The Three Musketeers

Cullen and his grandparents came to Minnesota to spend some time with his cousins who live in Europe. It is BOY CENTRAL! Bugs, toads, dirt, puddles, Mall of America, and a whale pool have made this trip memorable for him. Here are Cullen's top ten moments in Minnesota that we've enjoyed so much!

10. "Give me a SQUEEZE hug!"
9. Pop made a bee line for "Lids" a hat store at the Mall of America, to get Cullen a Brewers Hat!
8. "Grandma, I'm tired, I need to go to bed!" (COME ON, WHO SAYS THAT!?)
7. Cullen running in circles over and over again in the culd-a-sac. Can you say "TRACK STAR!"
6. "I POOP ON THE POTTY!"
5. Hugging Sharky at the Mall of America.
4. Constant smile on the train ride at the MOA.
3. Grandma taking Cullen to the bathroom and him getting off the toilet and hugging her saying, "We are having SO MUCH FUN!"
2. Jacuzzi bath time with bubbles, jets, and three boys!
1. Cullen hoarding his food, whenever another boy comes near him. (Covering his Fruit Loops with his hands.)


This evening, Ann Marie couldn't sleep, and called us. She is very excited to fly out tomorrow. Geremu is with them, and seems to be adjusting well. We got cut off of our phone conversation, but she will up-date after she returns to the States this weekend.

Recent Phone Call

Yesterday, Ann Marie called my parents from Africa. My mom said she sounded SO HAPPY! They love Geramu and sounds like he loves them. He is a kid that everyone seems to know. Today, (Tuesday) is the going away party for Geramu at the Children's Home. Then Ann Marie and Nick take him home for good. They have to head to the US Embassy for loads of paper work, and documents, before they head home in a couple of days.

It's sounds as if the trip has been very well organized by the adoption agency, and they've been having a fun time. They have met about six other families that are all there to adopt, and have gotten to go on tours around Ethiopia. Only downer to the trip, is that Nick has gotten sick. He's still be doing everything, but doesn't feel well with stomach troubles. This happened to him last time they went to Africa too. So, keep him in your thoughts and prayers. I hope he is able to enjoy the experience as much as Ann Marie seems to be.

On another note, Cullen is doing very well with my parents. Seems that they are all having a fun time. They are on their way up to stay with us for the rest of the week, before heading back to Appleton. We couldn't be more excited! Let the fun begin!

Short Up-Date

I found out yesterday that Ann Marie got a hold of my Grandma Nita on the phone. The conversation lasted about one minute, before it was cut off. She said that they made it to Ethiopia, and the trip was very long. She met Geramu and he is soooooooo cute and he already loves her! That's all she said before the call was cut off. I'm SO glad everything is going well for them! Until I know more...

Big Day

Hi all, it's Ann Marie's sister, Katie! I'll be filling in for her while she is in Africa. Just wanted to tell everyone to keep Ann Marie and Nick in your thoughts and prayers today. They go to meet Geramu for the first time, this morning. I'm anxiously waiting for an up-date to post here from her. What an exciting time for them!

Rumor has it that Cullen is doing great, and enjoyed his time with Nick's aunt, uncle, and cousins. Last night it was off to Granny and Pop's house for the next week. I'll be posting more as I hear it!

Still Not Packed...

but I'm going to do it as soon as I'm done writing this. We leave early tomorrow morning and cannot wait! Cullen is off to Nick's Aunt Karrie and Uncle Mike's house. I'm not so sure he is even going to miss us with all the fun that is planned while we are gone. We had a great day with him and spent as much time just hanging with him as we could (no nap for Cullen today). I'm going to try and send a few reports from Ethiopia if it is possible, my sister Katie will post for me.
Here are two pictures from today of Cullen's last day with his parents as an only child.

For anyone that is wondering I'm excited, nervous, excited, anxious, excited, tired, and excited. Did I mention how excited I am?!? That's all for now...

All My Bags are Almost Packed!?!

Here is a picture of me today trying to catch a little sleep. I had to put my googly-eyes in so it at least looked like I was getting something done.

It's been so nice out that every freckle on my body is slowly becoming one. By the time I leave Ethiopia I should officially be one giant freckle!

It's official, I've been talking about packing roughly a week and now it's time to start!

I'm leaving you tonight with one last picture. This was me this past November in my glory. I know just how lucky I really am, I have friends that have dreamt of being a wiener their whole life and still havn't had the opportunity to preform. I'm really hoping the stars will aline again and I will get to race at a Brewer Game someday. In the mean time I will continue training by running around the block with a garbage can over my head.

Does Geremu have any idea what he is in for?!?

Backyard Camping Season Opener

Backyard camping season starts today! Cullen was so excited about camping outside he ran around the tent for a good portion of the evening (he is the blur in the picture below). We kicked off tonight's season opener by running to Dairy Queen before Nick and Cullen headed into the tent for the night. As much as I would love to camp out with them, I am sitting this years opening day out. I need a good night sleep to keep up with this pace I've got going.