The Drissell Driveway

Thinking about the kids in Hengyang today!

2011-03-29T13:25:00.001-07:00

One Year!

2011-01-11T12:14:00.000-08:00

We are amazed that one year has passed since we met Lexi in Changsha, China! Take a look at the difference one year makes. Last January 11th...

And today...

Walk the Wall 2010

2010-09-29T11:52:00.000-07:00

We "Walked the Wall " last Saturday to raise funds for ICC International China Concern. Without this group of caring volunteers we would not have been able to adopt Lexi! In 2008, they were responsible for getting her the medical attention needed for her to survive. Last year, Lexi "Walked the Wall" in Hengyang, China with her caretakers. She had just started walking.... and she toddled her way along. This year, she RAN! Thank you everyone at ICC!
If you would like more info on "Walk the Wall" here is their link.
http://www.walkthewall.org/
This is why we walked this year.

Happy Birthday little Rainbow!

2010-09-15T13:11:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics from the 2nd birthday.

First day of School

2010-09-15T12:07:00.000-07:00

Do these kids look excited for a new year of school or what?

Summer Vacation '10

2010-07-30T04:55:00.001-07:00

A great last few days at Captiva with plenty of fun, sun and KIDS. Enjoyed beach time, bike rides, "Big Blue" (rest if peace), and beautiful sunsets. . .

Summer Vacation '10 - Horizon Format

2010-07-28T21:24:00.000-07:00

Felt inspired to go horizontal. . .Will be closing out and packing up tomorrow for the journey home.

Summer Vacation '10 - Day 10, Fishing Trip

2010-07-26T21:37:00.000-07:00

The boys enjoyed a guided fishing excursion today that went much better than expected (aside from Dave, not a lot of fishing experience out there. . .).

Starting at sunrise, Capt. George got us set up with tackle, bait, rods and the right places to drop a line.

We ended up catching and releasing over 50 fish, with 4 keepers (three spotted sea trout, one flounder).

An exciting morning of new experiences and a great fresh fish dinner this evening (followed by desert courtesy of Bubble Room!).

Summer Vacation '10 - Day 4-7

2010-07-23T20:55:00.001-07:00

The past few days have just flown. . .typical Captiva days of beach time, sandcastles, biking, tennis, walks and swimming at the pool. We have enjoyed sunny skies and warm weather all week long, but today, Tropical Storm Bonnie rolled in and changed all that. Not as bad as we expected; the rains have been steady and the winds picked up, but not nearly the carnage we expected. It did give the boys time in the surf with the biggest waves yet!

We also picked up Dave, Lannette and Maisyn at the airport last night as they are joining us for the week. We enjoyed their company today for more fun at the beach (and pool) as well as shelling (Dave pulled several large whelks from the sand) and of course, a fresh seafood dinner. Maisyn seems to love the water as much as Lexi and they are looking forward to hours of swim time together.

Summer Vacation '10 - Day 3

2010-07-19T21:53:00.001-07:00

Pretty exciting morning, as it was both Lexi's and Jack's first trip to the beach! Both were extremely brave, as they did not waste any time jumping in. Water was warm, but there were the usual stories of large fish, sting rays, and sharks. . .but no official spottings, and certainly not enough to hold us back. In fact, Jack not only swam in the ocean, but paddled out to the buoys with the boys. We had a great time finding a few starfish, playing a little tennis, and swimming at the pool before it poured this afternoon (which apparently has been pretty common around here lately. . .a quick, afternoon shower to cool things off).

Temps not too bad, the water not too hot, but the "no-see-'ums" out in force. . .Tonight had dinner at R.C. Otter's and took a stroll down to the beach at the Mucky Duck. No sunset to write home about, but beautiful darker cloud formations. That, along with the lightning show last night, and the afternoon storms today, has started things off with exciting weather patterns here at Captiva. (Also wanted to report to the Powells that Sally was successfully released back to nature last night, much to the delight of her family. . .)!

Summer Vacation '10 - Day 1-2

2010-07-19T21:26:00.000-07:00

THE JOURNEY TO CAPTIVA

Don, Cullen and Jack headed out on the open road the morning of Saturday, July 17. They stopped along the way in Metropolis, IL (home of Superman, of course), had some of their favorite Dippin' Dots, and later met up with the north-bound Powell family in north GA. The Powells had a stow-away salamander in their van (we named Sally), which they passed on to us to return to her rightful home on Captiva as soon as we arrived. Later, the boys had a late-night swim at the hotel and sipped hot chocolate 'til the wee hours.

Day 2 was even more exciting as we approached the Florida border. It was Jack's first trip to the Sunshine State, so we took in all the sites in along the way, which included spotting the first palm tree, sampling fresh oranges at the first road-side stand we could find, and testing Jack's patience as we drove for endless hours to reach Tracy, Brogan and Lexi at the Ft. Meyers Airport Sunday night, finally arriving at our destination (South Seas) around 11pm; unloading the van, and passing out from exhaustion after a long day of excitement.

Bathtime!

2010-06-17T20:56:00.000-07:00

We have been home from China for almost 5 months! She thinks baths are awesome!

A Visit to the Botanical Gardens

2010-05-05T20:19:00.000-07:00

Lexi and I met our neice Amanda and her son, Blaise at the Missouri Botanical Gardens. We walked through the Climatron and played in the children's garden. She loved the "market" area...filling her baskets and sorting the food.

She watched the other toddlers for a while in the "water" area. She was very serious and intense trying to figure out where the water was coming from, when it would spout and why all the other kids were running around screaming.

Weekend in Chicago!

2010-03-29T07:57:00.000-07:00

We were actually there about 30 hours. Brogan toured the School of the Art Institute, we had some deep dish pizza, looked at some art and walked through Chinatown.

Meet Lexi's "Chinese" Grandparents

2010-03-12T17:52:00.000-08:00

We would like to introduce Ron and Sue Burns. They are an amazing couple from Australia who cared for Lexi after her surgery just after her birth in China. They are volunteers with ICC, International ChinaConcern, who are working in part of the Social Welfare Institute that was caring for Lexi. Since meeting them via an email introduction, they have sent us stories, photos and video.
Yes, video of Lexi first walking!
We were able to make a Skype call to them a few days ago and Lexi was so excited to see her Ye Ye (Grandpa) and Nai Nai (Grandma). She was calling to them, blowing kisses and waving. We are all so lucky!
We feel like our family has grown by more than Lexi! We feel so connected to everyone in China who played a part of creating this amazing little girl that we have the privilege to raise as our daughter.
ICC's motto is "Love, Hope and Opportunity to Every Child". Thank you ICC!

A little more Lexi!

2010-02-22T19:48:00.001-08:00

Lexi and I were just hanging out this morning....

Ragtime winner!

2010-02-08T12:04:00.000-08:00

Cullen placed second in the Metro South Arts Council's Scott Joplin Ragtime Competition
last weekend with the Maple Leaf Rag.

Home from China!

2010-02-02T19:49:00.000-08:00

LEXI'S FIRST WEEK HOME
Our travels home from China and the first day back went pretty smoothly. On our first night's sleep, we all dozed at least 12 hours straight.

Apparently we celebrated too early. . .Over the next few days, we all suffered jet-lag, Lexi was wakeful and coughing through the night, none of us could sleep, and at one point, we were all up at 3AM eating cereal! Lexi's cough went to pneumonia; she was treated, and we are happy to say, she has made a strong recovery.

Our sleep has now balanced out, the boys are back to a regular school schedule, and things are somewhat back to normal. We apologize if we have not extended invites for all to meet Lexi as we are now just getting her out of the house. Thanks for the greetings, calls and stop-overs. . . hopefully, we can visit more in the coming weeks!

For those who commented, "how about more Lexi?" on the blog. . .well, here you are! She truly is our ray of sunshine. . .brightens any room and puts a smile on every face.

DAY 15 - China Adventure

2010-01-21T06:50:00.000-08:00

CHINA ADVENTURE, DAY 15

Well, our final day in China has arrived, we received Lexi's passport and Visa today, and we are nearly packed and ready for departure in the morning.

Before we go though, we asked the kids to help conclude our blog posting with their final thoughts on our Great China Adventure.

Here is what they came up with:

Getting LEXI, The Great Wall!, Herbal Market, Chinese boys with weird haircuts, the weddings, pollution, spot lights, traffic!, Crazy Taxi, 50km/hour cab rides, metric system is awesome. . .the US should use it, same with military time, eating shrimp heads, ping pong in the hotels. . .Cullen the Champion!, low tide sludge on the Pearl River, only one bout of food sickness, six dollar Starbucks, ICE CREAM, no fat Chinese people, the Safari Zoo, white tigers, Monkey King Show!, dead dog in bag, sugary duck skin (one liked it, one didn't), water dripping from the buildings on Shamian Island, dust, squatty potty (none in the streets like we were told), Cullen's weapons!?, 7-11, 200 calorie sodas, pizza at La Dolce Vita, Chairman Mao, cruisin' on the river, laser pointers, Beijing, Helen, Learning Chinese ("shay-shay"), spitting indoors, smoke!, big Justin from the orphanage and his Canadian friend, Jade factory, squeaker shoes, the fake Monk, creepy Carnival in Changsha, Tiananmen Square, The Forbidden City, Santa Claus posters, the Tea Room, pee pee boy, Army training, "granny mummy", the Toy Market, and INSANE breakfast buffets!

Well, that about sums it all up. If you have any questions on any of the above items, feel free to ask either kid (or Lexi) when we return.

See you all stateside!

DAY 14 - China Adventure

2010-01-20T08:25:00.000-08:00

CHINA ADVENTURE, DAY 14

Realizing that we only have a few more days left, we are packing as much activity into the day as possible. Today we started at the Xiangjiang Safari Park to view pandas, but found so much more. We were able to explore two halves of the park by train and by foot, viewing not only pandas, but lions, white tigers, bears, giraffe, koala, rhinos, etc. in their natural environment.

Richard then picked us up and shuttled us to the American Consulate in downtown Guangzhou for our final act to complete the adoption; the Oath. We, along with about 20 other adopting families (following a brief meeting with a consulate official), stood and pledged our commitment to raise our adoptive children in a loving and healthy environment. Certificates were passed out, and it was done! Now, the only thing left, is to receive Lexi's Visa and travel papers, which should arrive tomorrow, and then we are able to travel home with her this Friday!

To celebrate tonight, Lexi first posed with her new friends on the traditional "red sofa" at the White Swan Hotel, and then we all took a dinner cruise on the Pearl River. A terrific finale to our two week odyssey.

One final note. . .as we celebrate one of the most memorable events in our immediate family history, our hearts ache for all those affected by the earthquake(s) in Haiti as we have been keeping up with the disaster in the news. Our thoughts and support go out to all those affected by this disaster as we now prepare to leave for home.

DAY 13 - China Adventure

2010-01-19T07:35:00.000-08:00

CHINA ADVENTURE, DAY 13

We had a "free day" today without appointments or guidance from Richard, and of course, we chose to spend our time on Art and Architecture! First, the Guangzhou Museum of Art with collections of local artists in different media. Following playtime in the plaza, a brisk cab ride over to the Guangdong Museum of Art for more of a contemporary collection of work from Chinese artists.

Following a recent pattern, this afternoon we went shopping near our hotel. We bought Lexi a stamp with her American and Chinese name on it, her first set of Chinese "squeaker" shoes, and her first traditional Chinese dress (she picked purple!).

Hard to believe we have been in China almost 2 weeks already! It has been a memorable and enjoyable trip, but we will certainly be ready to come home Friday. We can't wait to introduce friends and family to our newest family member.

DAY 12 - China Adventure

2010-01-18T08:19:00.000-08:00

CHINA ADVENTURE, DAY 12

Today we toured once again with Richard and the first stop was to the Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, an active Buddhist temple. There, Cullen threw a coin through an urn for good luck, Monks joined in procession through the courtyard, and we marveled at the Flower pagoda (a structure dating back to 1097 and named for its bright colors).

We then visited Yuexiu Park, one of the oldest parks in the region. Among the sites, we saw the Five Rams Sculpture which has become a symbol of Guangzhou. According to the local belief, the statue is the outcome of an ancient myth and is known to bring good luck and fortune to the city.

We have been getting to know Lexi more and more each day, and find her extremely easy going, friendly, intelligent, out-going and well-behaved. She is also a good sleeper, and a VERY good eater. We all find her wit and charm irresistible and she compliments the family very well!

DAY 11 - China Adventure

2010-01-17T06:58:00.000-08:00

CHINA ADVENTURE, DAY 11

Day 2 in Guangzhou started with a ping pong tournament and ended with Edy's Ice Cream. . .what a day! This morning, we took a stroll around our new neighborhood; Shamian Island (not actually an island, but a area of the city where wealthy merchants once lived and built a moat for protection). This afternoon, Richard took us to the Guangdong Folk Art Museum, a beautiful collection of buildings celebrating the art of the common Chinese people.

We also visited several shops, along with the famous Pearl Market, which is actually a HUGE mall full of wholesale jewelers. Outside was the most crowded shopping street we have ever experienced. Thousands of people jammed into a mile-long stretch of road with shopping and food. . .and yes, we were the only Westerners around. Tonight, had dinner at a nice Italian Restaurant not far from the hotel with several other adopting families. . .with ice cream afterwards. . .oh, and by the way. . .Cullen won the ping pong tournament.

DAY 10 - China Adventure

2010-01-16T08:59:00.000-08:00

CHINA ADVENTURE, DAY 10

Woke in Guangzhou to our warmest day yet (in the 70's). Beautiful neighborhood where we are with boulevards, palm trees and brick streets. . .reminiscent of Savannah. Latitudinally, Guangzhou is equal to south Florida, so all of a sudden, it seems like a vacation! The only problem is that most of the city is under renovation due to the Asian Games due here in the Fall.

Lexi had her official physical this morning at a nearby clinic and all checked out OK. We then strolled along the riverfront, had lunch at a Western-style Cafe (burgers-n-fries, fish-n-chips), and listened to a traditional Chinese music group play for the leisure Saturday afternoon crowd in the park.

Met and talked with many other adopting families this afternoon. Most families come to Guangzhou to finalize their adoption process due to Consulates being located here. We have met families from all over the US, many with smiling little girls similar to Lexi; one family with 6 biological kids and 3 adopted, and one family adopting two 13-year-old boys. Great to see such international support for kids in need.

DAY 9 - China Adventure

2010-01-16T00:58:00.000-08:00

CHINA ADVENTURE, DAY 9

We ventured out into the city this morning to Changsha's largest park complete with lake, aquarium, mini-amusement park, musicians, and of course, people selling their wares. The boys chatted briefly with a Buddhist monk and each bought a bead bracelet.

The cab rides are always interesting in China, and the ride to the park was no exception. Drivers typically do not follow the lines on the road, pedestrians are not yielded to, and chosen speed is up to the driver. Our cabbie even "bumped" another cab, a few words were exchanged, and they drove on.

We had an evening flight out to Guangzhou and all went smooth (although taking our "Circus" on the road is no easy task with lots of luggage, and now baby in-tow). Before departure, we had to say good-bye to our doorman at the Hotel Dolton, one of the most famous in all of China!

Arrived late in Guangzhou and fell directly to sleep.

DAY 8 - China Adventure

2010-01-14T08:16:00.000-08:00

CHINA ADVENTURE, DAY 8

Today's adventures took us to Hunan University and the Yuelu Academy, one of the oldest Universities in the world (founded in 976 AD). We then climbed the Yuelu mountains behind the University and discovered a Buddhist temple.

The more man meditates upon good thoughts, the better will be his world and the world at large.

-Confucius

Tomorrow, we finally receive Lexi's passport, and then off to Guangzhou.

DAY 7 - China Adventure

2010-01-13T08:32:00.000-08:00

CHINA ADVENTURE, DAY 7

Today we got to experience Changsha in more detail. Richard took us through the Hunan Cultural Museum this morning where we were able to see artifacts from Hunan Civilization throughout the centuries including textiles, pottery, Chinese calligraphy and a famous Chinese mummy that is several thousand years old, and very well preserved. We then drove to Mao Tse-tung's boy-hood school. Very interesting architecture and a glimpse into regional history here in Hunan.

Out touring, we are able to meet and talk with many locals. We are surprised how open and friendly most people are here. Changsha is not a big international tourist destination, so there are not many Westerners, but we are treated very well. They find Lexi adorable, and along with our two tall sons, there are many who stop us to say hello and some who even want to take our picture. Getting to know these people and this place makes us feel that we know a little more about Lexi and from where she came.

DAY 6 - China Adventure

2010-01-12T07:51:00.000-08:00

CHINA ADVENTURE, DAY 6

We made it "official" this morning, traveling back to the Civil Affairs office, signing all necessary forms (with signatures and thumbprints), and left Lexi's footprint as well (just like at birth!). Then did a little shopping for supplies, water and food. Returned to hotel for lunch and some chill time. The boys attempted some homework this afternoon while Lexi napped (for any teachers reading this out there). Later in the day, we continued our shopping adventure visiting a bookstore and finding such treasures as Dr. Seuss books in both Chinese and English, great picture books for Lexi, and a few interesting books on Chinese folk tales and legends (also bilingual).

Richard has been a great guide; very patient with us, a good communicator, and always willing to help. He keeps us informed of where to be and at what time, he helps guide us through the dangerous streets of Changsha (with traffic, not crime), and he is very careful to help us order the right meals (without too much Hunan spice!!). Dinner tonight was at a Chinese one-pot restaurant where you cook your own food at the table (similar to fondue in the States). Our first meal out with Lexi was very busy (brought back some memories), but a good experience overall. Looking forward to touring with her tomorrow.

DAY 5 - China Adventure

2010-01-11T06:52:00.000-08:00

CHINA ADVENTURE, DAY 5. . .Welcome Lexi!:

After 3 long years of discussions, applications, Emails, paperwork, tests and phone calls, the big day has finally arrived!

Following breakfast this morning, we drove to the government offices in downtown Changsha with Richard and we were led into a room with 4 other adopting couples. All the other couples were from New York (with almost every Burrough represented), and conversation was lively and exciting. All of a sudden, several children were brought into the room and everyone seemed to drop to the floor at once to greet their little one. Lexi seemed apprehensive at first, but soon found the sippy cup and our colorful stacking cups interesting enough to consider us friendly.

We played for only a while before we were whisked back to the hotel to get acquainted and sign some paperwork. Of course, the rest of the afternoon was spent playing with Lexi; figuring out what makes her laugh, discovering what she likes to eat, when she likes to be held, and when she likes to rest. We all took turns holding her and playing. . .the boys are really going to be great big brothers!

Later in the day, Lexi enjoyed dinner and a bath. Not too much emotion today (a little laughing, a little crying), but generally a confident, friendly, 16-month-old with a thing for eating (and feeding us!) rice cakes and oranges. We are thrilled to have Lexi Raine Meihong Drissell join our family!

DAY 4 - China Adventure

2010-01-10T07:30:00.000-08:00

CHINA ADVENTURE, DAY 4 (AFP):

This morning was spent in preparation for our flight and checking out of the interesting and memorable Hotel Kapok. No hassles or problems to report en transit (our slightly over-weight luggage was not even flagged by Chinese authorities). We spotted Karlie Kloss (Webster High) modeling in the Beijing Airport! Air China was a very pleasant experience with friendly, smiling flight attendants and excellent edibles.

Once in Changsha, our guide, Richard was awaiting our arrival. He will be guiding us through the adoption process over the next two weeks. Yet another memorable van ride through busy China streets, and we made it to our hotel, The Dolton, which will be our residence until Friday. A beautiful, historic hotel complete with dining, indoor pool & tennis, and even bowling and ping pong (of course!). Many adopting parents stay at this hotel. . .they even have cribs in the rooms and a children's playroom on our floor.

The entire family is very excited to meet Lexi Raine for the first time tomorrow!

DAY 3 - China Adventure

2010-01-09T07:10:00.000-08:00

CHINA ADVENTURE, DAY 3 (UPI):

Today we decided to have a go touring on our own, and it worked out just fine. First, we headed to the Pearl Market which we were advised not to miss. Plenty of eager vendors selling all their wares including toys, clothes, shoes, jewelry, etc. We bought plenty of souvenirs, and the kids learned a thing or two on the art of negotiation. After shopping, we headed across the street to the Temple of Heaven, a sacred historic tower nested in a beautiful park full of Beijingers playing, exercising, talking, laughing, selling, eating. . .enjoying life in the heart of this huge, bustling metropolis.

From there, a long cab ride to Olympic Village on the north side of town to check out the "birds nest" and "water cube". Still very cold, we were eager to warm up in a taxi ride out to the much-lauded 798 Arts District, where there were plenty of art galleries, bookstores and restaurants in a renovated, Bauhaus-style warehouse district (complete with Chinese propaganda script on the walls). Then back to the hotel to prepare for a morning flight to Changsha and closer to meeting Lexi Raine.

DAY 2 - China Adventure

2010-01-08T08:18:00.000-08:00

CHINA ADVENTURE, DAY 2 (Reuters):

Everyone feeling refreshed after a good night sleep. Out early on a grand tour of Beijing with Helen, our tour guide and new friend. She (along with Mr. Wang), took us to the Great Wall at Badaling, the largest Jade factory in China, a silk plant, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and for traditional Chinese Tea to complete the afternoon. Tea really hit the spot considering the temperatures were in the teens most of the day!

Tonight, we were able to experience a true Beijing feast of Peking Duck. Let's just say, we are getting accustomed to seeing the fowl's head (and possibly feet) served with any poultry dish. . .delicious though. A stroll through the streets of Beijing back to our hotel (with ice cream, of course) completed this action-packed and fun-filled day. And a special thanks to Helen for the free Mandarin lessons!

DAY 1 - China Adventure

2010-01-07T07:16:00.001-08:00

CHINA ADVENTURE, DAY 1 (AP wire services):

Woke bright and early Wed, Jan 6th (3:15am!) for our 6:15am departure. All worked out great and no delays to report (even with connection through Newark!), along with a beautiful sunrise from the plane.

We arrived in Beijing late on Thursday after our 13 1/2 hour flight and 13 hour time change! In-seat video, plenty of snacks and a few naps really helped pass the time quickly. Upon arrival; a long taxi ride to the hotel, dinner, and now resting for a big day of touring tomorrow.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T10:08:00.000-08:00

These are pictures of Hong/Lexi in China on Christmas Eve!

Missouri All State Orchestra!

2009-12-22T17:49:00.000-08:00

We are happy to announce that Brogan is the Principal Tuba for the
Missouri All-State Orchestra.
I know, I know, this is not a tuba he is holding, but I just found
this pic from the Webster Jazz Fest this fall.

testing email posting

2009-12-20T12:15:00.001-08:00

Sending a test of email posting to blog!
Here is a pic of us celebrating Christmas with Don's side of the family.

Hong is a star....

2009-11-12T23:48:00.000-08:00

We want to share this video of a September fundraiser that took place in Hengyang China where Hong is.
She is in the first video at :22/being held by a nanny who is pointing at the camera and at 3:18/walking! with two of her nannies.

Walk the Wall 2009: Hengyang, China from International China Concern on Vimeo.

Letter of Acceptance from China

2009-10-13T13:56:00.000-07:00

We are a little bit closer! Here is Hong! She turned 1 on September 5th.

Piano Man

2009-04-27T11:19:00.000-07:00

The Friends of Scott Joplin are sponsoring the 2009 St. Louis Ragtime Piano
Competition. The Competition will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2009 in the Little Theatre at St. Louis Community
College at Forest Park, 5600 Oakland Avenue.
Cullen will be playing at 11:00! in the 11-14 year old category.

Basketball CHAMPIONS!

2009-03-15T04:18:00.001-07:00

Cullen's 5th grade basketball team won the championship in their division!

Way to go Brogan!

2008-12-08T17:04:00.000-08:00

Auditions for Missouri All State Band took place on December 2nd in Columbia. Brogan earned 2nd chair Tuba!
If you want to hear him play, here are some of his upcoming concerts.

All Suburban Concert
January 11, 2009 @ 2:00 pm (Free)
Pattonville High school

Cool Nights/Hot Jazz @ the Pageant
January 16, 2009 Doors open at 6:00
$20 adult/$10 student

Missouri All State Concert
More info to come!

2008-09-03T14:48:00.000-07:00

Here is Brogan on the cover of the Community Music School's Brochure!
You can catch him playing in the Webster Groves Jazzfest on September 20th.

Summer Fun

2008-06-20T17:40:00.000-07:00

We had a great start to our summer with a trip to Captiva Island in Florida. Here are some photos....

Brogan plays LACROSSE

2008-03-10T12:22:00.000-07:00

DATE DAY TIME LOCATION LEVEL
3/12/08 Wednesday 5:30pm Clayton JV
3/12/08 Wednesday 7:30pm Clayton Varsity
3/15/08 Saturday 12:00pm Steger Varsity
3/17/08 Monday 5:00pm Greentree Park JV
3/17/08 Monday 7:00pm Greentree Park Varsity
4/5/08 Saturday 9:00am Steger Varsity
4/5/08 Saturday 11:00am Steger JV
4/8/08 Tuesday 4:30pm Steger Varsity
4/8/08 Tuesday 6:15pm Steger JV
4/10/08 Thursday 4:30pm Summit MS Varsity
4/10/08 Thursday 6:15pm Summit MS JV
4/15/08 Tuesday 4:30pm Steger Varsity
4/15/08 Tuesday 6:00pm Steger JV
4/17/08 Thursday 4:30pm Steger Varsity
4/17/08 Thursday 6:30pm Steger JV
4/20/08 Sunday ? Rockbridge (Col.)Varsity
4/22/08 Tuesday 4:30pm PWY NE Middle Varsity
4/22/08 Tuesday 6:30pm PWY NE Middle JV
4/24/08 Thursday 5:30pm Wentzville JV
4/24/08 Thursday 7:30pm Wentzville Varsity
5/3/08 Saturday 9:30am Pembroke Hill Varsity
5/6/08 Tuesday 4:30pm Steger Varsity
5/6/08 Tuesday 6:30pm Steger JV
5/9/08 Friday 5:00pm Hazelwood JH Varsity
5/9/08 Friday 6:30pm Hazelwood JH JV

Missouri All State Tuba Players

2008-01-23T16:31:00.000-08:00

Brogan had the opportunity to play with the St. Louis Symphony Brass players last night.
Included in the pic is Jeff Hoard and Mike Sanders, left to right, back row.

2008-01-08T13:57:00.000-08:00

Live on stage extended...
Feb. 12, 2008 Jazz Band Concert (WGHS Jerry Knight Auditorim-7p)

Feb. 16, 2008 Metro East Jazz Festival (JazzI,II,Fresh Jazz, Combo I)

Feb. 21, 2008 Concert Band Concert (WGHS Jerry Knight Auditorim-7p)

Feb. 22-24, 2008 Rolling Meadows Jazz Festival (Jazz I, Combo I,II)

2008-01-02T07:16:00.000-08:00

Brogan live on stage!
St. Louis All Suburban High School Band Concert
Sunday, January 6th 2:00 pm at Pattonville High School

Jazz at the Bistro
Webster Groves High School Jazz 1
Tuesday, January 8, 2008 at 7:00 pm-Live at the Bistro with Michael Philip Mossman
Tickets on sale at Metrotix
If you would like to keep up with what is happening with the Webster Jazz Groups here is a link...
http://www.websterjazz.blogspot.com/

YPSO-Young People's Symphonic Orchestra
Concerts
6 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 10, 2007
6 p.m., Sunday, May 11, 2007
Webster University Concert Hall

We have an official Log In Date

2007-09-27T13:24:00.000-07:00

I am happy to announce we have and official Log In Date (LID) with the CCAA in China. This means we have a place in line for adoption referrals. Our LID is 8/24/07. The CCAA is currently referring children to families logged in late November 2005. This could be a long wait! We will keep you posted.

Brave lacrosse

2007-09-14T11:19:00.000-07:00

Brogan is playing fall lacrosse at Sportport in Maryland Heights starting this Sunday at 5:00 pm. Actually, for the next 7 Sundays. Hope to see you on the sidelines!

Upcoming musical happenings

2007-09-04T11:53:00.001-07:00

Brogan will be playing sousaphone with the WGHS Marching Band this year. The first home game is Friday Sept. 7th at 7:00 pm. The marching band will also perform in the Greentree Festival Parade in Kirkwood on September 15th.
He will also be playing trombone and bass guitar with the WGHS Jazz I group at the Jazz Festival here in Webster on Sept. 15th. He will be on the Allen Ave. stage (right outside of Panera Bread) from 6:00 - 7:00 pm.

Our dossier has arrived in China.

2007-08-20T14:23:00.000-07:00

We are happy to announce that our dossier (important documents that took 6 months to collect, notarize and authenticate) have arrived at the CCAA, China Center of Adoption Affairs, www.china-ccaa.org. We are now given a Log-In-Date (LID) and are officially in line to adopt a child. The current wait for families is 21 months from LID. We are unsure of what to expect for the wait. It will be at least 2 years.

Cullen b-ball schedule

2007-08-16T01:42:00.000-07:00

Sun Aug 26th
4PM field 10
6PM field 10

Sun Sept 9th
12PM field 9
2PM field 9

Sun Sept 16 (This may change)
4PM field 9
6PM field 9

Sun Sept 23
12PM field 11
2PM field 11

Games are at Affton Athletic Association. There are two entrances to the complex. Since we are playing on the higher
number fields it is best to enter off of Tesshire (which is off of Tesson Ferry Road). Take Tesshire - just past Grant Trial make a right.

We've been Simpsonized!

2007-08-10T13:36:00.000-07:00

B and C thought it would be great if we Simpsonized our family. What do you think?

Our new family site

2007-08-07T16:06:00.000-07:00

We will keep you updated on the happenings with our family here! Check in often.