Playing catch-up

I've got tons of pics from June to post so the next few posts will feature a little bit of everything!




The first four pics are of Isabella and me at a Cinco De Mayo party at our friend Krissy & Blake's house. The pics of Bella in the Inflatable is at the adoption agency's annual picnic. I love the first pic in the third row. She was being soooooo silly!



Then, I've got some pics of Papa Steve trying to show Bella how to fish the first night we were in North Carolina. She kept getting the fishing line tangled up! The rest of the pics in this post are from our trip to North Carolina. We had so much fun! I'm hoping to put together a photo montage to spotlight the rest of the photos really soon!

Another Busy Week

Sorry again for the lack of posts. I've been busy this week working on a freelance project for Stow-Munroe Falls City Schools. But no excuses, right!?

We did enjoy a fun day of swimming Monday with Grandma Mary (note the "Grandma word now instead of Hama - Isabella can now pronounce the G sound) and Papa Steve. She got to go swimming again yesterday with her neighbor friends so she's pretty water-logged. Tuesday, Mommy had meetings so Isabella spent time fishing with Grandma Mary and Papa Steve and Silver Springs park - no keepers caught though. We had a nice dinner and play-visit with Grandma Sue and Papa Al Thursday complete with a present - new pearl earrings all the way from St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.

We've got a relaxing weekend ahead - yard work Friday, church and cleaning on Saturday and a big birthday celebration for Grandma Sue Sunday.

Playing with Aunt Julie & Uncle Chris

A few Fridays ago, Isabella spent some time with Aunt Julie & Uncle Chris at a local park. She loves swinging and sliding and wants to do everything herself. If you try to help her, she wags her finger at you and says, "no, non, I do it." I heard both Julie and Chris got a lot of the finger wag at Patterson Park.

Building Blocks Picnic

Isabella had a blast playing on all the inflatables at the annual Building Blocks family picnic. Each each adoptive families gather to see each other, the kids and the BBAS staff to celebrate our families.

With lovely temperatures in the mid 70s, Camp Christopher was a perfect location to swim, canoe, eat and just run! It was great to finally meet the Ousley Family and little Mikayla who we read about everyday on their family's blog. And it was so great to see Kelly, our local agency rep, and Veronica, the lady who took such great care of us in Guatemala!

Check out the pics of Isabella playing!

I know...

Yes, I know! I need to post!

It's been crazy here and we've been really busy. I have Father's Day pics to post and pics from our Zoo trip with Grandma Sue. Pics from Kevin in New Jersey at the National Shoe Competition and the Building Blocks Family Picnic are on the way. I've got an update from Isabella's 2-year well visit with Dr. Rubin.

Wow! I'm really behind but with a busy two-year-old running around, it's hard to find time to run a home business, watch and play with her, attend ALL her activities, take a little time to relax AND blog!

Check back soon and I'll have new posts and pics of all the fun things we've been up too!

Oh and we still have a debate going on the mysterious bird visiting the Gaylord house. So keep sending your comments!

The mystery animal

Does anyone know what animal this is? My mom found it on her fence one night this weekend. She thinks it's a baby hawk. Any confirmation?

Happy Father's Day!

Wishing all you dads, grand-dads, godfathers, papas and uncles a blessed Father's Day full of love and family!

Isabella got her dad a special gift this year and even picked out her very own Father's Day card for "Daddy". I'm sure he'll be proud and want to share a pic with you all.

The final Finals game for the Cavs

Even though the Cavs lost game 4 of its Finals run, the guys still had a great time seeing all the hype. They even ran into Brylan Edwards of Cleveland Browns fame.

Go Cavs!

Sorry for the lack of posts and pics this week. It has been a major adjustment being at home with Isabella. She's not sleeping well so I'm not sleeping well and we are both really crabby. Hopefully things will get better soon!

Watch for Kevin, Keith, Papa Al and neighbor Tyler as they cheer on the Cavs from the Upper Deck Center Court, Row 1 tonight at the Cavs Finals game. The gang has to pull off a win to stay in the series. Personally I think they will win tonight and the next game so the Spurs can when the series at home. If I was in charge, that's how I'd play it out!

GO CAVS!GO CAVS!GO CAVS!GO CAVS!GO CAVS!GO CAVS!

First Day Home

Well, today was the first official day home for Isabella and me. We were by ourselves for the entire day and no major catastrophes happened!

She didn't sleep as well as I had hoped last night. I think she may have awoken scared, not recognizing where she was. Nap time was rough, too, taking nearly an hour and a half for her to calm down.

We played outside a lot and played inside, too. She is liking her backyard and her room.

Hopefully tonight and tomorrow will go even better (even though Kevin has to go out-of-town for work, again). Wish us luck!

Great Party

Thank you to all of you who shared in Isabella's special day. She was spoiled, of course, but she really enjoyed her Elmo party. The kids had fun playing on the swingset and fort and in the Little Tikes house in our backyard. The adults enjoyed pizza, cake and lots of conversation. The day (and weather) was perfect.

I can't believe my baby's already two! Oh, how the time flies!