It has been forever since we've posted, and I've been doing a lousy job of keeping up on our family blog lately, so I thought I'd give you guys all an update… TRY to contain your excitement.
This kid is potty trained! He learned quick, but the first couple weeks were a pain with accidents and fear about going on the big toilet, in public places etc, etc. I think we've worked all the kinks out now and he has been accident free for a couple weeks! Way to go James! He's singing "Wheels on the Bus" in these photos.
Went on a family ski trip to Austria over President's Day weekend… the girls attended ski school with mixed results. Every time I checked on Caroline the first day she was in this EXACT position… she had a very long suffering instructor. The second day while the other kids advanced to the slope, she got sent back to the itty-bitty beginner's course because the instructor said she wouldn't listen. Em enjoyed it until they took her to the slope with the others… said it was too scary.
Ben took me on some runs on the second day... Being 20 weeks pregnant I just wanted to stick to the blues (which are the greens in the U.S.) He assured me that the reds were just like the blues and took me to the very top of the mountain, which had a glacier on top. I'm here to verify that the reds are NOT exactly like the blues in Austria. Yeah, that was kind of crazy. Glad I had no major falls and the baby is still alive and kicking!
The announcement I posted on social media announcing the gender of #4, in case you hadn't heard :) But I'm sure you have :) I won't lie, I shed a tear or two realizing James may never have a brother. But we're grateful to be having a healthy baby, regardless.
Ben took me to the opera for my bday. We saw La Boheme… it was an Italian opera with German subtitles… so yeah, at least we had read up on the plot before attending so we could follow along… the music was beautiful!
Caroline lost her first tooth, which was a VERY dramatic ordeal. With her tooth already very loose, we had corn on the cob for dinner but she wouldn't let me cut the corn off insisting she only likes corn ON the cob, not OFF the cob. Sure enough, first bite her mouth was bleeding and she promptly went into drama queen mode. One little tug and it came out… of course this was while Ben was at meetings and of course my dinner was cold once I got to it, but what else is new? Also, she was very amused with herself sticking her tongue through the gap and calling herself a lizard. She's a weird-o.
We didn't get much snow this winter (mostly sleet rain, horrible!), just a little skiff over MLK, but enough to go sledding outside.
The family pic we submitted for Ben's attache packet. Still waiting to hear if he gets the nomination. The kids and I have 2.5 months left here and we don't even know for sure where we're going next. (Well, we are going to Utah for two months, that's for sure). I have faith it will all work out though… I have a good feeling! (I hope I didn't just jinx it!)
Fitness night at the school: Caroline's attempt at a Warrior Three. She has a ways to go.
Attending a Scottish Burn's Supper where the Israel Desk farewelled Ben. He is now on the Poland Desk. Proud of all the hard work he's done… I know he's very well esteemed/liked by his colleagues.
Porsche Museum… first time visiting it even though it's only a ten minute drive from our house.
Valentine's Day
Ben after his eye surgery… thanks for all the prayers… he seems to be recovering well.
I don't know what was worse, the food or the view.
Em had strep throat one weekend, so we stayed home together while Ben dragged the other two to a family work party (he's a glutton for punishment). Em stayed up sewing and making random comments while watching the PBS News Hour with me. "Mom, there's a war in Syria... Mom, there's a tornado in Virginia... Oh, look at the cute kitty!" She's a gem!
My study buddy! Downtown breakfast at a cafe.
Off to the school's Sock Hop… in which they played mostly hip hop… thanks to Grandma they were dressed for the occasion!
James' favorite thing in the world is to ride the busses and trains around town… so on the girls' day off of school we took public transpo to the mall. He would have just stayed at the train station all day if I would have let him. Also, now that Caroline can write, she takes this little journal around and jots down random things in it… the best part is that she pulls out these glasses, which have no frames, every time she takes up the pen. She takes herself very seriously.
My very left brained girl using the label maker to organize her new lego storage. She's in her happy place.
In between Sunday meetings and home teaching… he's a busy (and tired) man. The girls made sure he was comfortable though :)
Crazy leprechaun on St. Patty's Day
And last but not least, Caroline's 6th bday. For breakfast she requested Lucky Charms and biscuits. Unfortunately, she was sick that day, didn't eat a thing, and stayed home from school. Luckily she's all better now and was able to attend her Star Wars bday party this afternoon!
I'm not as cool as you may think… I borrowed all my ideas from the internet and only did the easiest ones… still, a bday party is a lot of work! No joke! Instead of Hot Potato it was pass the Death Star…
We played Pin the Bun on Princess Leia but they're on the other camera and I'm too tired to go get them :) We also went on a moon rock treasure hunt.
A fun game of Sith/Jedi tag
Haha! They're supposed to be Princess Leia cupcakes.
The kids had a blast and now I cannot get out of bed! I may be here recovering for a day or two!
