Philly - Post #1

Almost a year ago we decided to visit our good friends in Philly over the 4th of July.  It was a perfect time to go as Makenna can fly as a lap child and we had extra time off from work.  Plus it worked out great for our friends Steve, Amy, and their 4 year old daughter Bailey.

Bailey and Maya go way back.  They were together in Ethiopia at the same care center.  Since coming home, we have made a point to stay in touch.  Amy and Steve have flown back twice to attend the EKC Mehaber and now it was our turn to visit them.  We love these guys very much and couldn't imagine our lives without them.  I just wish we lived closer!

We had a great time while visiting.  The first day we just hung out, relaxed, and visited.  The next day we took off to the Jersey Shore in the city of Sea Isle.  Steve's parents have a fabulous place a block from the ocean which made our trip so easy.  We have the lakes and they have the ocean.  So different and so very cool!

Makenna is excited for the trip!

 Maya got to have slumber party with Bailey.  Aren't they precious?

 Maya at the shore

 Makenna LOVED the water!

 Amy and me - love her!

 Makenna's favorite moment on the entire trip was riding the horsie.  Late at night on the way home from the shore, Makenna said out of the blue "I rode horsie".  She was so proud and really loved it.  This made me so happy knowing my girls had a terrific time. 

 Maya had a great time at the mini amusement park.  I think she rode on every single ride and would have kept going if we didn't force her to leave.  Look at that smile!

 Bailey's grandpa took one for the team and took the girls on the Tilt-a-whirl.  This ride makes me sick to my stomach so I was glad to be the one taking the picture.

Stay tuned for more of our trip...I especially wanted to blog about it as it was a terrific vacation for our family.  I also want to remember it well and have it included in our family blog.

Dear Maya and Makenna

Hello my dear children.  Mommy has taken a very long break from updating the blog as I have been enjoying spending time with you and your daddy.  The month of July came and went so quickly that I wanted to savor the time I had spending it with the family.

As you both know, we have been busy enjoying the summer weather.  The first part of July we got to fly on a plane all the way to Philly to visit our good friends Steve, Amy, and Bailey.  I was highly impressed with how both of you traveled and only having one meltdown by Makenna on the way home wasn’t so bad overall.  I’m pretty sure the other passengers were treading the flight home but you all fell fast asleep once the plane took off.

On this trip, you both also experience the Jersey Shore (ocean) for the first time.  I loved seeing your beaming faces.  Maya, you had a blast picking up seashells and Makenna, we couldn’t keep you from sprinting into the water.  Thank goodness we had lots of people in our group to help keep an eye on you as you were fast!  I also loved seeing you enjoy the small amusement part.  Maya, you loved every single ride and were so daring.  Makenna, did you ride the horsie?  I believe you did as you made sure to tell us every other minute afterwards. 

Our family fun didn’t stop there as we got to spend more time as a family at the EKC Mehabar in Minneapolis, MN.  You girls had a great time meeting new friends and seeing old friends.  Of course the jumping things sure made an impact on you as well.  Maya, you had fun swimming with daddy and playing with your Ethiopian friend Addie at the indoor park.  We all had fun meeting a great family from IN who traveled far to be at the picnic.

You girls also have enjoyed your new Barbie jeep.  I love watching you attempt to drive it around the neighborhood.  Maya, you are a crazy driver!  Daddy really spoiled you!

Makenna, you turned 2 in July!  I cannot believe my baby is 2!  I hope you had a great birthday considering your aunt Tori and her family came to spend the night and next day with us.  Going to the lake, swimming at the beach, eating at Zorbaz, and diving into the Dairy Queen cake seemed to have been enjoyed by everyone including you!

What else?  Oh yes, Maya you have been loving soccer.  I am so glad Daddy picked out a great soccer program for you that really teaches you the game of soccer.  You have been doing so well and I’m glad you enjoy it!  You both have also enjoyed our bike rides, playing at the parks, seeing friends, and relaxing at home.  We had a great month didn’t we?

Love you girls more than words and thank you for the wonderful memories we have created as a family. 

Love,

Mom