That's Life

Well, I guess it was bound to happen at some point.  Our dryer bit the dust.  I'm realizing what a challenge it is to find enough places to hang clothes to dry for seven people, especially since it is winter and things do not dry as fast. ;)  I don't have many pictures from this week, but plenty of stories. For instance, there's the moment when your youngest rips his pull-up when drying to put it on, so you try to duck tape it back together because he doesn't have many left and his mattress has already been on the balcony for 4 days trying to dry out from the last time we cleaned it. (Duck tape idea was great in theory, but failed)  We have also been very busy traveling for doctor appointments.  We have traveled a lot this week, across borders multiple times to see doctors, on buses to bigger cities for orthodontist appointments, buying groceries throughout town (things are starting to open back up), and traveling on trains that are standing room only because everyone is trying to get back to work. Benjamin got stopped AGAIN at the border.  They kept questioning him...examining his ears... "Pull your hair back.  What's your full name? Smile. Don't smile. Let me see your ears again. When is your birthday?  Is this picture really you or is it someone else?"  Oh my!  I guess he really has changed a lot in the past couple of years. They finally let him through.

 We have also been busy homeschooling in the middle of all of it. (Although today Katherine is sick with fever and body aches and headaches)  The kids have been working really hard to get as much school in as possible even during the holidays.  They want to have as much free time as possible when we are in the States.  They have done really well.  Katherine was doing a science experiment.

 She loves science!

 This made my heart happy.  We had a warmer (not hot) day and I caught this little girl reading on the balcony.  Keep reading, Lauren!

 Katherine got to use her free tickets to the trampoline park last week.   They were both excited to go.  IT was jammed packed with a million kids...and I didn't get a picture because I actually had a seat and I was afraid someone would take it if I got up. Haha!

 One happy boy!  He loves computers, but doesn't always get to play (mostly because he doesn't always follow the rules).  A friend has bought hooked on spelling for her computer and asked if we wanted it.  YES!  He LOVES it and is doing great!  Winner!

 BREAD!  Oh, how we have missed having bread!  The bread store finally opened back up!  YEAH!

 Taekwondo started back this week.  They had a shorter holiday than everyone else and really only about 1/4 of the kids have started back, but these two were ready.  They were excited to get their official certificates for passing their belt test and Lauren was super excited to get a shirt that matched her big sister!

 Aren't they cute!?

 And, well, this is just some cuteness for you to enjoy. :)

The kids here get so excited about "hong bao" (money inside).  Well, I know there are other stories.  I just can't think of them right now.  So this is it for now.