Look Who is Seven!!

Its hard to believe but the beautiful Deiana is now 7 years old. We celebrated with a family BBQ and many nice gifts. Her trampoline was her gift from us, but she got many more nice gifts.

She specifically requested a cake with a rainbow.

Happy Birthday sweet girl, we love you.

Soccer Girl

Deiana is in her second year of soccer and having a great time. She is playing with girls one year older but she has no trouble keeping up. She is actually pretty aggressive but so are several other girls! We have easily won our first two games. The first game was against a boys team! Here are several pictures, none too great, but you can spot the girl with the pigtails. Hopefully the weather will be dry because Deiana still does not like to get wet in the rain, left over from her Ukraine days! Go Grasshoppers!

First Day of School

Tuesday was the first day of first grade! Deiana was very excited and just a little nervous. She has been talking about missing her friends and teacher from kindergarten lately. This year she is in a different school with only a couple friends from kindergarten. We have to get up much earlier than we ever have, so this will be an adjustment. The bus will pick her up and drop her off right in front of our house. When I took her to school the first thing she asked her teacher was "will we have any homework?"

She came home happy but did say she liked her kindergarten teacher better because she was more fun. She said "my new teacher is nice but not so much fun, she likes books too much". I had to break the news to her that school can be fun but the purpose of school is to learn. Tough lesson, life isn't just about socializing and having fun!

Beach Trip: Bike Riding

We spent one day on our beach trip bike riding. It was a beautiful, warm in the sun, cool in the shade day. The we were at Fort Stevens Park, which has many bike trails. Deiana has had limited bike riding experience, but she does quite well. She just needs some work on hills and stopping. We rode for a couple hours without stopping. On her little bike she has to peddle at least twice as fast as we do, but its only fair since she has twice as much energy....at least.

The end of another fun and relaxing beach trip. Now back to school!

Beach Trip: Horseback Riding

We had a great time horseback riding during our beach trip. Deiana got her own horse and loved it! She was asking a ton of questions before we left, and talked and talked during the entire hour excursion. I did confess to one person that only two years ago she was non-verbal, and Russian was her first language, so its hard to tell her to stop talking now. There was another little girl about 8 or 9 on the trip who did not say one word the whole time.....I can't imagine.
I forgot my camera this day, but met a very nice young woman from Seattle who offered to take pictures and email them to me. Here they are and they are great!

One horse rolled over and its rider had to jump, and another horse hopped around and threw a woman off. But no one was hurt! Deiana had a great time and was unfazed by the excitement.

Beach Trip: On the Beach

We had several days of great weather during our beach trip this year. We were in the ocean in our swimsuits, which does not happen too often on the Oregon coast.

Deiana loves to run and cartwheel on the beach. Rosie and Becky like to join in. Rosie loves the water and is a great fetcher, but Becky is afraid of the water and barely gets her feet wet.

The little dogs usually stay at the house, cause 4 dogs on the beach is a lot to handle!

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.