Happy Thanksgiving!

Going to the zoo...

Wow, those bears are so big!

Can you see the River Otter's behind me?

Max & Rylie reunite.

Max and Mommy time

Happy Thanksgiving to all! This year has sure flown by quickly. We had the good fortune to meet up with Sara and Rylie last month. They flew up from Arizona to visit family and we got to spend some time with them. They were in Kazakhstan a month before us, we just missed meeting them over there but we have kept in contact ever since. The neat thing is Rylie and Max were in the same baby room but I don't think they remembered each other. At first we tried to get them to sit in a chair for photos and they were crying, it was so funny! After a morning of bubbles and snacks and lunch they were having fun together and we got another photo of them together. We only wish that Sara, Adam and Rylie lived closer to us so we could visit more often. It was great meeting you guys in person finally!

Last weekend we took Max to the zoo. It was a perfect day, no crowds and a nice breeze. I thought Florida had only one season.......hot! Max's new word is 'giraffe'. He has an animal puzzle (one that Sara and Rylie got us) and he just loves the giraffe. (I wonder if it has to do with his Halloween costume as well) Sadly the zoo did not have a giraffe, but that's OK, we saw plenty of animals and will return soon.

We are all getting excited about our trip back to California in a couple weeks. My Dad hasn't met Max yet as well as some other family members and friends. This will be our first plane trip since the 'big one' coming back from Kaz. I think since we are so much more bonded, it should go smoother. I will post on our trip when we come back.

Enjoy the holidays!

The Axtell's

Halloween 2008

Am I the cutest giraffe you have ever seen?

Story time at the library


First trip to the pumpkin patch.

Cali still loves me!

Dinner at Macaroni Grill

Max had a really fun week. He went on his first trip to the pumpkin patch. I think he was more interested in the other kids then the actual pumpkins! On Halloween we went to story time at the library in the morning. Max has really been enjoying these events. They usually have one every two weeks at the library. The librarian reads some books, plays music for the kids, has crafts and yesterday the kids got to walk around the library in a parade, showing off all the cute costumes! Later that night we went to the fairgrounds for more trick or treating. We missed the costume contest by a couple of minutes, but he is still our little winner!

Max just had his 18 month checkup at the doctors. He is coming along just fine, although he is at the stage where he does not like to hear the word 'no' and it's usually followed by some tears. Max gets a break from shots, and blood work and all the other things he has had to go through since arriving in the U.S. His next appt is in six months when he turns two.

It's finally cooling off over here and in the evenings we go down to the pond and feed the ducks and fish. Max still gives plenty of hugs and kisses and right now he is fascinated with walking backwards. He also does this cute little shuffle in place with his feet that reminds me of an Irish jig. He is also talking a bit more each week.