Week Three in Pictures

Our neighbor's dog, Sparky, came to visit. The kids loved him especially since he was so much smaller than Zeus, our Great Dane.

After a nearly traumatizing visit to our pediatrician, all was well at the park. Hailab froze when the doctor checked him over, but the girls were in complete hysterics. I told them before the visit that their doctor was very tall. They said, "Like Travis?" Many of you know Travis Norwood, one of the in-country staff and yes, he is tall! Our pediatrician was great with the kids. No poking, no shots, nothing painful. He was very gentle yet firm in his observations, not wanting to scar them for the next time they came to the doctor.

Our dear friend, Lynn Ann, allowed us to come and spend the afternoon at her house. One of the kids' friends recently went home with her forever family to California. The kids all know that their friend's new family has horses and have been asking about horses since we met them. Lynn Ann introduced them to curry combs, saddle blankets, bits, halters and horse shoes. They tolerated their ride on Shorty, the small horse, but their eyes were really on Cowboy, the big horse.

Lynn Ann's house is also the place to find turkey's, peacocks, dogs, cats, goats and yes, the occasional rattle snake. We waded in her pond and enjoyed brownies and watermelon for a late afternoon snack.

I love the kids' English. They use the word 'small' for anything little: a small push on the swing, shallow water (small water), small drink, small time finishing a movie (small more, Mom, please), small dog, small horse, etc.

Beamlak on Shorty

Yeabsira on Shorty

Sage on Cowboy

Hailab on Shorty

We all went to pick Madison up from church camp on Friday. All four kids were so happy to see her. She had a wonderful week and I am so thankful for her time away in such a beautiful campground, learning more about her Savior from others who love Jesus, too.

We went to the lake this afternoon and tried the boat out on the water for the first time in almost two years. We were unsure how the kids would like it, but after a little hesitation, all loved splashing and playing. They even asked for more when Dustin took us all for a pretty fast ride. I didn't take our camera and missed many great photo ops. We picked up hamburgers and ate at the park on our way home from the lake.

Dustin is putting the kids to bed as I finish up this post. Bedtimes are usually met with dragging feet, wanting to sleep in every body's bed but their own, and general anxiety/sadness/anger/teariness. I think it is the time of day when emotions are revisited, bodies are tired, and it's easy to become cranky. I don't expect bedtimes to get much easier for awhile as I think it will just take time. At least they wake up happy and cheerful, which is a wonderful start to the day. Not that they always stay that way, but at least we usually start off good!

The kids have also been asking about church ever since we came home. We are going to attempt church services in the morning. I am more worried about me than anyone else. We always had a hard time getting four of us off to church without being late... what will seven be like? Mom, don't answer that question!