I'm Back

How do I follow up on a post from a month ago? I lost contact with the outside world the day I left our house a month ago. My parent's house is grand and comfy, but without internet or phone lines. We enjoyed the respite, but I felt bad that I left everyone hanging while we waited for our house to become livable. Then we waited some more, then we went on vacation. When we came home my modem had blown up so I managed another week without internet.

I hate trying to play catch up and I'm still surrounded by chaos. So, I'll do the easy thing and just post some pictures. You just checked in here to see the cuties, anyway, right?

First, and posted on everyone else's blogs, was a fun time meeting families from NC who have adopted or are adopting with AWAA's Ethiopian program. These guys we've 'known' since the beginning. It was wonderful to meet our friends. We got the blessing of converging on the Coen's for the weekend. Silas and Josiah were roomies in Ethiopia. Silas turned one last week, Happy Birthday! We also got to visit with Team D for an evening. My boys envied after their Star Wars collection and I envied Shari's bookshelves. Then off to the beach for a week!

Sally and Josiah's first visit to the 'real' ocean, not just the big lake. Sally asked my mil, "Where does all this water go?" She had a great time, but will enjoy it all the more next time when it's warmer and SHE can get into the pool instead of watching from the side. Only 6 more weeks until she's without a cast!! We had a few casualties, Ella and Josiah ended up soaking wet. Both of them even went back for more after their near death experience.

We left the beach while it was snowing and headed up to Jamestown for the day. We had a delightful, yet freezing, time. We have been working our way through the 1600's this year so the visit was timely as far as school goes. Kudos to the grandparents for being brave enough to invite us to join them for the week. Thanks!

Upon arriving home, the house is still a disaster. We have a ceiling, hot water, and electricity. The bathroom is demolished, but slowly coming together. I wouldn't have expected living with one toilet to be a trial. Everyone has to 'go' at the same time, causing running, screaming, and jostling on a regular basis.