Things are continuing to go pretty smoothly around here! Matt and I are still exhausted at the end of the day, but can now manage to stay up until 10pm!!! Progress!!!

All 5 of the kids are doing well in school and really enjoying it. It's so great to have them excited to go each day. We had conferences for the three older boys today. Matt and I are so blessed to have such wonderful children. All three of the teachers, plus the ELL teacher were all so pleased to have our kids in their classrooms. Two of the three teachers even said they "love" having our son in their class. I left feeling so blessed and happy and reminded that this is all God. I can take none of the credit for these boys.

This past weekend we went downtown to the International Fall Festival. We had a fun time and we totally fit it.... now when does that ever happen?!?!

Oh and another thing.... I leave for Ethiopia on Thursday! Crazy to think I'm going there again. I will be checking on the orphanages plus looking into some new projects and opportunities for the future. I'll keep you posted! If you think of me this week and next please pray for:

• safety and good health for me while gone
• safety and good health for my family at home
• Matt and the kids as this is the first time I've been gone while having 5 kids!
• Ana's health, we've had a tough last couple of weeks trying to get seizures under control
  
• my eyes to see and my ears to hear what God has for me on this trip
  

Thank you so much for all of your support!!!

Go UT!

Just in case you'd like to know what we are doing today....

Go Longhorns!!!

Fall fun and orientation

On Labor Day we took the boys to the Eau Claire Apple Orchards. It was really fun because Ezra and Jackson have never experienced that before. It was fun to watch them pick apples right from the tree, ride the wagon, launch apples from the apple launcher, and play some fun games.






























Here are some pictures from Ana's orientation day at her school. She was super excited to get back inside her classroom and see her teachers again.

Ana's 1st day of school!

Today was Ana's first day of school! She was super excited to see her teachers again. This year is different because Ana is riding the bus in the morning. It was hard to put my baby on the bus but I know it's what is best for our family.







Ana was super excited to get on the bus. We were waiting and waiting, but as soon as we saw it she got nervous and grabbed my hand





Even though she was nervous, she did great on the bus!










Ana's teacher is so great. She called me as soon as Ana got to school to let me know that she made it and did great on the bus. Ana's first day was super, but she was a little sad to see me pick her up instead of the bus to bring her home!!!!

Happy Pretend Birthday Ezra!

On Friday we celebrated Ezra's pretend 11th birthday!! We missed his actually birthday, June 12th, and we didn't want him to have to wait that long to celebrate a birthday with us. So we chose Friday to celebrate it!!




Ezra had a lot of fun celebrating. He said this was the best pretend or real birthday he has ever had!!




He got an MP3 player. He was so excited!!





Ezra could choose any place for his birthday dinner. He chose Famous Dave's.

Grandma came along to celebrate too!

We love you Ezra! We've enjoyed getting to know you and having you in our family these past 6 weeks!!! Happy Pretend Birthday!!!

Orientation Day!!

Today was orientation day at school for Ezra, Carter, and Jackson. Durant also had his first day of 4 year old Kindergarten.

They were all very excited to go!! Today isn't the official first day of school, but almost. Here are some pictures before they headed out the door!!!

Ezra 5th grade

Carter 3rd grade

Jackson Kindergarten

Durant 4 year old Kindergarten

They got to meet their teachers, get their supplies put away, and get their picture taken. All three of them have very kind teachers. I am very thankful for that. Also a great ELL staff to help Ezra and Jackson adjust.

Jackson listening very well to Mrs. Smith

Giving my baby boy a hug before 4 year old Kindergarten.