random pictures...

 Bryan built a super cool train track down the hallway and Max is obsessed with stories on the phone from grandma..

 Cheesy smiles from Jack and Josiah in their school uniforms.

Annette got in the action and max was having a tantrum at their feet.... sweet :o)

 We've not had any big adventures in the past two weeks because Bryan is hobbling around with this boot on his foot. Normally he is also on crutches, but when we went to church and lunch he used the stroller to lean on. Boot should be off on Friday this week... then slowly back at it!

 Grandma sent a package, thanks!! The boys had an afternoon of fun sticking on the stickers!

 I am finding in nearly impossible to get a good photo of the boys together. This is what happens when I say look and say cheese. They both say cheese, but don't look at the camera. Thank goodness for digital because I have so many photos like this one.

 and this boy is so sweet and cute, but totally in full-on terrible twoness!!! His new favorite thing to say is, "stop it!" which he loves shouting all the time even if I'm not doing anything. Its a bit embarrassing on public transportation :o)

 

Tantrum in a mall :o) He loves to throw himself on the floor! I am not a fan of this move :o)

Jacks first day of school!

 We can't believe that we have a school age child! Wow! Where does the time go? Jack has been excited to start school for months, and the time is actually here. Yesterday (Monday) we went to the kindergarten campus (separate from the campus where Bryan works) and met Jacks teachers. Mrs. Siu (the very pregnant one) and Mrs. Ho. Mrs. Sui will go on maternity leave next week and Mrs. Ho will be Jacks teacher until after the Christmas break.

I took these pictures this morning after Jack changed into his uniform.

 His very own smart ID.

 Jacks uniform is simple, but he has some options. He has red and white shirts and blue and khaki shorts. He can mix and match.

 Max wanted to get in on the action!

 So excited!

 New backpack...

 

We went outside to wait for the bus...

 

 He gets picked up at 11:55 (the bus was late) and is the last to be picked up and the first to be dropped off at 3:45. He has a super short ride and we are thankful for that. School is from 12:20-3:20

 On the bus this morning Jack only had one other kid... and it was his good friend Katie (so fun!) Not sure if there will be more kids....? On the way home they pick up some Elementary kids from the other campus, so it was a more full bus.

 and finally... here is what his bus looks like :o) Most school buses in Hong Kong are just converted vans. They have seat belts, so that makes me happy.

A party!!!

On wed. we were able to celebrate a birthday with a friend of jacks. It was a fun morning with friends.

 Jack and Josiah, back together again!

 Party Time!!!!

 Pinata

 In a movie room, watching a show.

 Jack, Max, Josiah and Annette

Back HOME!

 The boys and I headed back to our home and Dad on Thur. morning. Here we are at the airport with all our stuff. Luggage (50 lbs x 5 bags), 1 carry on backpack with 20lbs of cheese (I was stopped at security for extra screening :o), 1 purse, Jacks little suitcase and backpack with toys and snacks for the trip.

 After a 13 hour flight (the boys were pretty good!) we had a 4 hour layover in Korea. We showered, ate, and the boys ran around the several play areas of the airport for 2 solid hours. They also got in some good plane watching.

 The boys are just SOOOO happy to be home with dad.

Now if we can just get some sleep... going on 6 hours in the last three days... yikes!

Pure Corn Joy...

 I helped my parents prep corn for freezing last night. The three of us were able to make quick work of around 15 dozen ears. And... of course we had corn for dinner.... 

Summer Update #3

 Last Sunday we spent the day in the Dells with Bryans two sisters and their families. We were able to get discount tickets to Mt Olympus and it was a super fun day! We took in the camera in a water proof bag, so here are a few pictures!

Summer Update #2

hard to believe another two weeks have flown by! We are having a blast this summer. here's a little bit of what we have done. You can view the link to the FB photos to see more.

Week 1: In Des Moines with the Thompsons.

Art Fair, emily lunch with Mari, lots of golf, parks, rides, shopping, good food,  bryan lunch with scott, pools, splash park, panera :o)

Week 2: In Galena with the Thompson family.

games, grilling, pizza, pool with slides, celebrating Bryans 40th, phase 10, jack loving his cousins! aggravation game.

Week 3: Schroederville with family.

baby shower for Ellen (35 people here!) 100 heat all week, lots of pool time, cousins play well and have a blast, sand box, adults play game tournament, taking care of pregnant Sarah and Ellen, movie outside, taco johns.

I will hopefully do an update next week about our coming week. it will be just us at my parents...

link to photos:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151061870311151.484820.520951150&type=1&l=de1cc4de33