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!

First JANA Concert ! ! !

Oh... my! This face doesn't even begin to tell you how much fun Alyona had at the Jana Alayra concert. We headed out to Temecula to see Jana (and Ella) for a night of music and fun.




The four-year olds were the first group that were able to join Jana up on stage. I must admit, at first Lona wasn't sure what she signed up for.




But once Jana started singing and doing the motions, Lona knew exactly what to do. Lona definitely rocked "Absolutely Nothing!"




Lona was so excited to get to meet Jana after the concert!



When Brian travels I put in Jana's video for her. Lona gets so happy to see her Papa playing guitar. My older girls loved Jana when they were Lona's age and I am so happy that Jana is still going strong. Thanks Jana for all you do!