a few things

first, updates. since we started this blog to talk about adoption, i should probably say something about that. we have a lot of paperwork to fill out. that's pretty much it. we talked to the social worker who will write our homestudy and told her we hoped to travel next summer to africa. she said that was a perfect timeline considering all the paperwork that will have to be processed. as fast as i can fill out everything, we still have to wait on the department of homeland security and immigration services (and also ethiopia) to give us clearance. in the meantime, however, we're focusing on...our new house! we unexpectedly found the perfect house and put in an offer for it late last week. the sellers sent back a counter-offer, and we accepted it. barring nothing crazy happening, we will close august 3rd. the house is in a cul-de-sac right across the street from some good friends of ours who have 4 kids. the street is one of the few left in america where all the neighbors are friends, and the kids still play in the street. i've already begun thinking about how i'm going to decorate. and jamie, of course, is already thinking about electronics. oh, men.

second, daydreams. i have a list of places i want to visit someday. one day, i'll post my complete list. last week, i was inspired to add this place to my list: http://www.discover-the-world.co.uk/en/holidays/finland/classic-lapland-cabins-igloos/index.html?paged=true&page=4

the place is located in nothern finland, near the arctic circle. you sleep in glass igloos (you can click through the pictures to see the igloos), and if you're lucky (which i hope to be), you can see the northern lights. there are lots of activities to keep you occupied during the day like ski excursions, reindeer sightseeing, and dog sledding. i've already told jamie we'll be taking our 10-year wedding anniversary trip to this place.