The House that AJ built

AJ worked diligently on this Lego house, rebuilding it several times when certain other siblings destroyed it. I think it shows creativity and a mind that thinks outside of the box. I love the roof-lines and random Legos sticking out. You can't see it, but inside is a whole assortment of Lego people.



The house that AJ built



The proud designer and builder



Another version of his house



Sick House and Birthdays

The past week, I have been the not-so-proud owner and manager of my very own sick house. H came down with a fever Friday, and the fun just continued from there with every one of my kids coming down with a fever and cough. My boys also got diarrhea, and H sprained his ankle. One week later, K is back in school, the boys are still a little congested and still coughing, but feeling better, and H still has diarrhea (even in the middle of the night). However, H is also willing to limp around with my help once in a while, and he crawls around most places. This is a huge step forward from not being willing to move around at all and just whimpering when he felt abandoned or wanted me to move him. I carried him around a lot yesterday (read: I didn't get much else done).

It has not all been bad, though. I have definitely enjoyed the extra time with all three kids, even if the circumstances were not ideal. Plus, I had some friends over to celebrate my birthday on Saturday evening. They didn't mind my sick kids, and it was a special time of fellowship for me. This was especially important since my actual birthday dinner consisted of leftover chicken soup and birthday cake. We we supposed to have a date night, but I wasn't going to leave my sick kids with anyone else -- even their Farfar. It didn't seem fair to either side.

I am hoping for a sense of normalcy tomorrow. I know my family and friends have been praying for us. Thanks so much.

Updates

I need to get my pictures from Timo's computer so I can blog about our recent trip, but for now, I will just provide some updates.

I received a Kindle for Christmas, and K has enjoyed it as much as I have. She has read 11 books on it, and her only limiting factor is the frequency with which I buy her books.

K concentrating on her story.

 H frequently tries on everyone's shoes and clumps around the house with them. I have tried to explain that we don't wear shoes in the house, but he sees me wearing my indoor crocs, and the inconsistency is not lost on him.


H trying on my running shoes.

  AJ has been enjoying all his new Legos he received for Christmas as well as his Buzz Lightyear and Woody dolls. He and H will also dress up as Woody and Buzz in AJ's clothes. I really need to take a picture of the two of them. It is so cute.

AJ and K also enjoy playing together. They play with Legos, bead, play games, and more. It really is a joy to see them interact.


K and AJ beading.



A Visit to Florida

After leaving Turks and Caicos, we stopped in Florida to visit my sister, Jaime, and her family who were vacationing there.
Upon arriving at the airport, I notice my sister walking next to us. I didn't expect her to meet us there, as we had rented a car and had directions to our hotel. She watched our kids while Timo and I walked to the rental car counter. While Timothy was wrapping things up there, I headed back to my kiddos. To my surprise, I saw two familiar people talking to Jaime and my children. My parents had suprised me by flying up to Florida for the same time we would be there. I was so overwhelmed with emotion that I forced myself to blink back tears until I was able to hug them. Then the floodgates broke and the tears streamed down.

The first two days, I was fighting illness, and I mostly rested. Thankfully, I felt better on the afternoon of the second day, and I was able to join the rest of my family to hang out inside and out.

The kids enjoyed playing games, digging in the sand, swimming with thier cousins, and hunting for shells. This was the first time that K had really ever hunted shells since Turks and Caicos had none to speak of, and she loved it. My parents took her out since I was still not up for it, and she came back with a bucketful of beautiful shells.

In addition to spending time with my kids, I took a walk with my oldest niece, Erika, enjoyed conversations with my parents, played games, ran on the beach, and just enjoyed the company of my family. I also went on a couple of dates with my wonderful hubby. We went ocean kayaking (I was hoping to see dolphins while we were out there since we had sighted them the first day -- no such luck), and, after a family dinner, we went to the movie theater together for the first time since before K was born. It was so nice to get out alone with my hubby, and I felt refreshed afterwards.

AJ playing Candyland with Daddy

K playing Rummikub with Grandma and Grandpa



What a sweet face



H and Jaime playing on the beach



AJ playing in the sand



K playing in the sand



My sister, Jaime, playing in the sand. :)



Her final product



Darling K



Sweet AJ



Sunset over the ocean



Sunset over the dunes




A lonely ocean kayak resting on the sand at sunset




A typical site: my dad reading the Wall Street Journal :)



H trying on Daddy's shoes, while AJ gives a sweet grin for the camera




Playing Candyland with Grandma





K, Erin, and Ellie



Edith, Erin, and H



Erin and AJ

It was a great trip, and it was difficult for me to say goodbye. Living so far away from my family, I treasure this time in my heart.