November Catch Up...

We visited Wanda, Sean and their family last weekend. It was so nice to spend time with people who are from the days of my youth! Wanda's mom and dad are such wonderful people. I remember sitting in their kitchen eating the best brisket I've ever had. It is amazing how hospitable the Mills are. They are just awesome people.

Sophia warmed up to everyone very quickly! Here you see her imprisoning Sean! I would feel badly for him, but he actually gave her a rope so all was fair. Although, I was impressed that Wanda asked Sean to help Sophia tie her up! Now that's a teacher for you - giving a kid a smile instead of being annoyed. The kids have been fortunate to be surrounded by fun people since they've been home.

Wanda joins in...! From the look on Sean's face, I think he may have been having a little bit of fun.

These are Wanda's parents. They are the SWEETEST people in the world. The kids fell in love with them. They are the type of people who know no strangers. I don't have a pic, but they have a German Shepherd named Lady Bug, and the kids had a blast with her!

Wanda decides to tie up Sophia! Great idea! Hog tie her!

And, the group shot! It is amazing to me that we are both right around 40 years old, and it still feels like we're the young 20-somethings teaching at the small Christian school! Oh, and Sean is an awesome guy. It is apparent that he loves and adores Wanda. She's a lucky lady for sure!

Monday we headed out to the park where Zack worked on his skating while Sophia climbed on everything she could!

Here's a trick he likes to do:

Inspecting her owies!

Homework time. Both kids do their homework with their tongues out!

Tuesday morning Sophia and I went to a gorgeous park where she skateboarded while I walked at a brisk pace around the lake. The skateboard has proven to be her BEST most used birthday present!

Swinging on trees...

childhood

These next pictures were taken by Sophia!

Amazing

We set the timer for this one! I can't even put into words how much I love this girl. Sometimes, I just sit and watch her and am amazed. I wonder what that precious woman in Russia thinks each day that she goes without this little angel. I thank God each and every day for entrusting these two precious children to me.

Quotes:

Zack: Mom, you didn't brush my hair and now my brain isn't turned on!

Sophia: I rock Obama. Please wake me up to tell me if he wins.

Zack: McCain rules. Obama drools.

Zack: Mom, how did God make people?

Mom: He spoke them into existence.

Zack: Whoa!

I don't want to be controversial on this blog because it is about the kids, but I have to say that although I am pleased that Obama won, I am a bit put off by all of the racial focus.

For now, I am just glad that Palin will not have any sort of power over the United States of America even if it would have just been as a bug in McCain's ear. She BUGS IMHO. Although, I can stomach her much more than I can Hillary Clinton.

Lastly prop 8 won out for now. I have no doubt that it will change in California and soon the entire United States. That is just the nature of a democracy. As I was walking Zack and Sophia to the car after school, I heard a kid yell "You are so gay". And, at that moment I thought - "Who taught him that"? My kids will know all about what gay means - they already do. And they will be tolerant because that is what they'll be taught at home. God never calls us to hate for any reason.