Niagara Falls

Was gorgeous.We did Journey Behind the Falls.
Where we were given this flattering rain gear. And saw this view.
Which was a view of...nothing.
Except moss vines.Then we stepped out on a balcony.
And had this view.And looked like this.Ryan looks great.
I look like a banana.
How does that happen?

We went on Maid of the Mist.
A boat that takes you near the base of the falls.Amazing.Then paid a ridiculous amount for lunch.
But had an incredible view.There were fabulous flowers everywhere.
Somehow I managed to take a picture of
none of them.
In my defense, Ryan was in charge of the camera. God's creation is unbelievable!

First Days of School

The first day of school
this year
was nothing like the first day of school
last year.

It was not at all relaxing.
But they all made it.
And I somehow survived.

It was a day of firsts for everyone.

First off, Lara.
First day in an American school.Next, Jake.
First day at a new school. Then, Ezra.
First day ever.Finally, the next day, Brookelynn.
First day at new school.Assessments from the first day.

Lara: Boring.
As a new student, she watched videos all day.
About the school district, the school itself, etc.

Jake: Hated it.
He couldn't get his locker open.
His brand new locker shelf broke.
One of his best friends is in a class across the school.

Ezra: Loved it.
He did not want to come home.
And told me that he wouldn't have.
But he was really hungry and wanted lunch.
He only goes half day for the first 7 weeks.

Brookelynn: I felt so grown-up.
She moves from class to class.
Has friends in every class.

And today?
Today finally feels like things have slowed down a little.
I read books to Jobe.
He watched Sesame Street for the first time since May.
I'm trying to organize pictures from the summer.
It's been nice.

This Morning

Was hard.

7:15.
Took an overwhelmed Lara to the high school.
Made sure she could still get into her locker.
Helped her locate her first class.
Left her looking scared out of her mind.

7:35.
Rushing back home.
Hoping to make it before Jake was picked up.
Train.
Waiting.
Tapping the steering wheel.
Waiting.
I'm sure it was the longest train.
Ever.

7:47.
Pull into drive.
Missed Jakie.
Ezzie jumping up and down in driveway.
Backpack on.
So excited.
So nervous.
Walk to school.
Across our field of dewy grass.
Soggy grassy feet.
Half way there realize Brookie isn't with us.
She was really wanting to take Ezzie the first day.
(she starts school tomorrow)
Me: Where's Brookie?
Hubby: In bed.
She is not going to be happy when she wakes up.

8:05.
Leave Ezzie.
Crying.
Me.
Not him.

Ryan: Jobie, aren't you going to miss Ezzie?
Ryan: He's in good hands.
Ryan: Jobie, you'll be going to school in two years.
Thinking it's funny to say things to make me cry.
More.

Pictures will come tomorrow.
When I am more composed to look at them.

Now this mama is going to read some books to her 3 year old.
Before her daughter wakes up.
Angry that she missed all the excitement.

Lake Swimming

Swimming in a couple of the Great Lakes
was the highlight of our trip.
For the kids.
They were so happy.

It was difficult to get a good picture.
Especially of Ezzie.
He was moving too much.
So, I got this.And this.Brookie and Jakie found a pair of sunglasses at the bottom of the lake.
Love the looks on their faces.It was easier to get pics of Jobie.
He stayed near the shore line.
And found rocks.
Lots and lots of rocks.And then...
Before we could stop him...10 feet from the shore.
People all around.
Looking at us like we were hicks.
Brookie thought she would die.
Ryan and I just laughed.
And took a picture.
Look closely.
You'll see the splattered sand.
Nice.

Good to run again.So.
Much.
Fun.

Ezzie

Six.
Today.
Where does the time go?

His grandma says he is just like his daddy was.
I love that about him.
It's like I can watch Ryan growing up.
I love his hair.
I love his smile.
I love that one chipped front tooth.
Which will soon be gone.
I love his hugs and kisses.
I love that it is impossible for him to play without making sounds.
I love the way he dresses himself. In two days he will be starting school.
Jobe and I will miss him.
I will cry.
My family is already picking on me about that.

Too big.
Too fast.
Happy birthday, little man.
Mommy loves you!

Indy

We left on a Saturday morning.
First stop Indianapolis.
Ten hours.
4 kids.
No DVDs.
Cuz we're crazy people.
And when we were shopping for a van,
nearly 6 years ago,
we said we didn't want a dvd player.
We like to do things old school.
Our kids really are good travelers.
The first 5 hours we had to stop quite a bit.
Jobe had to pee.
Jobe had to poop.
Jobe had to poop again.
Ezra had to pee.
The last 5 hours.
Not one stop.
Woohoo!

Jobe was ready for a swim.
100 miles into the trip.
And I wish I would have counted the times
Ezra asked: Are we almost there?

Before we left I had looked for some coupons online.
Found one for an Italian restuarant in Indy.
Really didn't think Ryan would go for it.
But he did.
The staff was super nice.
Great waitress.
Wonderful food.
We were done.
We were stuffed.
Waiting for our check.
Had our $10 off coupon all ready.
Our waitress comes up and says: My boss is covering your bill.
Ummm. What?
We don't get it.
Apparently she was ranting in the kitchen.
My food was given to another order.
She thought we had to wait too long.
Seriously.
I think we've waited longer at our local Mickey D's.
Anyway, free meal.
For the entire family.
She got a nice tip.
If you are ever in Indy, try the place.
Yummy!Next morning we headed to a children's museum.
Billed as one of the best in the US of A.It was huge.
And fun.Ryan particularly liked the Barbie exhibit.So did Jake.
Hand written lyrics to Mellencamp's Small Town.
One of our faves.
Little boys rocking it out.Next stop.
The speedway.The tour of the track was cool.
But if you ever go there,
don't bother with the museum.
Unless you are into cart racing.
Which we are not.
Nascar, please.
Oh, there's one car.
Home Depot/Tony Stewart.
That was it.
Disappointing.

The night before in the hotel lobby,
a family was eating pizza.
Ryan liked the boxes.
So we did something we had never done on vacation before.
We went back to the hotel.
And ordered pizza.
Proof that packaging does sell.
Flavored crust.
Lots of different toppings.
Pretty cheap.
And good.Then it was off to the pool.
To wear the kids out before bed.
We loved Indy.
Great costumer service everywhere.
My marketer hubby was impressed.
If you haven't been, go.

It's Really Me...Finally

Wow!
I don't know if you all have missed me.
But I have missed you.

This last month has been a whirlwind.
Getting our house ready.
Running the kids here and there.
Vacation.

I hit the ground running every morning.
And by the time the kids went to bed,
I was exhausted.

But now I'm ready to start things up again.
I have so much to share in the next days.
So much.

For now I will show you one pic.
Of my wonderful family on vacation.
And several pics of the arrival of our newest family member.
The welcome signs.
Waiting.
She's finally here!Lara arrived last night a little after 10.
We are so happy to have her here.
Today we are spending time hanging out.
Getting to know each other.
And trying not to overwhelm her with our crazy family.

I really have missed you all.
I plan on spending time this evening
catching up on all your blogs.
I can't wait to see what you all have been up to!