We got "WYO'ed", but are finally home again!

Well, we just returned from a wonderful vacation at a ranch in Wyoming. There is nothing like the peace and solitude of being in a cell-free zone for an entire week. Couple that with the beauty of the Big Horn Mountains, fantastic horses, fly-fishing, and friendly people and well, its as near to paradise as I can imagine. This is the second oldest dude ranch int he country and it has hosted and continues to host loads of famous people, who are just seeking rest and peace like all of us.

The horseback riding is the central activity and we went out wrangler-free alot this year since we are familiar with the trails from having come a number of times. Our son rode even better than last year and we had 3 fabulous horses: Russia (my American Bashir- think dreadlocks for a mane and a curly coat); Scotty for my son (about the most trustworthy animal alive); and Miller for my Wisconsin-bred husband (could that be any more appropriate? lol). We met wonderful people from all over the world and saw some friends from previous years as well.

We even went to a professional rodeo while there- awesome! Of course, again, we found ourselves thinking and talking about how great it will be to take this annual trip with our second child waiting for us in Poland. We can't wait to share this beautiful state and awesome ranch with him/her too!

As for the nitty-gritty of the adoption process, we have happily completed our references and medical exams and have sent away or received our passports and birth/marriage certificate copies. We were so happy and blessed our priest that is leaving took the time to fill this out because we just adore him and really wanted to have him as a part of this. But better yet, we just found out that the agency is "all in" for us to use Ann, the social worker we used previously for a domestic adoption (that quest ended because of the birth mother flat out lying to us and our adoption attorney etc we just decided to go another route- loooong story). Anyway, we are thrilled to be able to work with Ann since she won't have to update much on us and we won't be starting over fresh with someone that doesn't know us. If only everything else in life worked as smooth .

As we start looking down the road, I am seriously contemplating getting a credit card that will allow us to start securing miles for upgrades etc. Even if we keep it for a year or two, I think it could help and why not, right? Anyone with suggestions out there please feel free to share. :) Also, for those who have traveled to Poland already- what airlines did you use from the US and would you use it again? We would be flying out of either Charlotte or Atlanta, but can adjust as necessary obviously.

So as we continue to decompress from a va-ca at 5300 ft (the altitude change is challenging!) we look forward to the next couple of months preparing our dossier etc. School starts up soon again for us, so we are in those last precious weeks of summer. Hope everyone's is going great as well!

-L

Some sad news and exciting steps. But still, getting closer!

So this last week was a little sad when we found out our priest was transferring to another parish. We love Father and he was excellent with my son when he did his first reconciliation and first communion this year. Still, he requested the move because his parents are getting older and he wanted to be closer to them- can't fault him for that. It does prove rather challenging though since we need him to fill our one of the references we need before he leaves at the end of July. He's got alot on his plate and although I'm sure he'll happily do it, I just want to make sure its done before he goes. Can you say control freak? Yep, I do have that tendency- lol.

On a brighter note, we received our pack from Lina with the reference and medical forms so that is exciting! Since we are both in the medical profession, getting the tests and exams done will be pretty easy and the references are going out to reliable friends. So I'm not worried about that part at all. I actually kinda like this busy work stuff and filling out forms (I know, freak!! lol). Also, our new passports arrived- yay! And holy cow are those things ultra-cool now or what?! The electronic chip thing is pretty awesome and the way they are more counterfeit-proof is funky! Still, a major relief to have them in our possession in such a short time. One step closer, one step closer!

Happy 4th of July!!

Far and away, one of my fave holidays! I mean Christmas and the others are great, but for some reason I have always LOVED celebrating the 4th! The flags, fireworks, bands, parades, and overall celebration of FREEDOM- I totally love it! Add in a little breakfast at Wimbledon (I know, English but still a part of the day) and a baseball game and it is perfect!

It also seems to be more exciting this year since we have started our adoption journey. I now find myself looking at the different elements and part of our history and thinking about what we will teach our new son/daughter about US history. I loved a video link another adoption blogger posted that listed the Polish Constitution of 1791 as the second most important such act in the world- right behind the US! There is such a rich history from Poland and I feel like I want to absorb it like a sponge; yet, I also look forward to the day I can teach my other child about his/her new country and the attributes that make us unique and special. But since I can't teach that lesson yet, today I will celebrate the awesome heritage we have as Americans and all the events that led to the formation of our great country- Happy 4th of July everyone!!

We made 4th of July Bald Eagle Marshmallow Treats to celebrate!!