FAMILY

Colyn was in Missouri for Father's Day, but it's been a while since we've seen Jon. Here they are lounging on Kitty's back porch.

Yulia had never climbed a tree before. She was amazed that both Colyn and Jon just jumped into the tree with no problem. This is a tree that the kids(C and J) say they used to plow down while playing football in Kitty's back yard when they were kids.

Yulia and Uncle Kevin. Note the chips and salsa she's eating!

Kevin's daughters Julie and Courtney. Julie just graduated from LSU. Courtney's going into the 8th grade.

FRIENDS

The Cuestas boys, Jonah and Noah. Can you believe they're 6 now????

Yulia and Cuestas.

On our way from Chicago to Texas, we stopped to meet the newest Christie, Benjamin Charles. Katie's on the left. Anna's on the right.

Uncle Paul with the girls!

Christie and girls!

Now that vacation's over, it's back to work and school Yulia has been going to summer school ESL 4 days a week. Everyone that got to see her can't believe how her English is coming along!!

Yulia Turns 11!!!!

We knew Yulia's 11th birthday was going to be a big day when she came downstairs in her party dress. Appears the rest of us were all under dressed in our shorts and t-shirts.

Colyn gave Yulia a proper party doo.


Early in the day, opening family presents. She wanted a suitcase so she can go to Texas and visit her "family."

Yulia and Gracie, Albert and Thresa's daughter.

She had been wanting a basketball goal for quite some time. She's hoping to get a role in the upcoming "High School Musical 3".

Her first ever American birthday can't be captured in one blog. Please see Parts 2-4 below!

Part 2

The theme was High School Musical!


On the right are two of Yulia's friends from school. They were very good about telling her what she needed to do at the party. Like blowing out the candles and getting the first piece of cake.

Couldn't have done without my Sis. Here she is helping with cake service.

Part 3

For all of you who know us well, it shouldn't come as a surprise that the party wasn't complete without this giant slip and slide.

The slide wasn't quite "fast" enough, so it was quickly deflated and moved to a bigger hill.

The kids seemed to enjoy going up the slide more than down at times.

Yulia on the slide.
No sliding event would be complete without a Kozmo slide. Once the party ended, we really had a good time on the slide with just the adults.

Part 4

Birthday weekend ended with a visit to the St. Louis arch.


Yulia and Gracie are holding hands as they ride to the top of the arch. Yulia had been to the arch, but never up inside. Gracie and Albert(Uncle Bubba) enjoyed their first visit ever!

After we put Aunt Debbie, Gracie and Uncle Bubba on the plane, we celebrated Father's Day. Colyn's flight left shortly afterwards. We miss everyone so much :(.

Overall, it was a very fun but tiring weekend. Pop and Mom have decided they're too old to host 20 young hoodlums and their parents.

Wine Festival

The weather was finally nice this weekend. Not rainy. And we found this little Wine and Dine Jazz Festival right across the border in Illinois.

Yulia on bass!

Kitty continues to progress well in Texas. May be released to skilled nursing or rehab this week.

We're hottly preparing for the "High School Musical" Birthday Party Saturday, where Yulia will turn 11!!!