Normalcy

Things finally seem to be returning to normal after a crazy year of uncertainty.  We are getting more and more settled into the new house - closets that I just threw things in while unpacking are starting to get organized and the rooms are slowly getting painted and decorated.  It really feels like home now and we are very happy.  

The kids are doing great in their new schools.  (Grace is in the elementary and Liam is in the primary school right next door).  They both got great teachers and have made friends quickly.  This is a big relief to us, not that we ever doubted the sheer awesomeness of our kids, but we are glad to see them settled in so quickly.  They both really love school, and I'm crossing my fingers that the love stays with them until college graduation!  

Liam's class has been learning about community and they have already gone on two field trips, with two more in the next few weeks.  The little boys and I got to go on both, but I forgot my camera when we went behind the scenes at the grocery store.  I did get a few pictures of the police station.  Liam especially loved this one.  The officer showed them all around the station, the highlights being showing the kids his taser gun (Liam said, "I could SEE the electricity, Mom!") and letting the kids all try out night vision glasses in a dark room.   

Here they are checking out the patrol car.

Liam has a really cute friend in class that immediately took a liking to Sam.  Both field trips were walking trips and Sam held this little guy's hand the whole time.   (I guess the term "little guy" was used incorrectly there - at age three, Sam is already taller than half of the kids in Liam's first grade class.  I think it won't be too long before he passes Liam in height.)

Here are Sam and Declan waiting for the bus.  One of these days I'll remember to bring the video camera out to capture the reunion of my four kids.  Sam and Declan get absolutely giddy when the bus pulls up, and they run out to meet Grace and Liam with big hugs.  Sadly, this show of pure, adoring love usually only lasts until five minutes after we walk into the house, but I'll take what I can get!

This picture was taken from our front porch.  I love that the bus drops them off right in front of our house.  I'll probably love it more in January.

Making zucchini bread for after school snack.  This picture will probably not get me nominated for "Mother of the Year," what with my seventeen month old perched precariously on the counter while I step back to snap a photo.

Other signs that we are returning to normal:  the beginning of piano...

... and swimming lessons.

In other note-worthy news, Declan is on a quest to become completely self-sufficient.  Here he is after feeding himself a yogurt and applauding himself afterwards.