Trains, and Horses, and Creeks, Oh My!

On Memorial Day, Deb took us to an amazing park that had an old fashioned steam train, a carasel, and a babbling creek. After riding on the train, going on the carasel, and eating a delicious picnic, the girls spent the entire afternoon playing with their trucks in the creek. They made "rock soup", had races through the water, and loved balancing as they crossed from one side of the creek to the other.

The Monster Truck Show

We all had an amazing time watching Maya and Galina play with their new toy trucks. They each sat on one side of the living room while the adults took turns announcing the opposing sides. "In this corner, just 2 1/2 years old sporting her new monster blue truck.....it's the beautiful Maya! and in this corner, we have the experienced beautiful blonde truck driver....Galina!" The girls absolutely loved the game and must have played and laughed for more than an hour. By the way, Maya imitated every singe motion, sound, and gesture that Galina did.

Congrats Auntie Debbie!

Today, Auntie Debbie gratuated from St. Mary's College of California with a bachelor's degree in nursing. We were thrilled to be able to watch Deb walk onto the stage and receive her "pseudo" diploma (the real one comes in the mail). After the ceremony, Rick, Nanny, and their friends Paul and Linda threw a great party at Rick and Deb's house. We even got to finish the night around a good ole campfire. We're so proud of you Auntie Debbie...Aaaaaaaaaaa Good Job. Good Good Good uhhhh!

California Here We Come!

Today we arrived in California to visit Deb and Rick. Maya immediately fell in love with Georgie (the cat). We can't wait to see Deb graduate from nursing school tomorrow.

Happy Referral Anniversary!

Two years ago today, we received the life-changing phone call letting us know that we had a daughter. On this special day, we saw Maya's picture for the very first time.

Each year on her referral anniversary, Maya gets her photo taken holding her referral picture. The first image is Maya's original referral photo. The second was taken last year on May 23rd, and the remaining photos were taken today in celebration of such a special day. Maya wanted to hear all about the "baby Maya story" at bedtime tonight.

We feel so lucky to have the privilege of being Maya's parents.

Where does the time go!

Just Thinking...

Let's Go Daddy!

Happy Day to Mommy!

...............................................................................................................................................................................Today, I had the best Mother's day ever!

Maya sang "Happy Day to Mommy" many times today which was really sweet.

We spent Saturday and most of today at my parents' cottage in Michigan. Maya learned to drive the pontoon boat and loved moving the throttle up and down to make the boat go faster or slower. For mother's day, Maya made me a beautiful beaded bracelet with her name and birthstone. I think Dominic will be having nightmares for many days to come about the bracelet-making experience, so be sure to ask him about it next time you see him. I also got a foot spa which Maya absolutely loves. She gives me a 2 second turn and then takes a 2 minute turn. Maya couldn't wait to get home to ride her "new bike"that she just got on Saturday morning. She is already riding with so much confidence and is now pedaling around the entire block (with Mommy closely trailing behind).

We hope that all of you moms out there had a great Mother's Day.

Thanks to my husband and daughter, I definately did!

The Moscow Circus Comes to Town!

Today, we went to the Moscow Circus with our friends Cathy and Eric. We got to see great acrobats, crazy clowns, and two surprise guests...Dora and Sponge Bob. I think Maya enjoyed playing with her balloon and dancing with her friend Eric the most.