Our I-171H Arrived Tonight....

Friday night we received our I-171H form that we applied for on 8/10/08. What does this mean? This means that we have been given clearance from US Homeland Security to adopt a child (male), 0-18 months from Russia. As a result our application (dossier) has been forwarded to the Russian Ministry of Education (MOE) where it will be translated. This is the final step in submitting our paperwork. So it is now OFFICIAL!!! We have been waiting for this letter for 4 months now!!! To read more about our adoption process from Russia go to http://scottjourney2russia.blogspot.com/

Global Knowledge Holiday Party - 2008

Here are some photos from Jennifer's company Christmas party with Global Knowledge. It was held at Prestonwood Country Club in Cary, NC.

Thanksgiving 2008

Gobble..Gobble..we celebrated Thanksgiving at Mom & Dad Bellavia's house this year, joined by Dave's parents. It was a wonderful day, the menu was balanced and the food was delicious. We are thankful that our family was all healthy, happy and together during Thanksgiving this year.

Raleigh Christmas Parade - 2008

Santa Clause is coming to town........we attended the Raleigh Christmas Parade for the first time this year. It was a 2 hour parade that went through downtown Raleigh. Despite the freezing cold temperatures, we had great seats up front on the parade route and the girls were bundled up. I was quite impressed with Raleigh's Christmas parade. There were approx. 60,000 spectators and the parade featured dozens of bands, floats, super-sized balloons, marchers, twirlers, entertainers and Santa Clause at the end of the parade.

Indian Princesses Tribe - Dazzling Fireflies

How How....Dave and Julia formed an Indian Princess tribe this Fall through the YMCA. The YMCA Princess programs are for girls in the first through third grades and their dads. Tribes are composed of seven to nine fathers and their daughters. Tribes meet twice a month in a member’s home with fun activities. In addition, there are monthly outings such as camping, hiking, community service, rollerskating, baseball games, hockey games, retreats, etc. It is similar to the Girls Scouts if you were involved with this growing up, however, the difference is it is for fathers and daughters.

As I watch Dave and Julia enjoy all of the activities that come along with Y Princesses, I wish there had been a program like this for me and my dad growing up. It is really amazing to watch them involved is such fun activities as father and daughter.

Tribe name is "Dazzling Fireflies"

Dave's name is "Crashing Wave" (He is Chief)

Julia's name is "Blazing Sun"

http://www.arapahoe-nation.org/index.htm

Snow in North Carolina....

Let it Snow.....we had our first snow fall in NC a few weeks ago right before school started for the day. The last time Julia saw snow was when she was 3 years old I believe. She loved being outside and trying to catch the snowflakes on her tongue as they fell all around her. Too cute.

Julia Learns To Rider Her Bike...

Look mom - no hands....Well the time has finally come. Julia is off and riding her bike with no training wheels and absolutely loves it. We never pushed her and she just decided on her own one day that she wanted to ride her bike in the cul-de-sac with her friends with no training wheels. We are so proud of her. We are pretty certain that there will be a New Trek Bike under the tree this year from Santa :)

Mom S's Birthday

Happy Birthday....We celebrated Mom S's Birthday in November. Wow - alot of family birthdays in the Fall. We had a wonderful time ordering in Chinese food and relaxing like old times. Of course no birthday of Liz's would be complete without her favorite cake from the Marble Slab - "Sweet Cream and Raisinette's"!!!

26.2 Miles...What An Accomplishment

26.2 miles in 4:59.......We are so proud of Dave for his completion of the Raleigh City of Oaks Full Marathon in November. He began training for the marathon in June and had never run before (aside from while playing sports). He was so dedicated to completing his goal that he would wake up and run 3-4 times a week (sometimes at 5 am). The first 13 miles of the marathon were pretty easy, but as Dave entered into Umstead Park where the course is rocky and hilly, he knew it was going to take alot of will to complete his dream. We were so proud to see him heading for the finish line and to complete the marathon in under 5 hours. What an accomplishment for a first time marathon runner!!! Dave - we are so very proud of you!!! http://www.cityofoaksmarathon.com/

Halloween 2008

Halloween in Wakefield Plantation is alot of fun. The portion of our neighborhood "St. James Place" is flooded with children all under 10 years old. We spent the night with our neighbors trick or treating and celebrated at the after party outside around the bonfire. Wine and beer for all (candy for the kids :). Julia dressed as Supergirl this year.

CASL Soccer - Fall 2008

Dave coached Julia's CASL Soccer team (The Firebirds) for another season. We were blessed with a great and cute bunch of girls. Julia continues to love and excel in soccer. She has really developed into quite the defender (for those who didn't know, I played defense for most of my soccer career). It is really fun to watch her play, strategize already and love the sport. They ended the season with a bang and a BIG WIN.

Dave's Birthday

34 and many more....We celebrated Dave's Birthday in October. It was slightly low key as Dave was in the midst of training for his full marathon.

Mom B's 58th Birthday

58 and looking great.....we celebrated Mom B's birthday in September. It is a great feeling to be so close with family and be able to share these special moments always. She continues to do well healthwise everyday.