Friday night we were able to meet up with a large group of families.  We had dinner at a fried fish house and then Oksana Vitaly and I fell fast asleep by nine oclock, while Nik and Larry went for a late night swim.  Saturday we go up early and went to the beach.  Oksana got to meet seagulls for the first time and drink salt water.   We spent the rest of the day poolside.  That evening we went to the state park for a picnic and pictures and lotof stories and fun.  Returning tod the hotel, Oksana and I went straight to bed, while the boys swam with their new friends.  This morning we had a group buffet breakfast and the kids swam to get rid of some energy before the long trek home.  Of course the drive out of MB was bumper to bumper and so we have had a very late start.  

Still, the trip was relaxing and fun for the kids.  I forgot my camera Saturday night, so unfortunately I did not get many pics of all of the kids.  But I will download what I have probably in the next posting. 

Well we made it to Myrtle Beach.  I actually enjoyed the drive maybe because we didn't have to drive straight through.  The Great Smokies TN-NC was beautiful, but I can't even imagine what that interstate is like when it snows!!!  

 

Total "when are we going to get there?" count- 23

Total "are we there yet?" count-8

 

Our resort is a step back into the seventies-LOL.  $150.00 per night doesn't go very far anymore!  

 

Oksana LOVED the ocean.  Walking down the beach with my three babies and DH almost brought me to tears.  It was so fun to see the excitement as the kids played and picked up shells and left their footprints in the sand. 

 

Today we are going to meet other UA adoptees.  Some are friends from before and others are friends to be.  I enjoy these reunions, especially because we all share a bond that others that have not been there do not understand.  We are families built on adoption and families that take pride in the country of Ukraine.  It is a special bond!  

Well our first day of vacation started with Oksana falling right on her nose and causing a bloody mess/gash.  Of course this was one minute prior to leaving the house!  After everyone was cleaned up and clothes soaked, we were on our way.  We proceeded to drive about five hours, before the kids had MAJOR breakdowns around the board!  It was almost unbearable the constant whining and fighting. 

Thank Goodness it is Friday!  It has been a long week at work and just one more work day (monday) and then we are going on vacation!!

 

This will be my first vacation, with Oksana, since we did not take one last year (Unless traveling to Ukraine to adopt is considered a vacation- (ha ha) 

 

Anyway we are going to attend the Ukrainian Angels Reunion in Myrtle Beach.  They are always a lot of fun.  So many cute kids and fun parents.  We always look forward to them.  The kids are excited to have lots and lots of pool time.   I plan on doing NOTHING.   Anyone have a great easy summer read they recommend? 

 

If anyone is in the MB area and would like to connect there- just let me know.

 

Have a great weekend!

 

Finally after four Audiology evaluations at the Childrens Medical Center with four different results, Oksana has tested negative for any hearing loss!  She is NORMAL in all levels!  YEAH!  My baby girl can hear just fine! 

 

On a sadder note today, I attended my SIL's mothers funeral. 

I do not go to funerals.  I went to my grandmothers and mothers and then my MIL.  But, suddenly reality it is hitting me.  We are getting older.  The parents of our friends/relatives will begin to pass.  We cannot stop what God controls.  I am sad that my SIL's heart is broken.  I am sad that my nieces have lost their only blood grandmother.  I am sad that she died suddenly and noone said goodbye.

 

 

 

And now for your viewing pleasure some photos of cute kids....

 

Some photos from a Dayton Dragons game

Some photos from a graduation party at Uncle Mark and Aunt Rah's house/hottub

Some backyard fun

A hike in the woods

and some 4th of July fireworks

 

A few catch up notes:

 

Oksana can pump her legs and swing herself.  It is very cute (and very above her age-she is only two)!

 

Oksana loves swimming we took her to a local childrens waterpark made especially for the toddler and little kids crowd and she was swimming underwater and having a blast!  Of course mom was terrified but gave her room to try. 

 

Nikolai and Vitaly are awesome ball players! 

 

Although we did not go to see fireworks, we made room for backyard sparklers which are just as good in my opinion.  Especially with a yummy rootbeer float to eat beforehand.  The kids loved playing with sparklers. Yes Oksana had her own-bad mommy!! 

 

We went to a state park to hike and play on the fourth and to get ice cream, but unfortunately just as we made it to the van a big storm blew in so we nixed the ice cream.  I did add a cool picture of a flock of buzzards gathering right before the storm (I found it interesting at least - the animal lover I am)

 

Also Oksana qualified for preschool services for her speech delay.  She scored so well in all of the tests besides speech, I thought she might not qualify.  She barely qualified even after testing but luckily for me she decided on test day she did not want to cooperate, so instead of naming her colors and body parts correctly she acted like she didnt know them.  ( of course she loves colors and knows lots of them and can sign the main ones on cue).  She also knows her body parts but couldnt even find her nose when asked- LOL.  Luckily all of these factors got her the services--YES!!!  Way to be stubborn and get into preschool for free- that is my girl saving your money for shoes instead!  Which brings me to another thing..

 

Oksana is growing very tall and very fast.  She is already out of a size eight shoe and is wearing 3t-4t tops easily (but only size 2t pants due to her tiny waist and legs).  Still she is only two after all.  I think she is going to be very tall.  Anyone have comparisons?  I am under five feet so I am not a good judge but if you look at the pictures Nik and here are close in size (PS he is 6.3 years BTW).

 

Enjoy...