The WEJ: October 2010

Monday, October 11, 2010

Welcome, Shana!

On August 18th, we were fortunate enough to welcome another member to our family. Shana comes to us from Belgium and will be staying here until June of 2011.

Her flight was delayed several times, so we had plenty of time to take pictures and hang out at the Greensboro airport.

Finally, her flight came in! Emma was the first to see her. There were lots of hugs and yes, I even had a few tears. It was very exciting, but also brought back lots of memories from past exchange students.

We drove home, talking the whole way. The kids were a little shy, but I really don't think it will take long before they are treating her like a real sister. God help her then!

It's a very exciting time for us and we can't wait to share our home and our country with Shana!

Jobs

In an effort to prove that they are responsible and can take on new "jobs", the WEJ have been taking on some new responsibilities. Everyone has been known to dry the dishes for me, but the other day, I found Emma and Jack taking care of business on their own! Miss Emma was the washer, of course. Everything is more fun wearing pink rubber gloves! They're doing a good job of making their case for getting a new puppy. Keep it up guys!

Goodbye, Friends!

We are all sad to say goodbye to dear friends. Kyle and his family are moving to Wisconsin.

Kyle and Will have been friends since Kindergarten. They have been in Cub Scouts since First Grade together. We got to know Kyle and his family really well through scouts as Kyle's dad was the den leader for awhile.

Kyle and Will were able to spend a couple days together before Kyle moved. They just hung out, explored the woods, played Wii, played on the computer and laughed - a lot!

No More Braces!

Wahoo!!! I made it!!! On August 2, 2010, those nasty things were removed. Amen.

I can now go on vacation to Germany and have fun eating whatever my little heart desires. I can smile freely. I will still have to deal with the retainers, but I don't care. I can eat again!

The whole process of removing the braces was horrific. I have never endured such agony. I told the doctor that I would rather give childbirth again, than have braces removed. I was in so much agony that I had kicked my shoes off and the back of my shirt was soaking wet by the time they were done.

It's over. I can eat again!

Ohio Summer, Day 9

Nick

Jack is tuckered out!

Can you say exhausted?! What a long, but fun, trip! Most of the cousins spent the night at Nana's after the fair. They had a ball, but definitely not much sleep. And that goes for me too! Lauren started out in bed with me and couldn't stop talking. It was fun catching up, but I just couldn't hang. Over a week of being away from home and countless miles of driving had finally caught up with me.

We spent the last day packing up, picking up goodies from Paul's Market and swimming in Uncle Brian and Aunt Mary's pool.

It was a fun week in Ohio. It was what summer should be. Family, friends and fun. Until next year.......

Ohio Summer, Day 8

Brad with his pigs

Alec with his chicken

Awesome pizza!

Alec, Will and Emma try out some new shades

Up and at 'em early, we headed to the Seneca County Fair. Talk about a blast from the past! We checked out the milkshake stand where I used to make and sell milkshakes, the NR Nimble Thimble's booth, Brad's pigs, John and Alec's chickens, some rides, and of course, the food.

Luckily, we were there on a day when Brad showed his pigs. It was fun and interesting to see him move those pigs around the pen with a stick. While the kids enjoyed seeing Brad, I don't think they were impressed or moved enough to want a pig of their own to take to the fair - Thank God!

After having enough of the fair (I'm speaking for myself), I was ready to have some pizza from Napoli's. It was just as good as I remembered. And the guys still toss the crust in the air. Does it get any better?!

Monday, October 4, 2010

Ohio Summer, Day 7

After spending the night with the Tyrrells, we headed out to a water park that was close to their home. There was a maze, splash pad, spider web to climb, playground equipment and an eco exhibit. The kids had a ball! On our way to the underwater viewing area of the pond, the bottom dropped out and the rain came down. It was crazy! But also very cool to see the rain coming down from an underwater view. Now we know how the fish feel in a rain storm!

We spent more time playing and then headed back to New Riegel. On our way, we just couldn't resist stopping at Mr. Freeze in Perrysburg. Their turtle sundaes are to die for! Emma thought it was cool to be in the town where she was born.

Ohio Summer Day 6

On day six of our Ohio tour, we continued our stay with Aunt Debbie and took a spin around the neighborhood on a friend's golf cart. More time at the beach and more treasures found to take home.

In the afternoon, we headed north to Highland, Michigan. It really disturbed Will to know that we were willingly entering Michigan, but seeing our friends, the Tyrrells, made it worth it! Not being a fan of Michigan myself, I found that I dislike it even more after sharing the roads with their terrible drivers and traffic jams.

The drive was worth it though because waiting for us were the Tyrrells! Jen and I sat outside and enjoyed a great bottle of wine while the kids disappeared and played together. Believe it or not, we didn't even notice that we were in the company of six kids! They had an awesome time together and Jen and I had a great time catching up.