up all that energy. We are going to have one more trip to the beach and the summer will be over!!

The Beautiful Deiana

After literally a year of procrastination we have finally decided to officially change the spelling of "the girl's" name to Deiana. From here on out she will be referred to as Deiana.
Yes it is unusual, but hopefully it will inspire people to pronounce it correctly. Spelled "Deanna" it was pronounced wrong 100% of the time, even by people who know her. When in Ukraine we had about 20 minutes to pick the spelling, and we didn't think of anything creative. I've been frustrated with it ever since. The Ukrainian translation is Diana, which is another name altogether. Deiana herself was frustrated and said "why does everyone call me Deanna?" Simple answer, thats how its spelled! I got the spelling "Deiana" from another adoptive mom with the same dilemma. So...a beautiful name for a beautiful girl. Enough said!

Trampoline!!!

We bought an awesome trampoline for Deanna, for an early birthday present.
It is square, and quite heavy duty, with safety netting built in.
Being a gymnast, she loves it. She was doing back flips on the first day (she could already do front flips)

Jeremy and Jordan joined in the fun. They are still bummed that they didn't get one when they were little. Jeremy perfected his flips too. It is great exercise.

Mom still has some moves too!

Camping 2010

We recently returned from our annual camping trip with our friends. This was Deanna's third year so she know all about it.

She loves the water and is always up for a boat ride or tubing trip.

She is pretty fearless for a 6 year old (who is not a great swimmer).

She is the only young one in the group, but the older kids are very nice, and she loves them!

She also loves the wave runners! Dad does too.

Our friend Jeff is also very kind to our high energy girl, and took her on long and fun rides. Thanks to him and all of our friends for a great time!

50th Anniversary

This June we helped my parents celebrate their 50th Wedding Anniversary!

Jeremy and Jordan love to have their picture taken!

We had a party for family and friends.

The turnout was great and I think it was a big success.

Happy Anniversary Mimi and Grampa, we love you!

Deanna entertained herself at the party as she was the only one under 21. I gave her my camera and she took lots of good pictures. Here are just a few.

New Portraits

I had some pictures of Deanna taken for father's day. I didn't realize how much she has changed since she last had her pictures taken! Here are a sample of them!

Softball Season Over

After an extremely rainy spring we finally had enough make up games to call it a season. Deanna had a great time playing softball and socializing with the girls. My friend Debbie made it to a game and took these awesome pictures!

Deanna is actually a good hitter! Her form may need some work, but when you're hitting why mess with it.

Never to serious to wave to the fans.

Never too serious to have some fun, and can't resist doing cartwheels (with the glove on)!

Baby Girl

On a whim, I contacted an American organization that does surgeries on children around the world with cleft lip and palate, and they work in the region of Ukraine where Deanna is from. I had seen some before and after pictures on a website and wondered if any existed of Deanna. This wonderful doctor took the time to locate her file and send me a picture. While it is not a baby picture it is the youngest picture we have of her. This was taken when they were going to repair her palate, but she had an abnormal lab test so the surgery was cancelled. I don't know if any pictures exist when she was a baby, but for now we are thrilled to see this.

The Graduate

Last night we celebrated Deanna's Kindergarten Graduation. It was a fun event complete with pomp and circumstance, cap and gown and diplomas. Mimi and Grampa as well as Aunt Susie joined us (the brothers could not be persuaded)
This was a bittersweet event for Deanna, as she realizes she will not see her teachers or friends every day. Also the kids will be going to various schools next year and there are only three girls that will be going to her school next year, and this does not include her best friend. The kids all got an awesome memory book, with photos of all the activities of the past year. When we got home Deanna was looking at the pictures and crying. We tried to reassure her that she would make plenty of friends next year.
We are very proud of her, she has gone from a little child that could not speak and did not know English, to a beautiful young girl who can talk, sing (sort of), and even read and write!
Truly the most beautiful girl there.

Rain, Rain Go Away

Deanna is playing softball this year. Last year she played T-Ball with boys in little league so this year we switched to girls softball. She is the youngest one on the team, but keeping up with the others, and can often be seen doing cartwheels on the field.

Unfortunately our weather has been horrible this year and most of our games have been rained out. However in my opinion being rained out is better than watching a game in the cold rain and having a muddy kid to take home! School will be out next week and we have not yet worn spring clothes!

We continue with our other activities, mainly gymnastics and speech therapy. Those are going well.

Maybe when the rain stops I can get some more softball pictures.

There is always time to love on a dog around here. With 3 (plus Becky) there are plenty to go around.

New Boss in Town

Presenting our newest addition, Baby Josie!






She is a 1 pound 4 ounce bundle of joy. While very tiny, quiet and shakey, in true chihuahua fashion she has let the other dogs know that she is the boss.
While I knew I would someday get another chihuahua after my beloved Tia died, I hadn't planned on getting one so soon. When I found out about little Josie she seemed perfect....and I think she is.
Guess we're just a bunch of dog lovers!