Trying to Catch Up...

Things have been super busy around here lately, as Nile is preparing for finals & is just bogged down, in general, with loads of work right now. Thank goodness it has been beautiful lately! The kids spend most of their time outside, and come in dirty & tired out, which is just how I like it:) I have been loving playing with them, and watching them play, as well. Gabe spends HOURS playing baskbetball, baseball, kickball, etc. with his friends & most of them are older than him, so he is learning some great skills by playing against kids who are bigger & taller & better than he is. Seth has amazed me, because when we arrived here in August, he was not hugely into sports...in part, I think, because he has an older brother who is gifted at sports & he didn't want to fall short. Here, though, there are a variety of ages & skill levels, and he has taken off. He was so proud last week when a 10 year old boy, who is a very good athlete, picked him first (for baseball teams) and told him, "You're one of the best hitters, so I want you on my team". I couldn't have even imagined that last year at this time. And he is cranking it! It's hilarious, because Gabe has a pretty swing and Seth has a powerful swing-no real surprise there, for those of you who know them. Last week, I somehow got roped into being the all-time pitcher for 12 boys, and after an hour and a half, finally had to tell them this old arm was done:) All the kids also spend lots of time in their fort in the woods, which is right behind our apartment. I can fold clothes on our bed & see them out my bedroom window...how I love listening to all their plans and ideas while they play. I am blessed & content.

Josie is content to race boys, play at our playground, climb trees, and RUN everywhere. She is so funny...I'm betting she's going to be a track standout like her dad;) Nile won't like that I said that about him, but he's too busy right now to check the blog anyway! So, that's a brief glimpse into our lives as of late. I am feeling more at home and making some good friends here & enjoying life on campus, for the most part. Nile has been so disciplined with his studying-I am incredibly proud of him for working so hard, especially on Greek, which is extremely challenging. I look at it & think it's impossible:) So, here are a few random pics from the last month, very random indeed:)...

The first time she has EVER let me put a braid
in her hair! You may have to look closely;) I started
out small for her first time.

Thrilled about her tank top because "now I can be in the boys'
rock band concerts, mommy!"

My little boy growing up so fast & looking just like his handsome daddy

The following 4 pics are from our home beach party that Seth had been

dying to have! We did it last year, too, and he has never forgotten...
I suppose it's becoming an annual event.

Josie loves riding the boys' scooters & loves racing other little boys:)

As I said, people have been very tired around here!