What we've been up to

Yes, we are still alive and well. It turns out that having 4 kids and a full time job takes up a whole lot of time. It just doesn't leave much time for the fun stuff like blogging or having a social life. Keeping track of everyone's schedule is a full time job in itself. We managed to only forget 1 parent teacher conference this year, so we're off to a decent start.

Our crazy life remains just as crazy as it's always been, but the major bumps in the post-adoption road do seem to be smoothing out a bit. Yes, adopting an older child is much, much, much more difficult than I had planned for (perhaps, that is the down side of being a perpetual optimist). The good news is that wee do seem to be settling into our own groove.

So... here's what's been happening around our place these last few months.


BIRTHDAYS

Fall is a busy birthday time for us. We have 3 birthdays within about 5 weeks of each other. Alyssa turned 9, Yeabi turned 6, and Matu turned 4. Since we've been watching our finances, I made the birthday cakes this year. Alyssa went with Littlest Pet Shop and Yeabi went with Star Wars, and Matu got spider man cupcakes from the grocery store. Not too bad for my first shot at homemade cakes.

SCHOOL

Yeabi is attending all day kindergarten at the local independent school with his sister. Our public school only offers a half day option, and we really felt like Yeabi needed more. Needless to say, he is doing amazing! He is reading and writing well beyond the kindergarten level, and he seems to be a bit of a math whiz as well. Alyssa is making us proud in the fourth grade. We have definitely hit the girl drama this year, so that has been an education for us all.


Braeden and Matu get to go to school together at our local public school. Braeden is attending half day kindergarten and is making slow but steady strides. Of course, it's hard to see him so far behind his peers, but we have to constantly remind ourselves to enjoy his small successes as they come. Matu is in the preschool and seems to be having fun.



SOCCER

This fall was soccer crazy season. We had 3 of the 4 kids playing in 3 different leagues. Next fall, it will be all 4 playing... we must be a bit crazy!

Alyssa is playing select soccer this year and has absolutely fallen in love with soccer. She has gained such confidence, and it is so much fun to watch her.

Yeabi played in our community rec league, and he also had a great time. Unfortunately, he quickly learned that when you're fast, playing long ball soccer results in many goals. His mean parents make him play left footed to compensate.


Braeden played TOPS soccer, which is a league for children and adults with special needs. What an amazing experience! Once he figured it out, he had so much fun.



RUNNING

Mike has become quite the runner this year. In May, he did the Flying Pig 10K.

In October, he did his first half-marathon at the Disney Wine and Dine half-marathon. It was a great trip (one we did without kids). He had a great time and finished with a quite respectable time of 2:15. By the way, that's him AFTER the race. Afterwards, we walked through EPCOT enjoying champagne and international foods galore.
Alyssa, Mike and I all did our local 5 Mile Turkey Trot. Alyssa and I ran together, and I am pleased to say that I finished upright and did not require a visit to the local ER. As it was my first race in almost 15 years, I am glad that I finished.

Of course, we've also enjoyed our favorite fall activities:

The Haunted Hayride




Trick or Treating

The Annual Christmas Parade in our town

All in all, it's been a crazy but wonderful several months. I am so excited for this upcoming Advent and Christmas season. The tree is up, we are decorating today, and we have my family's Christmas celebration this weekend. Let the fun begin!