Oh What A Week...

...late May back in '09, what a very special, special time, 'cause I remember what a week...to badly paraphrase Frankie Valli. It all started last Sunday after church. Mom, Bill , Grace and I went to Carillon Park, a showcase for the area's rich and varied history, in Dayton. We had lunch at Culp's Cafe a new establishment which is reminiscent of the Culp's that was a Dayton staple in the 1930's and 40's.

The food was so good...and I had a perfect Vanilla Phosphate to drink! Yum.

Just across from our table was this sweet sight...old Newcom Tavern, a true Dayton landmark. Built in 1796, it is the oldest area building still standing today.

Then it was off to Wegerzyn Gardens, part of Dayton's Metro Park system.

Wegerzyn is a 1,000 park filled with formal gardens, a children's discovery section, flowering trees and meadows.

Two pretty ladies enjoying the lovely day!

A Girl and her Dad in the shade...

The sweetest flower in all the garden...

Grace and her Dad talk strategy with Grace's BFF.

On Wednesday Grace had a practice softball game. The team uniforms had just arrived so our girls wore their regular clothes. The other team, from out of the city, had theirs on. Our girls were a little intimidated by that and the fact that this team had a roster filled with 5th graders (Our team is all 3rd and 4th graders) who have been playing awhile (our team is made up mostly of new players). Yes, they beat us handily but our girls held their own and got some valuable learning and playing experience.

My girl hits that ball...

Lands on first base...

Then steals second!

Running for home after a ball is dropped...

Grace was at catcher position in this game and her coach would love to keep here there. She was great at it! Unfortunately, SHE hates that position. *smile* But she agreed to serve as catcher for 2 innings each game so all are happy! We were also celebrating our son's "Gotcha Day". In the world of adoption, the "Gotcha Day" ranks right up there with the birthday in importance. 19 years ago our son Daniel came into our lives. We could not be more proud of him than we are...he is a wonderful son and a great big brother.

He chose Sima, a local Korean restaurant and we ate well! TOO well! *smile*

Now you can see why I am such a proud Mama...these are my treasures.

Some of our delicious Korean side dishes Last night was the year's last chorus and orchestra recital. Grace is in both so had to wear her chorus T shirt and hop back and forth between each! The kids all performed so well and it is always a joy to see the arts in action!

Grace and her BFF, Miss K. No, my girl was not wearing a huge butterfly on her shirt! I added it to cover up the name of the school...I know you will understand... : )

Tonight my mother and I are going to the Schuster Center in Dayton to listen

to the Philharmonic Orchestra's tribute to Beethoven. It should be magical....

Tomorrow is Grace's softball team's official picture day followed by their first REAL game! Should be exciting! they now have their uniforms, black and gold, a sponsor and a lot of energy!

And...*drum roll if you please* Monday is Ritter's Dog Night AND the day we celebrate our Kipper's 8th birthday! Whoo Hoo! Kip would like me to invite any of you who live in the area to meet us there...in fact, there is a certain blogger who we would be glad to take with us if she would like to go! *smile*

Yes, I WILL have pictures to share! But of course! Kip would have in to other way!

Have a sweet weekend dear friends...

Love and Hugs,

Susie Q