Celebration of Cultures!

Every year at our elementary school, the fifth graders do a special project called Celebration of Cultures. Each student is to pick a or their country of origin. Obviously, Little J chose to do his on Ukraine!
Believe me... this was no easy task for him! It ended up being alot of last minute typing, printing, cutting and pasting... but he scored an "A" for all his hard work! We were able to keep his display board and he is so super proud of it!!

Thanksgiving Memories - Ukraine

Thanksgiving Day - 2006, The hubby, Big Al and I spent in Ukraine. What was also memorable, was that it was also the date of our Appointment at the State Department of Adoptions (SDA) in Ukraine!
Though much of our appointment is a blur... we left with a piece of paper giving us permission to travel to a southern region of Ukraine to visit a little girl. Each DAY we are thankful for her! Over the years, her nickname of "Punkin-pie" has held a special place in our hearts - as she was our Thanksgiving Day Gift!

Way back Wednesday

Four years ago today... we were trying to enjoy killing more time in Kyiv Ukraine by doing a little site-seeing! Since we had Big Al with us, we had to keep on the go to keep him occupied!

Four years ago....

For years ago... we were sitting in Kyiv, Ukraine.... it was foggy, cold and just plain DREARY!
We were trying to patiently wait for our SDA appointment on Thanksgiving Thursday! Ahhhhh... the memories!

Mission completed and dancing with girls!

Big Al, who is in 5th grade has been working on a project for the last two months called Celebration of Cultures. It has been ALOT of work! He has had to not only do research on his own, do alot of writing and creative projects (neither are his strengths!), he has had to learn some new songs, put together a board about Ukraine, make a Legacy book, and learn to dance with girls!

The entire 5th grade sang many cultural songs from all over the world... I have to say that they sounded SO much better than any other concert! (maybe because its the last one I have to attend for him!)

Miss O escorted me to the event... she wanted to dress up, since she saw all the older girls dressed in skirts and dresses.. or at least I "think" that is why she wanted to dress up... maybe she just wanted to get into the box of clothes from Allie!

Big Al danced with his little sister after we watched the kids all do their jazz dancing!

Alex put together his country board... he has been studying Ukraine... he actually learned a few things and was able to put to use alot of the things we purchased on the last trip (2006). He was only one of a small handful of kids that were the only person in their group. Considering he has a really hard time with homework - this was a major feat for him... his teacher was amazed that he was able to pull it together! (so were we!)

Here is the video of his 5th grade class doing their dances (Big Al is in the blue shirt with khaki pants!) The best part was watching the facial expressions of the kids when they had to ask each other to dance... classic! Apparently - lots of cooties were exchanged!! hehe

Molly - feel free to high-jack the video!!