Finally, San Diego! (with pics)

(this post is from our trip to San Diego in mid June when we attended the Adoption Options picnic and met some very special folks, and made new friends)

Over 6 weeks have passed and I have yet to post about our trip to San Diego. Well, first of all, obviously I survived traveling from South Florida, across the country, with a 1 year old. Yayyy for me, and for Nola. She did so well and made me proud. I will not say it was easy, but all in all she behaved wonderfully considering she is a little monkey. I mean, what 1 year old wants to, or is able to sit still for 5-7 hours? None that I know of!

We jet-setted to San Diego to attend an Adoption Options picnic. I believe they host a picnic every quarter. I didn't expect to attend one of their picnics quite this soon, but this one was too special to miss. Special guests from Kyrgyzstan were in attendance and I couldn't wait to see them again and I especially couldn't wait for them to see Nola Diana. In attendance were Tatiana, the orphanage Director/Dr. from Tokmok; Lyudmila and Sergei, the in-country coordinators; the judge from Tokmok; and a representative who works with the Minister of Education (MOE). It was wonderful to see these folks and meet the judge and MOE representative.

The purpose of their visit was to review the Kyrgyzstan adoption program and see first hand how the children, who are home, are doing. Various local families hosted the guests for dinner and other outings. Several folks came from afar, with their children, to join the festivities.

One of the best things about this trip was the opportunity to meet so many other adoptive families and their beautiful Kyrgyz kids. I was able to spend a good amount of time with Hilary, Tim and Anara. It was so cute to see Noli and Anara together. Anara was so sweet with Nola. Tim and Hilary are too wonderful for words and I can't thank them enough for sticking close to Noli and I.

Other families that I had the privilege to meet were Mala and Beck. Talk about a handsome little boy...he is all boy and cute as can be. He listens so well to his mama and I was so happy to finally connect with them in person.

Tina and Isabel were in the house!! Tina flew down from Northern CA with both of her daughters...such beautiful little girls. I didn't get to spend nearly enough time with Tina...we will catch up more next time, friend!

Other families I met, but who don't have blogs are: Riannon and her parents, Jen & Ted; Nadine and her son, Sam; Amina and her parents, Laura and Marc; Shiloh and her mom, Kim.

I also met PAP, Cindy. Cindy is a single mom-to-be and in queue to adopt a baby girl. Cindy opened her heart to Nola and I while we were in San Diego. I cannot thank her enough for her time and hospitality during our stay. She was wonderful with my little monkey and she is going to be a loving mother very soon :) Cindy, if you are reading this, Nola and I are sending you a BIG Thank You and Hug.

And now for pictures...

Nola playing hide and seek in the hotel room

Tatiana, Noli, Me

Noli, Me, Amina, & Laura

Kim, Shiloh, Anara, Hilary, Noli, Me

One tired Little Squirt taking a siesta

Nadine & Sam

Anara, Beck, Tina & Isabel

Nola & Anara - is this the beginning of pole dancing?

new friends - Nola & Anara

Noli & Cindy

Noli & Mom (very windy day)

Nola, Anara, Hilary, & Tim