Winding down the summer. Staycation? Nope, not us!!

Last weekend, we had what has now become a tradition at our place- our second annual luau and pig roast!  Kit's Dad acquired a Cajun roasting oven from New Orleans some years ago and he has perfected the art of roasting whole pork!  Throw in some appetizers, side dishes, and some awesome friends and family... and it's just a great celebration to start winding down the summer.  Last year, many of our friends' children were still in strollers and car seats.  This year, it was fun to see them running around the yard and playing along with Tommy on the swingset or in the sandbox.  There were also several new babies, which is always so much fun to see!  We had such a good time!

Lolo and Lola: The Chef and his assistant!

On Sunday, we spent an afternoon with Kit's parents and her sister's family out in the country, where Kit's parents have some farmland.  Our nieces and nephews really like watching "Ninja Warrior;" and they've been setting up their own obstacle courses during the summer.  Tommy had fun trying out the suspended balance beam, but he really loved running through the cornfield (thank goodness he didn't get lost!) and catching grasshoppers and crickets with Lolo!

Hiking with Lola

Picking Corn

We took the rest of the week off, thinking we would just take a Staycation at home.  However, we decided last minute to spend the week up at Mike's family cottage.  We're so glad we did!  The weather was sunny and warm every day... perfect for swimming, boat rides, and fishing!   Mike's Mom came up with us and had fun hiking and paddle-boating with Tommy.

Yay we made it!

Mike and Tommy fishing

Going for a boat ride

Paddle boating with Grandma

The view from the dock

Relaxing on the dock

Canoeing

This week reminded us of how grateful we are for our family and friends.  They've been so supportive of us through everything.... and they're just really fun to be around too!  We know we will be surrounded by so much love when another child comes into our lives.            

Featured Family!

Throughout our adoption journeys, we have met some wonderfully supportive individuals, some who we've met online through Twitter, Facebook, or other adoption forums.  We were recently interviewed by Kathryn, a birth mother and adoption advocate, who blogs about her experience with open adoption.  She periodically spotlights adoptive families and those hoping to adopt; and she featured us on her blog!  Check it out!

Kathryn's Blog: Letters To My Baby Boy 
Kathryn's Twitter Feed: @Letters2BabyBoy

Congrats!

Congratulations to Reese Hoffa, U.S. Olympic shot-putter, on his Bronze medal!!  

Reese was adopted at the age of 5 years; and in 2000, he was reunited with his birth mother, who remains an important part of his life.  Reese is an outspoken advocate for open adoption.

Learn More About Him:

Washington Post: "American shot putter Reese Hoffa takes bronze at London Olympics"

Official Website: ReeseHoffa.com 

The Cottage

We spent this past long weekend up in Canada, at the cottage.  The cottage has been in Mike's family for several decades.  Mike and his brother spent many summers there growing up and the cottage has become a very special place for us over the years.  It was where Mike proposed to Kit and it is just a wonderful place to relax, swim, hike, fish, stargaze... you name it!  We also have many family gatherings at the cottage; and this weekend was no different.  It was great to catch up with aunts, uncles, and cousins.

We're so excited to be able to share the cottage experience with Tommy!  Last year, the cottage was still a bit much for Tommy to manage, but this year, being the busy and curious toddler he is, the cottage was right up his alley!  Tommy was excited to "go camping," to sleep in a tent, use his own sleeping bag, and catch his first fish with his new fishing pole!  The weather was perfect and we enjoyed splashing in the water, paddle boating (Tommy steered "like Captain Hook"), and getting out on the boat.  Mike even got in a bit of wakeboarding, while Kit worked on her tan!

Evenings were spent by the campfire talking, listening to music, and having S'mores of course!  We were actually surprised that Tommy isn't a big S'mores fan... so Mommy and Daddy had to make the sacrifice and eat his!  Ha!

Going for a boat ride!

It's always a bit hard to come home, but we're looking forward to another trip up there soon!