A few welcomes!

Last week Bob and I were invited to something we've never taken part in before.  We went to a citizenship party!
Bob's niece was in Romania about 12 years ago.  She was still in high school and went there on a mission trip.  The church they were working with had a young man her age who was translating for them.  She came home excited about the trip - but also about the guy she met.  None of us thought it would go anywhere, but she went back.  Then when she went to Spain as an exchange student - he went to visit her.  And soon it became apparent that this was serious.
The young mans name is Ovidiu and 9 years ago he came to the US on a fiancée visa.  He and Alecia got married and now have three adorable kids.  Ovi has a good job and has shown himself to be a great guy, hard worker, loving husband and Dad.  We are so happy to have him in the family.  He's been working hard to become a citizen and last week it became official.
He went before the judge and was sworn in.  His parents were here from Romania to see it happen.  That evening, there was an open house to celebrate.  They had their parents, a few aunts and uncles, co-workers and people from church.  We all had to dress in patriotic colors.

 A nice picnic type supper.

 A special cake.

 Here is Alecia, Ovi, his mom and his dad.




The next night we had another welcome.  This time it was at Heather and Andrews house.  They got a new kitten.

This is Lucy Maud.  She has joined Oliver at their house.  They weren't too sure of each other at first, but now they are becoming friends, even snuggling together.  She'll help keep Oliver young!

Happy Labor Day to my American Friends!