May

May has brought many things to light……

            We now have a second grader

            We now have a fourth grader and

            We also have a freshman in college.

   

Our niece Jenny got married on the 18^th………welcome to the family Brian!

Keegan turned 18 on the 27^th.  We had a surprise party for him but from the picture below….I think the little ones were more surprised than he was. 

Surprise!



Hello everyone!

The new adult in our house!

Yummy carrot cake!

Always the big brother!

A family trip to the zoo for the birthday buddies (Keegan - 18, Erika - 2).......

The birthday buddies #1!

The birthday buddies #2!

John, Erika, Caitlyn (great nieces) and Kristina

The Duda Family of Five!

Also in May.......

On the 31st, Keegan graduated from Providence Catholic High School.

What a proud day for all of us.  The graduation was held at the Rialto Square Theater in Joliet.  It is a beautiful old theater and I have been told it is a historical landmark.

 

 

We are proud parents……

His proud grandparents……..

 His proud godfather……..

Kenny's trip to Orlando.......alone!

April also brought........

Kenny’s trip to Orlando for his work (McDonald’s) worldwide convention.   He was gone 10 days and we missed him terribly but he got to meet some really cool people.  

King Julien

The Boss...Ronald himself!

Nascar Racing Driver Jamie McMurray

Woody Woodpecker

and stay in a really nice hotel 

with really great views

Hopefully next time…..we can go with him!!!!

P.S.   On this trip he also got to meet some really special people that our very close to our heart.........

A little catch up......

I know it has been a long time…….but sometimes life just takes over and runs away……

February came and went without much incident other than my birthday and as usual my husband and kids made it very special for me.  It is also my mother in laws's birthday too.  It is always great to celebrate together!

March brought St. Patrick’s Day and a get together with my sister Patti’s kids.   She passed away in 2001 but her birthday is St. Patrick’s Day and we celebrate it every year.  Can’t post any pictures because we are Irish and we know how to drink and eat corned beef and cabbage.  Actually, I know a couple of Russians that put a pretty good dent in the food too!  Enough said….

April brought Easter and again this year we went to my cousin’s Holiday Inn for the family festivities. The kids had a blast swimming and having an Easter egg hunt and doing projects. The Easter Bunny made an appearance again this year.

FRUA Father Frost Celebration

This year we actually went on the correct day......unlike last year when I had the wrong day of the weekend and we missed the party and all the fun.

 

For an ice breaker this year -- they had three puzzles all separated in together in a bag.   As you entered the room everyone got a puzzle piece and you had to find the other people who had the same puzzle as you and be the first group to finish the puzzle.   What a neat idea and the kids love it.

We had a visit from Father Frost and the Snow Maiden also.   All the kids put their shoes out in the hall way and when they returned to get them.....there was a surprise for them.

We all had a good time and it was great to see all the kids and see how much they have grown.  These parties are always so much fun.   Hope to go again next year!

100th day of school

January 30th was the 100th day of school and John had to do a project that reflected 100.  This is what he came up with.....

If you can't tell what they are.....they are dog paw shaped noodles.   He was very excited that he was the only one in first grade to make something with paw shaped noodles.

A gift from Santa.....

Santa gave the kids horseback riding lessons.   (Thanks Groupon!)  

We were not sure if John would do it or not, but he did and liked it. 

Kristina is a natural (not surprising to us....it has to do with animals),

but John doesn't like it when the horse trotts.  He says his butt hurts.

 John on Rodney and Kristina on Joker.

 John on Fred.

 Kristina on Sebastain.

 Kristina on Sebastain.

John on Rodney.

We all went and watched the kids and loved seeing their facial expressions.  Big brother Keegan wanted to know why Santa didn't give him lessons too.   We said maybe because you already know how to ride and because he gave you a new i pod touch.  I guess you could trade if you want to.   He declined.

We are taking a cruise

In July of 2013, we are taking a 4 day Disney Cruise with the Russian Adoption Reunion Group.  As of right now....there are about 30 families signed up to go also.   John & Kristina are excited to go a cruise and an added bonus that they will also get to see Disney characters. Keegan is excited about the unlimited amount of food on a cruise. Kenny and I are probably the most excited.  We will not only get to see families that we met while we were in Russia during our adoption trips but also have the opportunity to meet some of our blogger friends that continue to be so very helpful before, during and after our adoption.  We can't wait for July 2013!  

Anyone interested in this trip can get more information by joining facebook and requesting admission to the group; Russian Adoption Reunion Cruise 2013, or by calling the travel agent the entire group is working with...Jim Cassidy at 800-427-8473 (X7898).  The more people that book through Jim the better benefits the group will get...The sooner you book the better the price and keep in mind that the deposit and any other monies paid are fully refundable up til May of 2013.  Please Join our group for this trip!