School Days - Spring Semester (so far)

While I am so proud of how we, as a family, are managing this overall transition that we find ourselves in the middle of (meaning: building a house on the coast and anticipating a move, living in a rental house while we finish out the school year, going and fishing out of storage anytime we need something we can't find, etc etc), I must admit that I'm not nearly as organized - or as efficient - as when I'm in my "normal" routine and in my "normal" habitat. This means our poor family blog, which is important to us as our record of these precious days we've been given, does not receive the attention it needs and deserves.  But I don't want to forget some of these fun school days that the kids are enjoying! 

Early in the new year, the kids celebrated 100 days of school! 

JB and Maryn also participated in their school science far (JB as an individual and Maryn as a group).  They both advanced to State! 

The State competition took place in March, and we dropped off the kids very early in the morning to ride the bus over to Milledgeville.  (We took advantage of the 630AM time with Wesley to introduce him to Waffle House). The kids had a great experience with the other schools and presenting their projects.

We survived Red Ribbon week, thanks to a school that doesn't require TOO much in terms of daily themes and dress up: PJ Day, Green Day, Sock Day, and Favorite College Day. Wish the kids would aspire a little higher than Georgia, though... :)

Since both the big kids have daily reading requirements, I take advantage of some book time, too, and we read together in the hammock outside. It's one of my favorite times! 

Now Wesley has some daily work, too, particularly his 100 READING LESSONS!! He's doing AWESOME and I'm so proud of him.

Wesley's Preschool had a SUPERHERO day, in memory of a sweet child lost way too soon several years ago.  Mickey Bobby joined in the fun. (He goes everywhere with Wesley these days).

We walk Wesley to school most mornings, and Enda goes with us. It's such a special routine!

This yard has a TON of pinecones, which allows for a great lesson on physical labor and the benefit of chores.  Builds character :)

Wesley learned the hard way not to leave his scooter in the driveway (yikes), and to earn a new one he had to do yard work for several weeks.  However, he worked diligently and now is the proud owner of this beautiful black and red scooter.

The best part of collecting lawn trimmings?  The Sanitation Dept comes to pick them up!!! Favorite part of Wesley's week.

Maryn misses her dear friends/neighbor girls dearly, so we try to do girl stuff and get them together when we can. 

Tennis is hit or miss lately, due to competing sports, but we fit in lessons when we can!  

Probably missing a ton of activity that's happened between January and now, but I have hundreds of other pictures on my camera roll that (hopefully???) back up like they should to the cloud. 

We're about to head into a very BUSY part of the year: Spring break, Easter, field trips and then END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR!!  How in the world is that even possible.  Year is flying.

Fun times with the McLeod Family

The McLeod family came down to visit us, spending the weekend at the new place and in our new community.  Fortunately, it's not too too much further, as we've gotten used to having them so close by (to Dublin) in Perry!  

The kids took immediately to playing and running and enjoying each other's company.  We had some great meals, enjoyed some pretty weather, enjoyed (well, kids enjoyed) a trampoline park when the weather turned wet, and ultimately relaxed and reconnected after a long time apart.

Oh, and the Mamas enjoyed some sparkling rose, too :)

We went on a "long" hike Sunday morning (not even that long but the kiddos complained the entire time!) before we said goodbye to them.  Hoping it's not another many months before we're hanging out again!

And also can't wait until we're hosting them IN OUR NEW HOME!!!  I know we've got another several months, but I cannot wait.

(And, nothing to do with the story or weekend, but love our Enda girl.  She's still hanging in there!)

Puerto Rico!!

For our kids' Christmas Bauble Stockings this year we put in a word puzzle that led to their big present: a trip to Puerto Rico!  Nothing like escaping from our winter (which has, admittedly, been very, very mild) to the warm sunshine! Neither James nor I had visited this US Territory, and with James still without a valid passport we were limited by our Carribean island options.  So glad we visited because we will certainly be back.  Fantastic place!  

Ms. Therlon joined us for the trip and made our lives much easier (since it's hard to watch three kids with only 2 sets of eyes) plus brought her usual warmth and humor. We all had so much fun exploring the island, lounging by the pool, meeting iguanas, eating delicious food and mudding through the rain forest.  Below: PICTURE OVERLOAD!

James and I went into Old San Juan one afternoon for a walking tour with Juan Carlos, learning about the history and the architecture of the city center.  Although I love the beach, I'd also love to come back and spend more time in the cultural center with all the art, food and COLOR.

We also had a rainforest adventure in the Yonque National Forest, the only rainforest in the United States.  We toured it via UTVs, which the kids LOVED (despite the fumes, mud and mess...or maybe because of it!)

After the ride we got to enjoy some refreshing coconut drinks by the water, then a wonderful meal (and local beer!)  I tried the mofongo and whaaaaaaat?  So delicious.  Glad I'm not tempted by it every day.

Speaking of food (and drinks) we enjoyed a lot of it while we were in Puerto Rico :)  The hotel's breakfast buffet was delicious, the kids enjoyed room service a few nights, we explored the Quiskos for some traditional food, and sometimes just ate snacks in the bed or bath or balcony.

The last night we enjoyed a sunset cruise around the harbor and island. It gave us a different view of the fort and the Old San Juan city center, plus some FANTASTIC views of the sunset. The kids were apprehensive at first, fearing we'd fall into the water (????), but then they got over it once they realized the endless supply of (virgin) fruity drinks.  I took no less than 30 pictures on the boat.  We had so much fun!

We said adios to Puerto Rico with very full hearts, wonderful memories, maybe a little tan, a new jersey that JB has worn nearly every day since, and the hopes to return again soon!