Missing Gabi

It's been almost 2 months since we've seen or heard from Gabriela -- I wonder what she's doing now that school is out. Ganka said that they sometimes go to the Black Sea for the summer -- maybe she's there. Maybe she's swimming -- maybe she's playing in the sand with Dori .... maybe she's wondering about us and if we really are coming back ............ hoping that she remembers us and praying that she knows that we will be there as soon as we can.

I know each day brings us one day closer to getting back on that plane and bringing her home; it's just taking so long ..... it's kind of sad, but I'm actually wishing the summer months pass quickly ....


Thought I'd post a few pictures of what we've been up to ....

We met up with Karen, Bob and Garrett:
The very first time we met them was in Almaty, Kazakhstan. They were heading back home from Uralsk, had stayed in "our apartment" and filled us in on everything we needed to know to survive in Uralsk. It was amazing to see how much Garrett has grown, how well he's speaking English and how much he's learned. The only thing that hasn't changed in Garrett is how absolutely adorable he is!

Hailee loves Codee .... and Codee loves Hailee; well, most of the time anyway! Codee was trying her best to get away in this picture, but Hailee won ....


Hailee had a wonderful 13th birthday party with the family ........ she received a stylish pair of cowboy boots from Aunt Nancy -- Hailee was happy to model them .....

While Aunt Nancy modeled the cowboy hat she gave Hailee last year .....

We celebrated Kevin's 50th Birthday at a surprise party in Forest Lake. Delicious food, great music and lots of catching up with family and friends -- here's Kevin, Kim and me ....

Couldn't resist this ... Jack decided that since Hailee turned 13 it was time she learned to cut the grass. She was sooooo excited to learn -- check out the picture below -- can you feel the excitement???
Jonathan, I remember when Dad taught you .... much different .... once Dad gave you permission to use the mower you couldn't wait for the grass to grow. Somehow I'm thinking that won't be the case with Miss Hailee .....

Also looking forward to Jonathan, Amanda & Hayden coming to visit at the end of July. Amanda and Hayden will be here a few days before Jonathan -- can't wait .... once again hoping the time goes quickly (see I really am wishing the summer away).

Hoping and praying that my next post tells you that court has been held .....