New Stuff

Well, our anniversary is over and so I wanted to post something else now. Here are some pictures of the kids that Joseph has taken recently. There actually weren't that many to choose from--just shows that we aren't getting the cameras out much anymore. Joseph has been so busy at work and has traveled these past weeks. He flew to Houston via Moscow for a total of 24 hours on board an airplane. Whenever I think I am having a hard time going solo with 4 kids, I just think of that and realize he isn't exactly having a picnic either. He also was released as gospel doctrine teacher in the ward and is now in Young Men's again, as 2nd C working with the Teachers. This is the 4th ward/YM Presidency he has been in now. I knew it was coming sooner or later. Gospel Doctrine teacher is a dream of a calling for a spouse though--no meetings, activities, camp outs, youth conferences, firesides, etc. Just built in scripture study every week. He is happy with the YM though and there is a good reason why he is always asked to work with them.

I feel like I am counting down the days for school to end more than my daughters. Every morning when the alarm goes off at 6:30am I think, 1 more down, 13 to go. (That is how many school days are currently left.) Only 26 more lunches to pack, 13 more afternoons of homework to get through (minus weekends and the last day actually,) 13 more buses to catch and so on. They have both had a fantastic school year and I can hardly believe it is coming to a close. They have matured a lot and grown physically. I can't do Abigail's hair anymore if she is standing up. I have also had fun introducing the girls to things that I loved as a girl. We recently acquired the first 3 seasons of the TV show Avonlea and we have fun watching it together on the weekends when Joseph is traveling.

Xander has been going to a preschool that is made up of more local kids. He has really enjoyed it and grown socially as well. Singapore's school year goes from January to December though and so Xander is leaving in the middle of it which makes things interesting for when we return (and for billing purposes.) Basically, he just takes a 2 month holiday. Ella is getting over croup but is otherwise well. She is an active, smiley little thing. Her favorite things are "gog" (dog,) "orse" (horse,) and "uh oh." That is pretty much all she says. I think she is too busy to bother talking much. She will officially start nursery in 2 weeks. Now whether or not she will go is another question.

Xander climbing at the park.

Ella ready for bed, wearing her favorite blankie.

Abigail's 3rd grade class made a quilt--each student painted and quilted one square. Then they all got to take it home for a night.

Cute Maggie at the park.

Maggie's class did a Habitat Luau performance. They danced to the Beach Boys "Kokomo" and all presented their reports on tropical animals (Maggie chose a Sloth.)