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It was a busy week for us! Last Saturday Ashley had four friends who recently were adopted from Ukraine over for her 13th birthday party-Anya, Nadia, Julia and Mari. Tatum invited her friend Abigail so she would have someone to talk to in English. We started out by making borscht. Ashley, Nadia and Julia cooked the whole meal by themselves-without a recipe-and it was delicious. Ashley is an amazing cook and said she learned to cook at home before she went into the internat. She excitedly opened each of her presents, and when she got to Tatum's she was ecstatic to unwrap High School Musical 3. All of the girls were oohing and ahhing, and I said, "Why don't we watch it after we have cake," and they all started jumping up and down. Austin cracked, "Like we didn't have that planned." I think they all had a wonderful time. Then we went straight to a UOO meeting where we are well underway for this summer's camp 2009. We are currently fundraising to bring 8 kids from an orphanage near Kiev to Colorado for three weeks this summer. Check out Ukraine Orphan Outreach's web site for ways you can be involved with the kids this summer.

Ashley joined her school's coed soccer team and started running on Monday. They will run for two weeks to get in shape, then start soccer practices.

Tuesday was Ashley's official birthday. Yes, she did have to go to school. That evening Uncle Chris, Aunt Christine, Uncle John, Aunt Karla, Hannah, Jack, Curtis, Chad and Wyatt came over to celebrate with cake and presents. Chris and Christine also brought each of the kids a bag of new clothes, which they have been thoroughly enjoying-thanks, guys, for making her day special!

Wednesday a.m. we found out that Austin made snare for drum line next fall-way to go, Austin! His drum skills have really improved the last couple of years, and he has worked hard to earn this position. I can't wait to watch him at football games and parades this fall! Kari, Ashley and Josh had dental appointments. Kari went first. Ashley stood about 1 1/2' away and intently watched every minute periodically asking, "It's ow, Mom?" or "Why?" She said she went to the dentist twice in Ukraine and cried because she was so scared. She did just fine during her turn. She has two cavities. Joshua needs a filling removed and refilled, and the dentist said he needs to see an orthodontist sooner rather than later. I know we are in for a long road ahead with his teeth. He has three loose teeth that he doesn't like to wiggle. Jim and I explained that when he loses a tooth he needs to show it to dad and mom, then put it under his pillow, and in the morning he will get money. He liked that idea, but I still haven't seen him wiggling his tooth much.

On Thursday Grandpa Frank and Grandma Sandie flew in from Arizona to meet their new grandkids. They have had a lot of fun getting to know each other, playing games and practicing Russian/English. Grandma crocheted them each an afghan, and Aunt Marcia sent along something special for all four kids.

Friday-Ashley had her first doctor appointment. Everything looked good in the office. She only needed one shot today. We are awaiting her blood work and have some toilet homework to do-thanks, Felix, for the lingo, and Heidi for the detailed description-I haven't brought myself to open the bag yet or tell Ashley about it. Austin, Ashley and Joshua had no school today and enjoyed a day off with Grandpa and Grandma. After we picked Tatum up from school we drove to the airport to welcome home the Christofferson family! What a joy to see another family come home from Ukraine with their new children.

Saturday we had an Adoption Celebration Open House for all of our friends to come and meet the kids and celebrate what God has done. Over 80 people came. It was great to see everyone and visit. There were thirteen kids in attendance who have been adopted from Ukraine-praise God! Special thanks to my dad and mom and Richard and Cindy who looked after every detail so Jim and I could mingle and enjoy the great company. We loved seeing all of you and are so thankful for your prayers, acts of kindness and gifts you have showered on our family. We feel truly blessed.