Vacation '10

We are enjoying a week away in North Carolina. The girls have experienced the ocean for the first time, and it is a mixed bag. Sasha, after the first day jitters, declared that she was no longer afraid and wanted to go in deeper. Dasha never did warm up to the idea of going near the water, but maybe next year. They both loved the pool. The weather has been very hot, mid 90's this week, but we have found comfort near the water. The ocean temp has been in the 60's up until today, when it warmed up nicely in the 70's. The sand lived up to it's advertised size and both girls loved to play in it. Of course, they also had it in every imaginable nook too. Nothing a good shower can't correct.

We have had our fill of sea food, enjoying the shrimp and scallops, along with the other Atlantic fish. Even the girls liked the shrimp, their first attempt at such fare. It is a long way from Illinois, but it is nice to get away and spend time with friends and family. Everyone has been so welcoming of the girls, and it is hard to remember a time when they were not a part of our lives. MaryEllen mentioned, she can't remember having so much fun at the beach. God must have had little kids in mind when he created the sandy shores. Sea shells are just the thing to keep a four year old engaged during a nice walk.

Tomorrow we start the long journey home, saying goodbye to family, friends, and this lovely place along the ocean. Our hearts will long for the next trip, despite the long drive. We decided to make this trip every other year, but now that we are here, it seems like torture to wait two more years to enjoy all this. Besides, our girls are growing up so fast, they would be 4 and 6 the next time they saw the ocean. That seems cruel. Hope you enjoy the pics, and have some to remember your summer adventures.

Summertime fun

We are coming out of the Independence Day Holiday and spending some quality time with the girls. The girls are Americans, and hence celebrate with all of us our independence and freedom. We not only have freedom from oppression and religious tyrany, but freedom to worship, pray, meet, speak the truth, and travel to other parts of the world where the Gospel is not known. These are just a few things we celebrate together this Holiday.

Sasha is growing up so fast. This fall she will attend a preschool in our area, and then next year she will be in kindergarten! Can you believe it? We are learning how to swim this summer and doing very well. Sasha is also riding her two wheel bike very well. It still has training wheels on it. Sasha loves to color with markers, and is exceptional in staying in the lines. Her mother is so proud. She can also write her name, and loves to sing. I remember a some my mother sang to me when I was little called, "My Little Teddy Bear". Anyone remember that song? Sasha loves to read the Bible every night, and helps turn the pages.

Dasha is growing up so fast too. Her hair is getting long, and is still blond. She runs around with her sister and they laugh and play. It is so pleasant to hear their laughs. Dasha can sing the ABC song all by her self, and loves to play with dolls. She rides a big wheel, but doesn't put her feet on the peddles. She just shuffles along. Dasha still loves to to on stroller rides, and we try to do that a few times a week for Mom and Dad to get some exercise. Dasha loves to read books, and watch movies, although we don't watch many in the summer. She enjoys being outside as much as possible, and sometimes is sad when its time to go in. She loves going down the slide at the pool, and has a huge grin on her face when she comes down.

Both girls are just amazing kids. Dasha has trouble being two sometimes. And she doesn't always listen to her big sister. But to see them play together reminds us how precious it is to keep sisters together during adoption.

We have a trip planned for vacation to NC in a few weeks to see MaryEllen's brother Joe and some other relatives. This will be Joe's first meeting with his nieces. We are all excited. Too bad it has taken so long. The rest of the summer will be taken up with pool time and playing at the parks near our home.

Hope you all have some time this summer to kick back and have a glass of tea, or somthing, and enjoy all that summer is.

Pete, MaryEllen, Sasha and Dasha