Busy Times

Oops -- thought I had posted this and found it buried in my blog account ..... Old news is better than no news.  Right???

Where does the time go? It's hard to believe that May is right around the corner.

 What's even harder to believe is that three years ago at this time we were in Bulgaria. We met Gabi for the very first time, we've been down memory lane quiet a bit with her recently. Both Jack and I remember seeing her for the first time -- those big eyes, that beautiful smile and the shy way she greeted us. Remembering how quickly that shyness left and what a wonderful time we had together. She continues to share more and more of her life in Bulgaria ... she is also sharing more and more of her feelings before we came, how she felt when we left, how worried she was about court and her worry if we would come back for her. Sometimes hard to hear what she's saying, sometimes hard to believe what she went through .... and that she's still the sweet person she is.


Hailee continues to keep us busy with her sport activities.  She finished up basketball and moved on to track.  She's #30 out there --

And here's Gabi and Aunt Pat watching the game ....

The girls honored a teacher that influenced their lives.  Hailee chose Mrs. Thomae -- they each wore a shirt with the other's name on it, then met in the middle of the gym where the girls presented the teacher with a flower.  Very special night .....

Even though this was one of the warmest winters we've had we were able to attend an snow carving contest that our nephew, Brett, participated in.  The sculptures were already starting to melt when we got there but they were still amazing.  Check them out ....

This is the back of Brett's .....

And unfortunately, by the time I got to the front it had already fallen......

Waiting to hear who the winners were .....

And back to basketball -- there she is #30 .....

I was able to take some time and go to Florida to visit my mom and Lisa and even spent some time with more of the family.  Loved seeing everyone!!!

Have to say that Lisa lives in a beautiful area.   We spent a few hours on the ocean.  

While I was there I was able to see her new house ... she'll be signing papers in the next month or so.  It needs a little TLC now, but Lisa has some great ideas.  It will be stunning when she's done.

Before I left we spent a day at SeaWorld  ... it hasn't changed all that much since we were there years and years ago.

Lisa couldn't resist picking a clam -- or 2 or 3 -- she's waiting to see what pearls she would be getting.

Back home again -- almost Easter and our little bunny was getting ready to do some volunteering at the Community Center's breakfast with the Easter Bunny.  Not sure if I mentioned this or not.  She tried out to be an Ambassador and she was chosen.  They do a lot of community service in the area.

Jonathan & family drove back to Indiana for Easter and we joined them there.  Here's Gabi is searching for her basket -- she couldn't find it for a long time.  The Easter Bunny was very creative with his hiding this year.

There was a scavenger hunt for Hayden & the girls -- there was an egg with a clue on the table at breakfast and they had to follow the clues that were inside.  It was a hit with all of them.

Jackson didn't have to look very far for his Easter surprises ....

Hayden's basket was overflowing ....

Hailee is checking out her basket and Gabi ..... well she's still looking for hers.  (she did eventually find it)

And then there was an egg hunt ....Hayden couldn't believe all the eggs they found (neither can I)

We headed to the Children's museum in Indianapolis .... what an amazing place.  Hayden has been there several times so he was our tour guide for the day.

What is everyone looking at???

The beautiful glass sculpture ceiling.

Even designing your own Mr. Potatoe head was fun --- (nice gum Gabi)

Lego land .....

He'll be walking all over the place soon.  Right now he's content with someone's hand.

Everyone enjoyed building with the legos.

We were even able to take a quick plane trip to Egypt.

Hayden was getting tired, but found his second wind before we left.

Ice-cream woke him up and definitely put a chocolate smile on his face.

Great weekend .... only thing missing was Lisa.  Sad good-byes, it will be some time before we see them again.