Ava's First Day of Preschool

Ava started preschool on Tuesday. She pranced into the classroom and was jumping up and down she was so excited. I was the one who had a difficult time saying goodbye. She's already made a best friend and I've been told she's quite the singer during circle time.

Wildpark

We had a great time at a wildpark over the weekend. We enjoyed a remarkable "Falknerei" show. Eagles and falcons flew over and around the crowds, sometimes brushing their wings on one's head. The owner and falconer put on quite a show, although we didn't understand his commentary besides 'American bald eagle' and 'McDonald's chicken nuggets'. During the show as he's talking he throws chicken parts and dead chicks every which way and high into the air for the birds to catch. Definitely something you wouldn't see in the States. The kids loved feeding all the animals and played until we were all worn out. There was an enclosed area with goats, and as we were feeding them a large one put it's hooves up on us to try to get more food. William got a little scared, because I was holding him and he had a pellet in his hand that the goat wanted. Ava really loved petting an owl, and said, 'Oh, SO cute!" Ethan enjoyed running around all the paths and telling us which animals were the daddy, mommy, brother, sister and baby.

Welcome Home!

Our Hero is Finally Home!

Jason is finally home! It was a bit of a crazy homecoming, but we are so happy and grateful to have him home! I got a phone call from a Captain here at Jason's office with news that Jason's flight was cancelled. They wanted to reach me before I packed up all the kids and drove to the terminal. I was so depressed I went back to bed and wondered how many days I'd have to wait to see him. Then I got another phone call from a woman at his office who told me his flight did in fact arrive and the Captain could just drive him home. (This Captain doesn't know me very well and apparently didn't dare call me to tell me about the mistake, so of course they had the only woman in the office do it). I wish I would've never answered the phone that morning, because Jason's flight arrived at the exact time he told me it would. Jason called me and we decided to still meet at the terminal, mostly so the kids wouldn't be confused. We both were so frustrated about the mix up- I had been up and ready since 6am, after a night of restless sleep.

Ethan and Ava were talking the whole way about finally going to pick up daddy at the airport. They ran to him and were SO happy to see him and give him lots of hugs. Even William was excited and went right to Jason. In some ways it's like he never left- after 8 months alone I never thought it would feel that way. We are so grateful for his safe return!