Joining the Club

university-of-michigan_logo, originally uploaded by PaulaK.

Daryl and I are thrilled to announce that Dillon has decided to attend the University of Michigan. Not only will he be close to home (and we are elated about that), we are both alumni. Actually, believe it or not, between the two of us we have 7 diplomas from the University of Michigan! So of course we think it is a terrific choice!

I Just Want to Scream

Our summer has been terrific. Lots of relaxation. We spent a week lounging on the shore of Lake Michigan. The water was unseasonable warm, lots of waves and sunshine. The only thing that could be better is if our new children were here. This would be the perfect time to bond with them as a family, when everyone is at home more and much less busy.


I can't go into any of the details, but there has been delay after delay and problem after problem with the adoption process. It does not have to do with us specifically, but with the country we are adopting from. Other people who are adopting from this country are experiencing the same issues. But it is SO frustrating! I just want to bring them home! Our son is now 9 months old and our daughter is 2.5 years. I want to be able to squeeze that boy while he is still a baby and I want our daughter to get to know us before she gets too much older.

I just want to at least know when we can go and get them. We have been told every other day for over 2 weeks that we would REALLY find out our travel date (which is supposed to be later this month but I'm starting to doubt it) in another day or 2, but when that day comes we STILL don't know.

Anyway, just venting. Sigh.

Sleeping cutie

Sleeping cutie, originally uploaded by PaulaK.

Passed out on the couch after a looong day with no nap.

M. and J.

M. and J., originally uploaded by PaulaK.

They are just so beautiful.

Sisters

Sisters, originally uploaded by PaulaK.

My family

My family, originally uploaded by PaulaK.

The 5 of us

The 5 of us, originally uploaded by PaulaK.

My sister Laura came into town for Dillon's graduation. Here is the family I grew up in.
From left: Mom, Dad, Laura, Pam and Paula.

close up grad and sibs, originally uploaded by PaulaK.

We are so, so proud of him. He gave the welcome speech at the beginning of graduation.

The graduate

The graduate, originally uploaded by PaulaK.

Family at Graduation Mass

100_1127, originally uploaded by PaulaK.

Our oldest child, Dillon, graduated on June 6. Here we are at the graduation mass held at our church.
From left: L., J., Daryl, Dillon, I., and me
Front row: M., T. K. and A.

18th Birthday!

DSC_0169, originally uploaded by PaulaK.

Dillon turned 18 and received both a ukelele and a guitar as gifts.

Our first adult

Our first adult, originally uploaded by PaulaK.

Our oldest child has turned 18!

Senior Honors Night

DSC_0114, originally uploaded by PaulaK.

Dillon received his NHS cords, the ribbon signifying that he graduated summa cum laude, 2 scholarships, and numerous other honors.

Mother's Day Brunch

DSCN6287, originally uploaded by PaulaK.

The day began with a beautiful brunch, prepared by Daryl and the kids. Both my mom and my mother-in-law were there.

Kids and I

Kids and I, originally uploaded by PaulaK.

Mother's Day 2010

Mother's Day 2010, originally uploaded by PaulaK.

From left, D., me, M., J., L., I., and T.
Front row: A and K

Soccer nut

Soccer nut, originally uploaded by PaulaK.

Great action shot of L. playing soccer taken by a friend of ours.

More after

after, originally uploaded by PaulaK.

after

after, originally uploaded by PaulaK.

I know you've all been waiting with baited breath for the "after" photos! LOL Here I am. I still have some abdominal swelling in front and on the sides, so I will be even thinner in another few months.

Cousins

Cousins, originally uploaded by PaulaK.