So it was 41 degrees this morning and we have the heat running. Time for us to pack up and head to Arizona for the winter. We spent most of the summer with Keira and now she is settling into 1st grade at a new school in West Des Moines and making new friends. Marcy, Chad and Keira will move into their new house September 27th. I think they will be very happy in their new place. Drive time was always a chore for both of them. Marcy drove 45 minutes each way and Chad drove about an hour one way. New jobs are only 10 minute drive. Not enough time to warm up the car!!!

Mandy and Steve's trip to Poland was wonderful and they got to meet their little girl. Time was short with her and they got back to Arizona on Labor Day September 3rd. More paper work and more waiting til they all go back to Poland to bring her home. On September 8th Mandy went to Mayo Clinic with severe stomach pain. After many tests it was decided by all her Doctors that she needed to finally have her gallbladder removed. She had surgery Sunday morning and is home recovering. Thank God she did not get sick in Poland. She has been having gallbladder problems for several months but because of her medical history they were hesitate about her having surgery. Having had my gallbladder out after an attack I know how sick one can be so we are all happy that the decision to remove hers was made. Now we all look forward to bringing their little girl home.

As for us we will be leaving our summer home and head to Arizona tomorrow. We hope to be there on Sunday the 23rd. Looking forward to seeing all our Snowbird friends.

Travel map will show our route unless the Mr. decides we need to see the biggest ball of twine!!!

Tomorrow morning Steve and Mandy are on their way to Poland to meet their little girl. They will be there for a week and then return home to file papers and then wait for their adoption court date in 2 to 3 months. On their next trip Nolan will go with them. They will be in Poland for about 6 weeks. Safe travels to them and many many kisses to our new granddaughter.

Last night we went with her and Marcy to meet the teacher. Her teacher is Mrs. Limback.

This morning we took Little Miss Keira
to her first day of school. She held my hand a little but seemed very excited
to meet some new friends.

As I was leaving the building I was feeling a little sad and I felt a
little tear starting but I know she will have a fun time with her new
friends.

Last week we moved our summer residency to the Des Moines, Iowa. We bought into a camping resort called Cutty's and will spend the remainder of the summer here before heading to Arizona. I never thought we would be property owners again in Polk County. Marcy, Chad and Keira are moving to West Des Moines which is where we lived for 28 years before we retired. Marcy and Chad had been thinking of moving and Marcy got a call from a company in Des Moines. She decided to interview with them and liked the people and really liked the idea of not driving 45 miles each way to work especially in the winter. She accepted the job with Loffredo's Produce as Quality Control Manager of fresh produce. Less driving and more money. They put their house on the market and sold in 3 weeks. Now they are house hunting in West Des Moines and have narrowed their search two 2 properties. Chad has two interviews in Des Moines so fingers are crossed for him. So he is still in Mason City working and Marcy and Keira are staying with us in the 5th wheel. Keira starts school tomorrow and I think she is excited.

AUGUST 2, 2012


Today we got a phone call from Mandy. "IT'S A GIRL". I was a little confused as to what she meant until she said it again. Oh I am going to be an NANA again... They had just gotten pictures and an email regarding a little 11 month old girl who was looking for the perfect family to join. I think she found the right place.

They started the Adoption process in March of 2011 and had to go through a lot of paperwork, home study and background checks. Mandy's health was not a problem since her oncologist gave her a good report.

They will now wait for travel plans to Poland to visit for the first time. First trip is 7 to 10 days. This is a time to see how they bond with her and she with them. They will then come home without her and wait for final papers to travel back to Poland for 4 to 5 weeks to finalize the adoption. We are hoping this can all be done by Christmas but sometimes you just have to wait. I will update when I know more or you can check Mandy and Steve's blog @ www.halashton.com

‎4 years ago today a wonderful young man named Jonathan gave Mandy his stem cells to save her life. Thank You so much Jonathan and HAPPY 4TH BIRTHDAY MANDY. WE LOVE YOU...Mom AND DAD

Keira's VBS (Vacation Bible School) was in the evening and started on Sunday to Thursday last week. We arrived early Tuesday and I was invited to help at VBS with serving dinner. Marcy had already helped on Sunday and Monday so I decided to help, too. It was fun, the kids were fun and the people were very appreciative. I also got dinner. I learned a new meal. A walking Taco.. Take a 1 3/4 oz. bag of doritos and cut longwise about an inch down. Oh crush the doritos first. Add taco meat, lettuce, tomato, onions and any other condiments you like top with sour cream and eat with plastic fork. Hence the name WALKING TACO!!!

On Thursday night they had a program and this is Keira performing.

Fun time.