Vacation is Here!!! and a BIG girl now :(

That's right on Friday we are packing up and heading out of town. I am so excited to have 10 whole days without a single appointment. I get giddy just thinking about it. Exhaustion has caught up with me and this is sorely needed. We'll be hanging in Connecticut and getting to spend some time with our fablulous friends. We also get to head to Boston and possibly NYC. The kids are really pumped and got new beach towels that they are very proud of. Who knew towels were exciting. I know I'm not excited when I am washing them.
Now the dreaded birthday news. Yes, it is that time again. My sweet little baby, is going to be FIVE on Thursday. Although she reminded me that we have to celebrate Wednesday too, because "it's my birthday in Russia already then mom". I know she gets 2 days of birthday, but since we don't know the time of birth, it's the price we have to pay. So let Avery week begin! And what do you think my girl wanted for her birthday (aside from seeing her little bestie Miss T)... you ready... a wallet. Ooooohhhhh Ahhhhh, can you feel the excitement? So I went out and got a $5 wallet and she was happy as a clam. Gotta love that in an economic depression! We aim to please. She already got a scooter and new helmet, and I (big shock) got her some shoes that I just love. Avery just lights my life and I am so thankful God gave her to us. So a BIG Happy Birthday to my BIG 5 year old!

Now, kid news - things with our foster kids are still the same. Not much is progressing with their case, so we aren't really sure what is going to happen with them. We weren't expecting them to still be here. When we got the call we were told it would likely be a 3 month placement. Just goes to show you never really know with foster care. And now, we just don't know, so we aren't getting ahead of ourselves. The kids are doing pretty good, so that is what really matters.

7 months

Yes, that is how long the kids have been here.
Half of the baby's life has been spent in my home and we've been his parents longer than anyone else. It is SO hard to believe. Time has seriously flown by. I'm sure it is in part because we have appointments to occupy every waking moment. Oh well.
The kids have all changed so much they are barely recognizable. They have learned to play, laugh, tell jokes, chew food, be secure in new surroundings, walk, skip, jump, climb stairs, identify colors, count and a slew of other accomplishments among the 3 of them. I am really proud of them all.
And Avery has learned that she can survive sharing her toys and parents and even enjoy having other kids around. It isn't perfect and we all still have a long way to go, but while they are here we will keep plugging away and see how far we can go.

Summer is almost upon us and it looks like we will have some more free time to have a little fun. I am excited to think that we will get to do more outside the house.
We are trying to plan our vacations and it looks like we are going to be beaching it a few times this year. I must escape the 4 walls of Ohio that are quickly closing in on me.
Avery is over the moon about vacation, but what she wants to do this summer is fish... oh yeah! I informed her that mommy has some cousins who will be more than happy to show her those ropes, and of course daddy and grandpa are willing participants. I'll take pictures and laugh when she FREAKS OUT!

Update... not much new here

It's time for another update, but, as I sit here thinking about what to write about I am stumped. Life here has fallen into a normal routine. Things are still hectic, but that seems to be the new normal with 4 kids under toe.
We have made some changes around the house to make life a little easier for me and the kids. Ryan is happier to have the sea of toys out of eye shot. I am thrilled to be able to cook dinner and set the table or unload the dishwasher without stepping on tiny toes or pulling someone out of a drawer. The kids are enjoying their upstairs playroom. And Johnathon is sleeping SO much better in his own room. The renovations aren't complete, but life is easier and we got what we expected out of the changes. I think the new layout is even improving Johnathon's seperation anxiety.
Avery still struggles with the kids being here, but when you ask her what will happen if their parent's can't ever take care of them she says, "we'll keep them of course". We'll see... Ryan and I are still uncertain.
Saturday, Ryan and I will celebrate our 12th anniversary. Doesn't seem like it could possibly be that long ago. It will also be our first child free evening (aside from foster training) in more than a year, so I am excited about that. I get to go to dinner and not have to cut someone else's food!!! What a treat!

I guess that is really all the news around here. Aren't we an exciting bunch.

PS - for those of you following my "What do we do about Kindergarten?" saga. We've decided to homeschool Avery. I am nervous about it, but know it is the best option for her.