Kindergarten's Over!

Of course, we celebrated. Our original celebration station, Maggie Moo's, has closed down. So we ventured on over to Yobe Frozen Yogurt and ended Josiah's year in a happy way. He can't believe that he's a 1st grader now. And, quite frankly, neither can I.

He started off his kindergarten year in public school and had a pretty rough time. The day that I walked out of the room as his teacher held on to him while he screamed and cried, begging me to not leave him was one of the worst mommy experiences so far. I wish that I would have grabbed his hand and said goodbye to his class that day. But we stuck it out until Thanksgiving and he's been one happy camper since coming home for school. He's such a great student and catches on to things so much quicker than I ever expect of him.

Before all of his time alone with me he seemed to get lost in the mix. But he has found his voice and there is a pep to his step. I love that kid.

Happy end of the year, Josiah!!

Number...

We are moving up the waiting list!!

I'm Cherishing These Days

Though some days seem like they'll never end, I do know to cherish them.

Just tonight, I walked in on a conversation that Josiah was having with Jay. He was asking Jay about who he'll marry and if maybe it will be Hadassah. We told him that he'll have to marry someone that is not in our family. He was a bit confused. He decided that maybe he won't get married (especially if he has to kiss in the wedding) and he'll just show up at the reception for the cake.

Nic At Night

Isaac made us so proud on Saturday night when he performed in the church musical, Nic At Night. He had a speaking part and solo as Joseph of Arimathea. His performance was flawless. We love you, Isaac!

This little rascal kept me on my toes.

Liv and her friend kept each other quietly busy (quiet for 3 year old girls).

Stud.

He was really getting into it. Hilarious.

Our clan.

And then we came home and I found something interesting. Let's play "Where's Wally?" Kind of like "Where's Waldo?"

Do you notice anything strange below?

Take a closer look.

How about now? Yes, that is our albino gecko. We'll call him Wally. In fact, there are several of these out on the roof of our porch, but Wally decided to take a peek at what goes on in the house he calls home.

One Evening Vacation

A few weeks ago we heard about an Ethiopian restaurant here in Jacksonville. We decided that we needed to try out Hadassah's food for ourselves. The food is spicy and very flavorful and instead of using utensils, the meal is served with injera, a spongy, sour flat bread that you use to pick up the food. Even our picky eater, Josiah, raved about the food.

Last weekend, Jay and I went on a date with our friends and ran across this outdoor area with live music. I immediately thought about how much the kids would love to spend an evening out there. So after the Ethiopian food, we drove on over to Neptune Beach and enjoyed the atmosphere with ice cream.

The band was begging for some children dancers, so Jay and Olivia obliged.

Even Josiah did a few moves in the back corner. Isaac and I watched on. :)

And, of course, every person needs to visit the beach in the evening. So we ended our evening with our feet in the ocean. The pictures are a bit blurry, but we'll just call them artistic. :)

Moving On Up

We received an email from our adoption agency stating that we are now number 5 on the waiting list! Yay! In fact, the email said that 2 baby girls just came to the orphanage, so we could be number 3 in the next few days if their medical checks are clear.

I just thought you all might want an update. Keep praying Hadassah home with us!

The Day Has Come

I've waited for the time when my kids could do the dishes and help out more around the house. Well, the day has finally come that Isaac can load a dishwasher. I called him over this afternoon and showed him how to rinse off the dishes and stick them in the dishwasher. He was so proud of himself that I found him unloading what he had washed earlier, putting the dishes up, and loading it all over again after dinner. Now we have a team: Josiah unloads (and hands a few things to Olivia) and Isaac unloads the breakable things and loads the dishwasher back up.

I was so excited that I showed Josiah how to do a load of laundry. That may have been a bit too soon. :)