This and That

Well, we survived our week without Jeff.  He arrived safely home on Saturday, very jet-lagged but glad to be here!  He also brought the kids some very cool souvenirs.

Charlotte has been reading a series of books called “The 39 Clues.”  In it, a brother and sister, along with their au pair, globe trot while seeking clues to something that will make them the most powerful people in the world.  Of course, they are not the only ones seeking the clues, and therein lies much of the conflict.  In one of these books, the siblings find a puzzle box that they have to figure out how to open.

Jeff brought Charlotte one such box back from Japan, and she was absolutely thrilled.  Elijah had asked Jeff for a sword, much like the ones Jeff bought for himself years back, and Jeff obliged.  The sword, while not sharp on the edge, does have a sharp point.  So far, Elijah has managed not to run anyone through, but Jeff did have to tell him to quit trying to chop his tae kwon do boards.

That’s my boy.

Charlotte and Elijah attended an evening VBS at a local church last week, which was a lot of fun for them.  It was sports themed, with one different sport each night.  They learned about tae kwon do (and actually got to help their master teach on these nights), football, soccer, and basketball.  The last night was a big family festival with inflatables, a dunk tank, and root beer floats. 

A neat outcome of the VBS was that we met some people who live behind us.  Their daughter is Charlotte’s age and is very excited about perhaps hanging out together.  We had already met one of their sons, who is 14 and spends time with some our neighbors.  It’s nice to put some names and faces together.

And just a couple nights ago, Jeremy started sleeping nine to ten hours at a time.  He has also started eating every four to four-and-a-half hours, which means he only eats four times a day now.  Our other kids did this too, but not quite this early!  He continues to be a very good-natured, happy baby, which makes it very nice for me!

Last night, Jeff and I went to a cookout and spent the evening with a bunch of people we knew in France.  A neighbor girl babysat the older two kids, and Jeremy tagged along with us.  It was a very pleasant evening.  Jason and April Kern were up from Texas, and we had a good time reminiscing about the good old days of weekends in Provence and vacations in Italy.  (What a spoiled bunch we were!)  Good times.

Yesterday was the one-year anniversary of our arrival back in the States.  As another repatriated friend wistfully told me, “We can’t even say anymore that we’re recently moved back.”  When I look back at what a whirlwind this past year has been and how many changes have happened in our family, all I can say is, “Wow.”

And on Thursday, Jeff and I will celebrate 15 years of marriage!  This is the ultimate “where does the time go” event.  We are planning a night out at a local cafe that serves cheese and chocolate fondue and has an extensive wine menu.  And we are leaving Jeremy with a sitter for the first time.  Of course, we’re leaving him with the Fiedlers, but it’s a still a big milestone!

Have a good one!