It's Picnic Time

If anyone was wondering, Lona loves picnics. We attended two picnics this summer and she had the BEST TIME EVER!!! The first picnic was the Down Syndrome Association of Orange County's Annual Summer Family Picnic. The other picnic was for Nightlight Christian Adoptions Summer Reunion Picnic. Nightlight had sponsored a group of children ages 9-14 from a detsky dom (children's home) in Ukraine this summer and they performed traditional Ukrainian folk songs and dances at the picnic as well as various local churches and even Disneyland.


Here are a few of the many fun picnic firsts:
- Water balloon toss






- Limbo






- Hula hoops



You start like this.




::: SIGH::: Those big kids made this look so easy!




- Water Games










- Bounce House



Bounce house again... after water games



Whew! That's a lot of fun and we can't wait to do it all again next year!

Beat the Heat

Last week when we went to the beach the waves were too big and except for getting our feet wet, we were not able to go in the water. Let's just say that Lona was not happy. Today, I decided it we should head over to Newport Dunes and enjoy the bay.




She was so silly. Every time I would hand her a shell, she would immediately throw it into the water.




Lona had a great time.




We also squeezed in a haircut. I can't believe how long her hair has gotten.
Before




After

Let the Swim Lessons Begin

Lona had her first swim lesson today. I have been taking her to the pool to get her used to it and thankfully she loves the water. I was so excited for her to finally start her lessons.

Meeting Miss Sally




Practicing blowing bubbles.



Trying the noodle out.



Practicing her kicking.




Look at those good little kickers.




Back float (aka starfish)

Happy 4th of July!!!

Brian and the girls are out of town this week, so Alyona and I celebrated Independence Day with American traditions. Family BBQ last night with Lona's aunt and uncles and her first parade today.




Who knew that there were so many DeLoreans there was enough to form a club?




Lona is convinced my sisters dogs are horses. I guess that is what we get for having a chihuahua. I'm glad we got to see horses in the parade so she could see the difference.




Her first firetruck up close.




I am thankful for the gal who took our picture together.



At the parade a lady came up to me and showed me a picture of her daughter (with a little something extra) when she was Lona's age. They looked like the could be sisters! We had a good long chat talking about the adoption and she gave me lots of practical advice.

My poor girls. They look like the are missing me so very much. I hope they can try to have a little bit of fun without me. Haha!

Lona the Fashion Model?

Alyona was first spotted outside of Häagen-Dazs in Downtown Disney. She was wearing a cute purple top with denim shorts.




Lona was next spotted waiting in line for Flik's Flyers in a pink and peach floral sundress. Very cute, her pink sunglasses accessorized her outfit nicely.




Lona was then spotted in the Princess Dot Puddle Park. She and the sundress were both completely soaked to the bone (you are going to have to trust me on this one) and due to the heat, I was just a tiny bit jealous.

She was loving on a new friend, Arrow, a psychiatric service dog.




Lona was spotted on the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail in outfit number three. The Mickey inspired madras sundress was very cute and a nice way to end the day at the Happiest Place on Earth!



"Three Outfit Kind of Days" happen.

6 MONTHS HOME ! ! !

It is amazing to think that Alyona has been home with our family for 6 months! It has gone by so quickly and she has learned and experienced so much. Lona is such a sweetheart and she has fit into our family beautifully. It has been fun to be able to watch her and discover some of her favorite things, such as...

The Beach




Water play time




Easter baskets, easter eggs, and yummies.
Yes, that is Christmas wrapping paper in the background.




Bubbles



Just look at that face. Too cute!




Eating out at restaurants. Mmmm, Rockin' Baja.
Lona will have a Baja Bucket, please.




Enjoying a baseball game with Daddy.




... and with her baby.




Watching the fish at the pet store.



and the birds too!




Lona especially loves when I get distracted and she decides to serve herself seconds.




KELSEY'S BACCALAUREATE




During the Baccalaureate, Lona was busy lap-hopping between Grandpa and the uncles and aunts. She didn't want anyone to feel left out.




KELSEY'S GRADUATION
Congratulations Kelsey!



Sisters!




Hanging out with Daddy and Grandpa!




DISNEY'S CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE
It was our first time in A Bug's Land. Lona took me on Heimlich's Chew Chew Train, Flik's Flyers, and Ladybug Boogie, but she had the most fun at Princess Dot Puddle Park. She got completely drenched and loved every minute of it!




FATHER'S DAY
Lona loves Grandpa and going to eat out at Islands. Mmmm, she highly recommends their Hawaiian Burger.




And spending the day swimming with Papa and Kelsey. Lona tried jumping into the pool. Ok, I had to help her, but she loved it! She kept climbing out so she could do it again and again!




Lona really loves the pool.




I know where we will be spending most of our time this summer.





PLAYING IN (WITH) THE SPRINKLERS
I turned on the hose for Lona to play in.




Kelsey decided that Lona needed a lesson on how to run through the sprinklers. What a good big sister.




TECH CENTER AT TASK (Team of Advocates for Special Kids)
Lona was able to try out different computer software...




and different keyboards.




Some keyboards were a lot more fun than others.




Hello, this Lona. How may I help you?




FISHFEST 2011
Our family loves music and we enjoy when we are able to take in a concert where we get to see several of our favorite artists. This year we were looking forward to seeing David Crowder Band, Third Day, and Mercy Me.




In between the performances, Lona would take out the iPad and work on her colors, shapes, and numbers (Preschool Prep Co.).




Lona was so cute! She had such a great time dancing to the music, waving to all of the people, and fist bumping anyone within reach.




I love my girls!!!



I can't wait to see what the next 6 months have in store for us!