Monthly Archives: June 2009

by Barbara

Girls Afternoon Out

My Mom, Dagny, and I went to the Strong Museum of Play today. We practically had the entire place to ourselves. Score one for us. It was nice to be able to walk around and not walk into anyone.

The last time that we went was back in March when Grandma Johnson was visiting. It is amazing what a different experience it was this time. Dagny walked the entire way, I never had to pick her up or put her in her stroller. She was so interested and engaged in everything and every kid. It was wonderful.

Dagny would of been happy just watching these guys. She loved the fish.

Interesting side story, while we were watching the many pretty fish, there was a woman and her son also checking out Nemo. Dagny and the little boy started “talking” and the mother and I started conversing as well. When she found out what Dagny’s name was she got all excited. She told me that her best friend from college was named that too. Sweet! She said it was a beautiful name, which of course I agree with. Craig and I love the name we picked out for our daughter, it has a special story that we can’t wait to share with Dagny when she gets older.

she loved this

After some time I was able to get Dagny to say good-bye to her tank sea friends and go over to Sesame Street. Dagny has really gotten into the show. She is becoming so much more focused on things. I do believe we have entered the Elmo phase. She loves Elmo.

Here is Agi Mama with her youngest grandchild.

Agi mama and Dagny

This time the Wegmans experience was so much more fun. Dagny got the cart, put items in and even played at the checkout. I take Dagny to Wegmans all the time, I want her around people, smells, and sounds. Honestly, she seems to like it. I am sure that will change, but for now it’s an adventure and today she was the star.

I’m ready, Mama… lets go.

I am ready to checkout

I want to push those buttons

look at how intense she is

Here is my girl and I on the train. It goes around five times, five times… that’s long for an 18 month old, that’s long for an 33 year old, but we loved every minute of it.

Mom, no more photos. I am looking at the landscape.

In this photo I really get a sense of how big she has gotten.

so big

Almost two hours later we were done. It seems that Elmo decided to come home with us. I do believe he found a good home because Dagny won’t let him out of her site. He is glued to her hands. We embrace the Elmo phase and are ready!

Elmo came home

We ended the afternoon up with ice cream. It was a great girls afternoon out.

Barbara

by Barbara

Mr. And Mrs. Gibson

This past weekend Craig and I drove to State College, PA for our friends, Jeremy and Shannon’s, wedding.

This was the first time going somewhere without Little D. I am proud to say we survived and understand how important it is for Craig and I to have some alone time. But, we still can’t wait until October when Dagny is coming along to Boston. Anyway, back to the wonderful event.

Saturday we headed out after we put Dagny down for her nap. The ride down took four hours which isn’t bad at all, when you’re use to driving seven plus hours to visit family. The ride down was very beautiful. This was the first time that both of us have ever been to State College. We weren’t quite sure what to expect, well after five minutes of driving around, I am ready to move down. It is such a great place. I can totally see ourselves there. You never know what the future holds, nice to know of another option.

After we checked into the Toftrees Resort we decided to go drive around town. Totally by accident we drove by PCQuickFix, the company that both Jeremy and Shannon own and run.

Seriously, we couldn’t try any harder to look like tourist.

Us

State College is really not so small, but here is another example how we just happened to run into yet another thing. Craig and I were ordering some coffee at Starbucks, when I happened to look outside and I see Jeremy and Shannon driving down the road. I mean, for real?! They were just finishing up with the rehearsal dinner. We ended up going to their house where we met up with some old friends and met some new ones. Unfortunately, Shannon couldn’t stay long she was spending the night at her parents house.

Here is Jeremy the eve of his wedding, the last night as a single man. (Sorry for the quality of the photo, Craig took it on his iPhone)

single man

Sunday, was the big day. We headed over to church, which was beautiful, for the ceremony. Shannon looked absolutely beautiful and Jeremy looked handsome.

Here we are outside of the church waiting for the new couple to come out.

the Johnson’s

Not quite sure what we are looking at here, but it’s a funny shot.

“what’s that Willis?”

Introducing the Gibson’s!

Mr. and Mrs. Gibson

the happy couple

After the ceremony Jeremy and Shannon went and took their photos, while the rest of us went to the resort for cocktails.

Here I am enjoying my usual, H20. It was of State College vintage… very good indeed.

me and my drink

Afterward was the receptions where the food was very tasty. The cake was the best cake I have had in a very long time.

Here is the couple playing nicely…. that didn’t last long.

playing nice

Shannon beat Jeremy to the punch… and what a blow it was. Here is the aftermath of the showdown. Score one for Shannon. YAY!

score one for Shannon

Here is the couple having their first dance. They are so cute together.

first dance

Here are some random photo’s of Craig and I.

us

me and my baby

These two guys are the best guys I know. They give their hearts and soul to the people they love. I am so happy to have them in my life.

these two are the best!

We are so happy for both Shannon and Jeremy. We wish you two the very best in the future, with lots of love and happiness. We love you both very much!

The Gibson’s

Love,

Barbara & Craig

by Barbara

Six Months And Counting

Six months ago today the courts in Moscow City ruled that Craig, Dagny and I were a family of three. This day is also special because we got physical custody of Dagny. We were able to be all together for the 10-day waiting period.

December 1 st

in our arms

June 1 st

today

I can’t believe how fast time is flying by and how much Dagny has grown. I catch myself staring at her in amazement and having to snap myself out of it. I just can’t put it into words how much my life and outlook on life has changed due to this little girl. Being Dagny’s mom is the most amazing experience and I wouldn’t change it for anything. She is the reason I want to be a better person.

*Edit: I forgot to mention that the US Government also celebrated with us, Dagny got her US Passport! We are so ready to hop on a plane and show her the world.

Love,

Barbara