The kids are all doing quite well. I think they are happy with life. As I write this, Sam is working on a "book." I take printer paper, staple it and then he colors it in. Sometimes I write out words for what he is doing and other times he tries to copy out some words ("Animal Planet," "Transformers"). He did an "encyclopedia" last week. It always surprises me what he will request to see. Last night he wanted to look at a museum book I bought before we left. I've taken the kids to the museum and he really liked it, but it surprised me what he would get into certain things. At the museum he had liked the paintings and bronzes and the like, but they really enjoyed the little jade carvings and some of the pottery (for instance, with a handle made out of an animal). Anyway... it made me happy he enjoyed it.
Sam also has an impressive memory about things I would never imagine. He remembered doing bubbles with Barb and Randy and sometimes remembers specific toys or long forgotten (for me) tv shows.
Eva asks me to go for walks and talks my ear off. Last night I took her out in the backpack and today she went with me to the library. She has a frown she does that reminds me of my mother and grandmother. I don't think either Emily or I make the expression, so it always surprises me.
We took them all to gymnastics on Saturday. It's an hour at a little center where there are five or six people working with a dozen kids. It's a little pricey, but they all loved it and I think it would make our Saturdays much more positive. This week I went an got a cup of coffee and read a newspaper for a half hour, and was still able to watch half the lesson. I saw some parents brings laptops or phones. Emily enjoyed watching them too and I think it probably helps them sleep better. We've still been meaning to get back to music, but mostly it's tapes, cds, and singing. Sam still likes baseball, which is good. We need to watch some games on tv so he has a better idea of how it works.
I bought a apple laptop. I got the barebones version, but it's very nice and its main appeal is a really long battery life. The plan is I'll use it for my trip and Emily could use it for hers when she's back in the States as well. She's making really good progress on writing and we're hoping/praying she can finish in the next six or seven weeks. It will be a true sprint, but I think it's feasible.
That's the news! I'm looking forward to seeing Ginny and Reina and Paul and Joan. It's a short trip, but I'll get to be around people I really enjoy. Emily is also excited Alan will be here. I'll see him for at least part of his time here. This has the potential to be one of our more memorable thanksgivings (of which there are already many).
