Thursday, September 30, 2010

July 2010

Hi all, Because July was such a busy month, I have to devote one update for it....we began the month celebrating July 4th with the neighbors in north Georgia (Ellijay) at the Veith's cabin. We all went tubing in river and then enjoyed a barbeque. On July 8th, Ella and I flew to MN to visit the Morton family for five days. As always, we had the best time. Ella really enjoyed playing with Sydney, Whitney and Preston!! We also took one day and drove back to SD to visit Dawn's family, my sister and my Aunt Dolly & Uncle Roger. While I was gone to MN, Evan was going on his first mission trip with the youth group at our church. They spent the week in Jackson, Mississippi. While in Jackson, the youth worked together with other youth from other churches to help the less fortunate. They mowed lawns, painted, facilitated Vacation Bible School for younger children etc. Evan was very moved by his experience and is looking forward to another mission trip next summer. Below are various photos taken within the month:
July 4th in Ellijay, GA
Veith's, Kaminski's, Ritchie's & Lazar's families ready to go tubing down the Coosawattee River!
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Minnesota trip with Ella

Ella and Whitney at Como Zoo in MN

Preston, Ella and Whitney in pool
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Day trip to Desoto Falls with friends
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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Youth Group

Mission trip to Jackson photo

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Addison's 4th Birthday Party Ella and Addison celebrating Caliou birthday pty for their babies...so cute!!

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

May and June 2010

Below are some photos that highlight May and June. May consisted of Evan celebrating his 16th birthday....OMGosh - cant believe by little boy is 16!!!!!! He completed 10th grade May 28th. Ella celebrated with her friends at preschool with a end of year party. Summer break started with a drive to Delaware to visit family and celebrate Samara's (Paul's cousin, David's daughter) high school graduation party (photos below). It is always a good time when we are with family :-). Evan and I volunteered at our church with Vacation Bible School again this year. We each had a group of pre-schoolers....such fun!! Ella invited her friend Morgan to attend VBS too so they alot of fun with music, crafts etc.
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Enjoying the lake with Dance family below.....thx for inviting us!!
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Ella's 4th Birthday

Ella turned four years old on April 25th and below are some photos of her special day and weekend. Her Godmother, Dawn and her daughter, Whitney came to Woodstock to celebrate Ella's birthday. We had a busy weekend planned ...........Friday night dinner at American Girl Resturant where Ella and Whitney got to bring their dolls; Saturday lunch at mexican restaurant; Saturday afternoon tea at Tea Leaves and Thyme and Sunday her party at Earth, Paint and Fire where they painted icecream bowls and ate icecream cake! She had such a wonderful birthday and was especially appreciative to spend quality time with Whitney and Dawn which made her 4th birthday so special!!!!!!
Happy 4th Birthday Ella!!!!
Ella and her friends painted the birthday plate above....Ellas handprint and thumbprints from her friends (Reese, Brooke Anna, Katie, Lydia, Alli, Morgan Addison, Whitney, Morgan, Cooper and Rylan) whom came to her birthday party
Having dinner at American Girl Restuarant with their AG baby/doll
Modeling her Dora pjs that Ms. Jill made for her b-day....thank you!!
Evan got Ella princess scooter - she's so excited!
Ella opening presents and mommy reading cards
Ella's favorite birthday gift - Dora bike (thx Dawn)
Ella giving Dawn hugs
Having tea at Tea Leaves & Thyme - girls loved dressing up in hats, jewelry and dresses!

Spring Break - April 2010

Hi all, Below are some photos from our trip to Hilton Head North Carolina for spring break in April. We shared a three bedroom house with our dear friends Mike, Jill and Maya McFee. Evan brought his friend Jake Spencer and of course Ella and Maya spend unlimited time together. We spent our week biking, walking, shopping, hanging at pool and on the beach and just relaxing!!
Mom, Ella, Jake and Evan going for a bike ride
Maya and Ella finger painting on deck
Ella and Maya's photo shoot

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

February and March 2010

February and March were fairly easy going for us. Ella continued her Chinese Language and Culture classes (China Tree) on Saturday mornings as well as dance class on Mondays and school on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Evan got his driving permit on February 9th.....he was relieved to have passed the test. Since Paul is such a good driver himself (?!?!), he is teaching Evan how to drive....that is so scary (ha! ha!). Please keep us in your prayers as we move into this phase with him.
Evan behind wheel of Paul's car.....
Snacking with Addison
Ella with Jordan's box turtle "squirtle"
Painting with Reese
Beautiful!!
The last weekend of February we celebrated Ella, Maya and Molly's Gotcha Day (2/25/2007) in Sevierville, Tennessee. Last year, we celebrated gotcha day in Nashville, TN and this year at the Wilderness at the Smokies. The girls enjoyed swimming in the waterpark, painting pottery and playing in the room. These girls have a very special bond that we will celebrate every year!! See you all in April.....

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

January 2010.........let it snow in Georgia......

Happy January, We wish everyone a happy and healthy 2010. We started the year with snow - yes I did say snow....... and we have photos to prove it. Actually it was snow and mostly ice but the kiddos loved it. Schools closed for two days. A majority of the ice didn't melt because the temps were too low. Along with pre-school and dance class, Ella is now attending a Chinese Culture and Language School (China Tree). She attends a 1 1/2 hour class on Saturday mornings. I (mom) participate in the class with her. The class is set up on a pre-school level (songs, class time, crafts etc.). It is alot to learn..... Chinese language is really hard especially with the four different tones. It is nice to see her with other children from China. See you in February......
Ella and Addison playing in snow
Evan and Wesley sledding on road
Ella writing on her easel - very proud that she wrote her friend Addison's name
Ella and her friend Reese playing dress-up
Ella and Justin Havas going down one of the slides at Monkey Joes
Ella with Jayson and Jiselle Havas at Monkey Joes

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Lazar Family Holidays of 2009

As we enter the last month of 2009, the holiday shopping and parties begin. Evan spent a good amount of time studying for his semester finals and Ella enjoyed her holiday parties at pre-school and dance. Once the parties and finals were completed, we headed to New York for our annual trip. This year was especially exciting because it snowed and snowed and snowed -approximately 20 inches! As shown in the photos, the kids enjoyed every minute of it. Unfortunately, the snow made for a change in plans. The boys did not get to attend the Jets vs. Falcons game since the roads were not cleared enough for them to get to the stadium. Since we were snowed in at home, we celebrated Hanukah by lighting the candles and eating a delicious dinner. Once the roads were cleared, we traveled to Delaware and New Jersey to visit Paul's extended family. We really enjoyed a family dinner at Lotsa Pasta (local Italian restaurant near Nona's apartment) with Nona, Aunt Ray, Uncle Morris and cousins David, Robin, Samara and Jared - lots of fun!!! After Delaware, we head back to Long Island with a stop over in New Jersey to visit cousins Michael, Melissa, Brianna and Elyse for dinner (thanks for the yummy pizza and meatball subs!) In continuing our tradition, we enjoyed Christmas Eve with mom and dad at Arthur and Millie's (thanks to you both for your hospitality) house. Santa came to mom and dad's Christmas morning and brought socks, candy, books, stickers etc. in Evan and Ella's stockings - they were so excited!!! Once we finally got back to Atlanta, we were able to open presents at home. Evan was happy with his gift cards & money - Ella was excited for her easel, itty bitty baby, baby stroller and baby crib. Both Evan and Ella are very grateful for their many gifts from family and friends - hugs and kisses to you all!! To complete our month, we spent New Years Eve at the Ritchie's with our neighborhood friends. We enjoyed the evening catching up with everyone from the holidays, drinking a cocktail and playing cards. Another year is completed.....we have been immensely blessed with good health and much happiness!! Wishing you all a safe and fun-filled 2010!!!! Hugs to all, Paul, Laura, Evan & Ella
Enjoying snow in NY!!
Watching Jets vs. Falcons while snowed in!!! (in photo - Paul, Evan, Grandpa, Paul's brother David & his son Alex)
Ella and Nona
Paul, Evan & Nona
Paul and Uncle Arthur on Christmas Eve
Ella loves taking pictures with the camera. She took this one of us before heading to airport - good job Ella!!
Evan and Ella opening presents at home
Ella and Addison exchanged Christmas presents - they each got items for their kitchens!
Ella with Santa at preschool concert

Welcome to Ella's Blog

Hi everyone, Welcome to Ella Sarah Lazar's first blog.

How it Started

Laura, Evan and I will be updating this blog as we prepare to travel to Yangchun, China. Yangchun is located approximately 160 miles southwest of Guangzhou, in Guangdong Province, China. We just received our match (referral) on Thursday January, 4th 2007 and aim to travel 4-8 weeks from this date (most likely 7-8 weeks as the Chinese New Year falls during this period).

Watching Ella Grow

Thanks for visiting - we had so much fun updating this blog during our trip to China, that we decided keep Ella's blog updated (once a month) to watch her (and Evan) grow up in front of our very eyes!


Happy 1st Birthday Ella

Happy 1st Birthday Ella

Ella Laughing for Mom

Ella Laughing for Mom

Daddy's Little Girl

Daddy's Little Girl

Ella's Referral Pictures #2

Ella's Referral Pictures #2
What a cutie!

Ella in Crib

Ella in Crib

Ella Referral Picture #3

Ella Referral Picture #3
Look at that Hair!!!

Announcing Yang Chun, Hua Tuan

Announcing Yang Chun, Hua Tuan
1st Picture of Ella