Lona's First Buddy Walk

We had a great time at our first Buddy Walk and we were honored to help represent Reece's Rainbow.








Lona played a little soccer and baseball.




She had so much fun running the bases!




Lona made some new friends.




You wouldn't believe some of the stories they were telling.




Who is this cute girl?




Hey, it's me?




Lona met a lot of really nice volunteers from the National Charity League.




And had lots of Bounce House fun!!!

Pumpkin Patch Fun!!!

Lona had her first field trip today to Tanaka Farms! She had such a great time, and enjoyed everything from picking out the perfect pumpkin...




...to the wagon ride...




... to the petting zoo!




Lona was so glad to see her little four-legged friends.





Yes, she is brushing the goat.




Then it was time for picking vegetables (onions, carrots, and radishes),




and a run through the corn maze.



I am so glad she had such a great day today!

See Ya Summer!

Thanks for the fun!

Lona went to Camp TECHie this summer at TASK (Team of Advocates for Special Kids) and had a great time. The goal of Camp Techie is to help reinforce social skills, academic skills, and gross and fine motor skills with the use of assistive technology (computers, iPads, and Wii), arts and crafts projects, and group activities.




Making new friends.




We went to the San Diego Zoo and unfortunately were only able to see the goats in the petting zoo before we had to leave. We just hate it when one of our backs go out. I'm glad that Lona was able to enjoy her visit, however brief it may have been.

Who knew goats were just the right size to do this?




And this.




And this.




Hey, are you paying attention?




We made up for it with some yummy pizza with Daddy overlooking San Diego Bay.




Lona enjoyed the Orange County Fair and getting to see all kinds of creatures, both big...




... and small




and everyone in between.




They were sharing a moment.




Her first pony ride was a huge hit. Lona loved it and did not want to get off,




and the funnel cake disappeared in record time.




Girls night out. Lona thoroughly enjoyed her first trip to the Hollywood Bowl. Every year we see John Williams conducting the Los Angeles Philharmonic and like a true Swerdfeger, she loved the music.




Wow! So much fun in just one summer! Next up... preschool!!!

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!

Take Me Out to the Ballgame!!!

Alyona has finally experienced America's favorite pastime. Friday night, our family was able to go to a baseball game and enjoy watching the Padres play. Lona looked so cute in her Padres jersey. Oh, and she really loved the playground they have at Petco Park.




Sisters are very good for teaching Lona all things baseball, such as rooting for the home team (Go Padres!), as well as experiencing yummy things such as peanuts and Cracker Jack.




Lona had such a great time hanging out with her daddy.




Everyone has such busy schedules, it was great to be able to all be together and I can't wait until we can do it again!

Lona

Look who does not need her pants rolled up anymore!
Alyona has been busy GROWING (she has grown two inches!).




Kira found even more Masha and the Bear videos for Lona on iTunes, so they checked out the new episodes together.




Kira was making a snack and Lona kept cruising by for samples.




Bella noticed Lona was getting lots of yummy treats, so she thought she would give it a try.




We had another birthday in the family. This time it was Brian's birthday...




which only can mean one thing... well two. Chocolate cake and Grandpa!




Brian thought it would be fun to celebrate his birthday by taking Lona on her first trip to Disneyland.




You can tell she is not too sure what to expect on the carousel.




Lona is so funny, she liked it so much she did not want to get off.




Kelsey thought a spin on the Teacups would be a good idea. Again, the face says, "I'm not sure about this".




Oh my, Lona loved the Teacups!




Lona has been to her first real tea party and she was the guest of honor! The young ladies who held a bake sale to help with our fundraising to bring Alyona home, invited her to attend their annual tea party. They loved getting the chance to meet her!




The leader gave Alyona a Busy Bible. It is the cutest thing and she just loves it!




Kelsey decided Lona needed her first visit to Sea World. After looking at the sharks and penguins it was off to the Wild Arctic to see...




polar bears, beluga whales, and walruses.




I couldn't get over how much she LOVED the Shamu show.




After one of her doctor's appointments, we decided to go back to Disneyland. That is the beauty of living only 22 miles away.




Lona loved the carousel.




I love her dimples.




Lona loves spinning on the Teacups more than the carousel!




What a great face!




She was having such a great time I thought it would be a good idea to introduce her to Mickey! I just love how her arm is draped over his hand.




We also had the pleasure of seeing Kelsey sing with her choir. It was nice to finally have Lona get to see her perform since we are driving her to rehearsal all the time.




With the unseasonably warm weather, I thought we should head back to the beach for Lona's first picnic.




You can tell that she was much more excited about getting her feet in the ocean than eating. I can't believe how long her hair is getting.




Needless to say we have been busy, but we are all having a great time!