Anastasia turns 23 and vacation

Yesterday, the 29th, my Anastasia turned 23. Those of you who started reading just lately and don't know much about our family, Anastasia has Autism and other disorders. She has been in a really good stage for some years now which is great. I would never disclose on this public blog what we have been through but some dear friends know. My Ana functions like a 5 year old or under with her brain but my friends who have met Ana love her just like anyone who have met her. She really doesn't like to communicate much but she loves to give people hugs and stares at them. Especially girls. She is infatuated with long hair. If you ever wonder why Ana always has the same hairstyle, that is because she doesn't like changes. This is the only way she likes her hair and is has to be flat to her head, it cannot be poofy. Ana can just sit down and eat and wonderfully cooked meals and gets the biggest smile on her face. She loves to eat home cooking. That is her favorite thing to do. And going on long rides in the car. When we adopted the little ones, I never thought in a million that Ana would do so well with them. She will just sit in their room and watch them play. All day if she can. Also she likes to make funny noises and sounds and the kids imitate her and Ana just gets the biggest kick out of it and starts laughing really loud. Not only do the little ones have been a blessing to us but also to Ana. I love her so much and she will always live with us. We will never ever put her up in a group home. Even if we are too old I am training up her siblings to take care of her. Danica already said to me that she would take Ana if we weren't around.

Another snapshot taken by Danica. Ana does not like to smile for the camera. She gets really annoyed.

Before the little ones came, Ana never ever had kids that age sit on her lap. She is really fond of Amira, but I think more so because she is a girl.

OUR FAMILY VACATION BELOW

We had a really good time. We stayed at the beach for 4 days. There was lots to do but we had most fun playing at the ocean and at the swimming pool. Ana didn't want to come out of the car. That is why she is not in the picture.

The kids and I are running from the waves but we got busted and flooded with water. It was so funny.

Trying to save Biruk from the waves

I love all these pics Danica captured. She is a really good photographer.