From Age Three to Four - Sergei's Birthday

Sergei, Age 3, Aug. 2008, Artem Baby Home

Sergei, Age 4, Aug. 2009, St. Louis- Spiderman pose!

How much our little bundle of energy has changed in 1 year! He is reading easy books now, following directions so much better, showing lots of preference for mom and pop, and having an absolute ball being a Fritsche. We love him so much and are blessed that God has chosen us to be his parents! What joy and happiness he has brought to our lives!

His birthday celebration was so much fun. Joel's mom was here for his birthday and stayed 3 days. Other grandparents were missed but represented by fun gifts. Friends joined us for his meal and cake and presents. We got to see the St. Louis Basilica, eat at Fitzs, and have some adventure at Grant's Farm. Our little guys are tuckered out after the few days of marathon fun! More to come as Slav heads toward 6! Blessings to you all. May God be with you.

love,

Joel, Clarion, Slav, and Sergei

Vacation, vacation, vacation!

Hello! We are now back home after a two week vacation in Texas. It started out a couple of days with Joel's parents. Then Joel left for the week and I drove with the boys out to see my parents. When Joel got back we had a family reunion with his family. Then we went to the beach in Galveston for a couple of days. A last dinner and good bye with my parents and one more day in Houston and then we headed home.

We all had a great time. We got to spend lots of time with family. The boys spent a good amount of time in the water both at the beach and at family pools. They sure did like the beach but I think that both of them prefer the pool! They are becoming little fishes in the water. We also had plenty of wonderful food and fun. It was a lot of visiting and spending time together so we will just give you some highlights:

feeding ducks at church and seagulls at the beach

seeing a snake and frog in the pond at Uncle Ron's house

playing in the sand at the beach in Galveston

going crazy at the Children's Museum in Houston

going out to eat at various restaurants

participating in a family reunion at Uncle Mike's house

STAYING IN HOTELS- the boys love this!

Hope you enjoyed the pics! We have our 1-year post-placement visit this coming Tuesday. What a joy to show how great the boys are doing! The Lord has truly blessed this family beyond our imagination!