[skiboo]

It's official... save the date and don't make other plans... we will gather to celebrate the holidays and our wonderful children on December 5th!

I have made the reservation for our holiday gathering at the
Little Gym in W. Windsor, NJ (right off Route 1, just outside of Princeton). The 2 pm slot like we had talked about was taken... but the 4 pm slot had opened up so I grabbed it... and it might be a better time because 2 pm would likely fall in the middle of afternoon nap time for the younger ones. I have put the $100 deposit on my credit card and we are confirmed.

If anyone who is within driving distance would like to attend let me know! This event is open to all members of the forum and we always welcome newcomers to our gatherings with open arms.

So far I have "count me in" responses from waitinginnj, dvona, DCD, NJHope, MCYoung, Mezzo1 and Me (skiboo)....

Here is the link for the Little Gym....
http://www.thelittlegym.com/gym/birthday2.aspx?gymid=60

Here is the original post where I began to formulate the plot for this gathering:
http://forums.adoption.com/showthrea...515#post550515

Post here to confirm officially your attendance!

[waitinginnj]

One Adult - One 3 year old.

Thanks for organizing us!

[dvona]

I'm so glad you went ahead with this plan! It sounds like so much fun. To think holiday time last year I just wanted to skip Christmas altogether---what a difference a year makes!!!

Donna

[MCYOung]

As I had previously offered, I would love to have everyone before or after for a meal - I am about 10-15 mins from Little Gym. If we want to gather, everyone is welcome at my house - it will give adults a chance to talk which they may not be able to do at the Little Gym and not worry about kids in a restuarant setting. Let me know. I am Queen of Crockpot meals so I can do a chicken stew (vegt also if there vegetarians in the group) and we can supplement with potluck

[skiboo]

MCYoung: If you are the Queen then I am the Diva of the Crockpot Potluck sounds like a good plan... I will bring a crockpot full of my special sweet and sour meatballs!

We will finish at the Little Gym around 5:30 pm, so perhaps afterwards for eating and visiting makes more sense for those who wish to join in... opinions?

I read over the previous list and it looks like Momm2be indicated an interest as well... anyone else?

[MCYOung]

As I had previously offered, I would love to have everyone before or after for a meal - I am about 10-15 mins from Little Gym. If we want to gather, everyone is welcome at my house - it will give adults a chance to talk which they may not be able to do at the Little Gym and not worry about kids in a restuarant setting. Let me know. I am Queen of Crockpot meals so I can do a chicken stew (vegt also if there vegetarians in the group) and we can supplement with potluck

[momm2be]

Count me in too!

Plan one adult and one 6 yr old from my camp, and possibly a 5yr old (nephew) if we need to fill out the 14 kids.

[MCYOung]

Not sure how I poosted same msg 2x


Are those meatballs made with grape jelly?

[skiboo]

Yup.... the old grape jelly meatball recipe... always a hit (even with kids)....

Looks like we will have our 14 kids in no time at this rate.. they will be giving us 2 leaders and if we hit 20 kids then they will give a 3rd leader....

Janet: I am sending you lots of vibes for your phone to ring soon.....

[momm2be]

Skiboo, you read my mind... I didn't want to ask for the chant so soon. But I am just so restless. Based on last years program, those with their dossiers in Russia by mid August got the phone call the first week of September.
And its September now!
My stomach is in knots waiting. Its just so close -- I hope!

I have been passing the time with shopping for the trip, but I don't need much more. Like, how many pairs of tights does a 5yr old really need? I already have two winter coats for her, hat, gloves, mittens, dresses, pants and shirts, socks, underwear, 3 pairs of shoes, toys throughout my house. I have my court suit and other clothes to bring. Gifts for the orphanage, workers and directors. What else do I need?

Come on Russia, its just one little court date, give me just one little call...

[dvona]

Momm2be & NJ Hope----I simply can't wait to hear some good news!!!

MCYOung---I'm not a queen or diva (well not of the crockpot anyway ), but I can certainly bring an appetizer (I have a great recipe for a cold vegetable "pizza" or a spinach dip perphaps?) and/or a dessert. What do you think?

Donna

[MCYOung]

dvona-

[skiboo]

Just thought I would give this thread a bump as the date is drawing near and I am trying to figure out who is coming for sure, for sure!

I think, however, there is now a general consensus that we should limit this eveny to The Little Gym only and not try to tack on the pot luck at the end since it is a Sunday night and many of the families need to get home to get ready for the new work week that lays ahead.

MCYoung: Thanks so much for volunteering your house. Perhaps we can do a pot luck in January to celebrate the New Year ... I hope that you will still be joining us for the festivities at the Little Gym.



Please Note:
This event is open to all families who live within driving distance of Princeton, NJ! Please, please do not be shy to join us. Several of us have known each other for nearly a year now, but we also have some new people joining us. We are always eager to welcome new people to our gatherings! The more the merrier is our motto!

[waitinginnj]

We are in - 1 adult and 1 child

Please come and play with us!

Thanks for planning skiboo!

[dvona]

Janie,

The dd and I are definites! We have to wait until the dh's work schedule comes out the beginning of Dec. to know if he can make it for sure. We can't wait---it will be fun, fun, fun! We love the opportunity to see "old" friends and to meet new ones!

Donna