It is the last day of July...so hard to believe. One year ago yesterday we arrived in Indonesia, having no idea what the next 12 months would have in store. There were surprises at every turn, but we can all say that we had an AMAZING first year and that we couldn't be happier.
School ended this year on June 6th and since them we have been soaking up all the family time we can. We spent a week at the beach, packed up our old house, moved to an AMAZING new house closer to town, have had LOTS and LOTS of people over to eat/play/talk, have helped new families get settled in, and we have just enjoyed the few weeks of vacation. One more week and then we get ready for a new school year. Jason goes back to work August 10 and that is when the kids and I will start homeschooling. Our materials are ready to go and we are excited!
Be sure to check our our PHOTO A DAY album to left if you want to see what we have been up to. Here is a bit on each of us:
JASON: Had a great summer being off of work and having more time to spend with the family. He is LOVING having his own space (a small desk area upstairs and a nice big work bench in the garage). He has also really enjoyed borrowing a moterbike all summer and has started to shop for his own. As much as he loves being home I think he will be excited to get back to work soon.
JANET: I've had a wonderful summer. It has been so nice to have all the kiddos home together! I love watching them play and explore. As the time gets closer, I am really excited to start homeschooling the kids. I know there will be hard days but I think that right now it is a good fit for our family.
I am LOVING our new house. We decided to move for the huge yard and places to play. But as we have settled in, I am falling in love with the inside of the house as well. Big, open rooms. Huge windows. And a wonderful office all my own. I can't wait to show you pictures (to come once our curtains finally get hung -- long story there!)
ALAINA: The biggest excitement in Alaina's life this summer has been the appearance of her first loose tooth. It's a stubborn one though -- almost two weeks and it is still {literally} hanging in there. I give it another day or two. Other than that, she is really excited to start schooling and she is a creative wonder. She comes up with some of the most amazing things. I love this little girl!
CALEB: What can I say? Caleb is the funniest kid and he doesn't even realize it. He is just so down to earth and real that it is funny. He, too, is excited to start school. He loves taking the new dog for a walk and he spends lots of time on the rope swing. He and Katie are becoming good friends.
LEVI: Is finally successfully potty trained. We waited too long and therefore it took a lot of time (and patience) but we are through....three down, one to go. He is still a tiny little clone of his daddy -- finding humor in almost anything (especially tormenting his siblings).
KATELYNN: She seems to finally be breaking free of her crying-fo-no-reason stage (thankfully!) I think she just really wanted her independence and the ability to do what her siblings do. Now that she is steady on her feet, is able to get up and down stairs, can drink from a cup, etc. she is much happier. She spends a good part of her day saying, "MAGGIE!" (that's the puppy's name). She doesn't say mom, but says Maggie. Go figure.
One more week...
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