Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Friendly People!

Tonight we went to Ches' work picnic, then to trivia at Jose's! : )  We were in third place before the final question..but we took a chance.  And lost!  It's ok, we had a great time!
She's helping Carter with homework!

Marta is going to join cross country track, so we will go to get her sports physical tomorrow!  She has just jumped right into American life, I love her enthusiasm!

She said Italian people aren't as friendly, which I just can't believe!  I'm glad we are all being hospitable, and I haven't actually been to Italy..but in movies they seem so kind.  I guess I should get out more, haha!

I'm thankful for super friendly kids at her school, and really precious friends (and NEIGHBORS!) who have already loved on her!
Bike Riding again last night!

And Mary Claire and Marta are going to volunteer at Diabetes Family Camp from Friday till Sunday!!  I'm proud that Mary Claire is even GOING..I mean, WooHoo!!  Maybe Marta is giving her confidence?  Or she knows Emma, Elizabeth, and Ashley will be there?  Maybe it's because she gets to stay in the AIR CONDITIONED volunteer cabin with private bathrooms?!  Whatever the reason, I'm THANKful!! : )

Welcome, Marta! : )

We've had a wonderful start to school!  Mary Claire started last Thursday, and Marta, Clay, Ethan, and Carter all started Monday! : )  We are doing well, and I hope we haven't kept Marta too busy.  She's totally fallen right into step, and has done everything we have!  She didn't even take a day of rest after 18 hours of travel from Bergamo, Italy to our little corner of Arkansas! : )  


She's been awesome.  We are blessed.

Clay is still running daily for cross country and practicing early every day for band.  Mary Claire is learning to drive.  She drives every day to school (with me!!) ..although as soon as she masters not turning left on a red light (!!!), and parking, she'll be driving herself and Marta to school.  Ethan is enjoying middle school and changing classes.  He is not thrilled about dressing out in physical education with a bunch of kids..but he'll make it.  We've all suffered the indignities. : O  And Carter loves first grade!  He has earned five WOW tickets (he gets to turn them in for a treat or special event when he earns ten)!








My dinner is almost done, just thought I'd record a little history as it speeds by.  It's been a blast!

Wednesday, August 8, 2018

Summer, Senior, and Schooltime!

I need to start taking even FIVE minutes just to record our history, haha!  Things happen so fast around here.
Vacation! At the Liberty Bell..Carter needed to see it again!! : )

Catch up: Clay will be a SENIOR!  We already had senior pictures last week. (!!!)  Mary Claire will be a junior, got her drivers license this week!  We made a quick trip to Kansas City on Monday.  Ethan will be in sixth grade, and he and Ches went to Cleveland last week for a father-son trip to the National Sports Collectors' Convention.  Carter will be in first grade, and he's ready for school to start!  He's been riding his own bike, and he's up to 4-5 mile trips!  Talk about some calves.. : )
The Senior.

We're also inviting an exchange student to live with us through the school year!  Marta will be with us till next summer, and we're excited!  She's from Italy, and she'll probably teach us more than we'll teach her.  She's going to school with Mary Claire, and she will be here Saturday! : )
Gatsby, my great Goldendoodle!

Bulletin board for Marta : )

Our family at the Chicago concert for Father's Day!

Grab a camera!!  They are loving on vacation!! : )

Chestnut Hill, PA.  Lovely.

Bike ride to Chick-Fil-A!  Only 17 miles, and 95 degrees! : O
I have been decorating for a couple families, and we moved some furniture into the youth house at church!  It was fun, I got some stuff for it on Monday at IKEA!! : )  Here is some progress on a budget:
Furniture, and the coolest light from IKEA! : )
She's officially a driver!! : )  Hooray!!

Hope your year is full of fun too!  Hugs and prayers as you send your littles (and bigs!) off to school! : ) Woohoo!