fun in June

 

We don't waste a minute of summer fun here in the Delap household.  We celebrated our new second grader/black belt with a trip to 6 flags.  We took advantage of the rides.  We even rode an elephant.  I was wearing a long dress, never wear a long dress when riding an elephant, makes for unflattering photographs!

 

 Our favorite activity was the splash park.  I snuck this super cute suit into my bag thinking if she wore it once she'd learned to love it as much as I do.  I was told when we got home that she does not wear dots, good to know, there is always next year.

Next Peter and I went away for the night sans our girl.

It was our 11 year anniversary.  We went hiking around Muir woods and spent the night in Berkeley.  We stayed in this hotel that I bought a groupon for.  It was built in the 1920's by a famous female architect.  It is stepping right into 1920.  The pool was my favorite.  I didn't bring my suit or a swim cap (cause who wears a swim cap in 2013) but I sure wish we could have taken a dip.

 

 The next day we wen to San Francisco and spent some time in Golden Gate Park.  It was beautiful but the entire time we were there we wished Lily was with us too.

 

For Fathers day we met the Kings and went on a train ride.  I love this picture of my family.

 

And now we've entered the heat wave portion and the end of the month.We drove with Jada and Jalynn to the beach.

It was a wonderful day filled with giggles

lots and lots of giggles.

We had so much fun I am so happy my girl has found such great friends.

 Mermaid girls

 When you are 7 naked butts are very very funny. 

This Greek gods hinney was no exception.

 

And since the heat wave isn't nearly over we

took Nonnie and Papa to the beach. 

I adore these pictures of my mom and Lily. 

 How could I choose just one.

 My girl was the boss of the beach that day.  Actually I can not remember a day she didn't think she WAS the boss.
Oh who am I kidding we all know she is the boss.

First Grade

 First Grade

A little cuteness throughout the year.

Lily learned a lot made a lot of friends and we are happy to report we get to join them all again next year,

as a second grader!

Forever Family Day #7

I am so very proud of this child.  This year is full of ups and downs.

  Unfortunately some adult problems affected my baby girl. 

We never want to be the cause of our child's pain but I think this has been a blessing in disguise.  I am not happy that she had to go through anything that caused her to feel unsafe, but sometimes us mama's need to be wacked upside the head to see what has been lying in front of us the whole time.  I've read lots of books on adoption.  Read lot's of very smart people discuss the topics of attachment, but always thought to myself that does not sound like my child. 

 She is SO attached to me it is impossible. 

Turned a blind eye to every sign.  Told myself her shy timid personality was just her.

Told myself it was not based of fear or flight.

Then our adult problems happened and it was clear

CRYSTAL CLEAR

The piece of the puzzle that didn't ever quite make sense.

The piece I tried to bang in place

is attachment related.

Her beginnings matter.

All children's beginnings matter!

I would have told you I knew this before

 but my knowledge was born in the seeds of denial.

We now have an amazing therapist and we are headed

in the right direction.

My girl is working hard.

The best thing about acceptance is that now

healing can begin.

It hurts me to know that I am not in control

of her healing.

It hurts me to know that the path to healing is hers,

I can not fix it, no one can.

It is a hard thing for any parent to accept.

Acceptance may have come late in the game for me.

But I'm proud of my girl for coming so far in such a short time.

She is simply amazing!

 

 

So onto a bit of a brighter post.

We spent forever family day

in Lily's favorite spot,

Santa Cruz.

It was cloudy and cold and just perfect.

We went to the boardwalk played some carnival games

rode a ride.

 

Then we opted for a warmer location and did some bowling.

Lily is quite the competitive little bowler.

Making the shot.....



 

 Come on, come on, come on........

 Oh yeah baby,

 

That's right!!!

Back to the Boardwalk

Stinky Feet

seriously, the only reason, we are here!



 

The next day we headed to the aquarium.

 Then out to the tide pools,

Perfection!

Thank you Lilyana for picking the perfect place.