The Kids

Update!

Ok, so those who are worried, we have found Max...and no, it didn't take us 6 months (that's how long since the last post). We were just living our busy life...birthdays, home-schooling, Africa, and SUMMER! We are trying to get back to a family centered life, and that for us means, going to school!!! That's right, we are sending our oldest ones to a cute little elementary school just down the road, for the 2011-2012 school year. A lot of mixed emotions, but we feel like it is the right move for us (notice how I put the "year" in parenthesis...just in case we do something different again) as a family now. Here are the "first day" photos...

"Where's Max?"

Are you like me? Please tell me you are! Please tell me that I am not the only one who uses the older kids to help find the younger one! "Where's Max?" comes out of my mouth frequently around our house...partly because he is so quick & I just can't keep up. We have found him in some funny places, doing funny things. This morning, "we" didn't have to look very far...I say "we" because the the older kids found him...he was using a pillow to ride down the stairs. He got all ready, but couldn't take the plunge...until Dad came along & helped!

Taekwondo

Colin's wish came true this past month...Taekwondo lessons! We all really enjoyed watching our little "karate kid" (I know, I know...it's taekwondo) show off his moves. The place we went to was fantastic, Colin caught on right away...he has even learned how to count to 10 in Korean. Sadly, we are done this Thursday...we just couldn't commit to the 8 month of twice a week classes...we have too many other things going on in our little world!

Is it too late to post about Christmas?

Sorry about the late update...I'm still stuck on Christmas! I went back & forth debating whether or not to even talk about our Christmas (in February), but I couldn't pass it up. We were over in Bend with my parents, as usual. We had snow, food, family time, & lots of presents! We even got in a ski trip up to the mountain...just Leo, Colin, Adison, & I...let's just say that Adison & I spent quality time in the lodge sipping hot cocoa.

The Boys

This past week we had the best opportunity...ever! We were asked to host a couple of children from the Asante Children's Choir. We had four boys...Eric, Obed, Alfonse & Theogene...and two chaperones. By the end of day 1, Max was always asking for "the boys". Over the next several days, the entire family was hooked on those boys...they are like family now. We went to their concerts, took them to the zoo, played during all their free time, and just plain loved on them...its hard not to! We cant wait for them to come back next year...

A 7 Year Old's Birthday Party...

A house full of boys (dressed in camo), a scavenger hunt, a pinata, pin the "bullet" on the elk, pizza, cake & the best "hunting" presents a boy could ask for! What a fun birthday!!!

Papa & Nana's House

We took a trip over to my parents house last week (we: the kids & me...Leo was out hunting!) We celebrated Colin's 7th birthday & had a fun Halloween (lots of candy & cute costumes). I love this homeschooling thing...the freedom of being able to do school just about anywhere is great! It helps that my parents were both teachers & like to teach a lesson or two.