things change...

So we really did intend for the kids to 'go' to school this year. However, it just did not feel right so we pulled them out before the first day! LOL

We enrolled in an online school. IT is actually the same company I used to work for in Colorado (K12)...check it out! K12.com

We have been super busy with Kevin's promotion, kids getting to start school, hitting the area parks, and still unpacking!

I so do not remember having this much CRAP...stuff I truly do not need or want...but have to unpack just in case there is something in the box important

So here are some pics!

Major Hinton!!! It was soooo hot, but well worth it. Collin got into fire ants just as they put KEv's rank on, so it was a screaming moment! But, that is our life! LOL! Here is Collin just after a good ant bite cry!Cameron is a BIG boy...he thinks he can read already! He really loves these ABC mats...

We love the State park down the street from us. The kids love to walk in the lake and chase the geese...in a few more months We might try canoes, but right now it is toooo hot!

Notice Collin is not wearing pants at the park...he sat in the water first thing!!! Of course he did!We surprised the kids with a trampoline over the labor day weekend...best $ we spent in a long time... Carrie, Kyle and Collin are on there ALLLLLLLL DAY LONG!

Welcome LILY

Well, a lot is going on here. We have had a new member added to our family...her name is Lily.
She was rescued as a stray and rehab'd by a local Golden REt group. She came to visit us after a lot of phone calls and correspondence.
We are sooo happy with her. She slid right in to our routine and has caused us only joy. She is Sakura's buddy and shadow. She loves the kids and the cats...and likes to hike in the woods with me.
So, as to hiking, I am trying to get back to prebaby shape. I am having a hard time with the heat...so I have taken the kids and dogs hiking, as a way to burn some calories. I have to laugh at myself because Carrie was in camp...It was me 3 boys and 2 Goldens...I had Cam in the sling, 2 leashes and 2 big boys trotting beside me. I got quite a few looks...imagine if I had all the kids!!!

So, We decided to give 'school' a try. Carrie and Kyle will both start a small private school next week. I am a little nervous, but do really like the place. The kids got to do their first 'school' shopping. They will be wearing uniforms, but picking out shoes and folders was a delight for them.

Collin is going to go into serious shock with the 2 big kids gone. I am hoping to ease him into some playdates and Library story times to make it easier on us both.

A work in PROGRESS

For those of you who are waiting to see our house...here are some work in progress shots...lots of mess and boxes still....sigh...

The kids love the yard. The first week we were here daddy built them a play set...in the 100+ degree heat...what a man...no kit, all from scratch!As you can see we have enough room for a trampoline too...so that is on our wish list...

Here is the dining room without stuff and with lots of stuff and boxes still. But, you get the idea!

Here is the living room without anything and with some stuff, toys and a mess (as usual)

Carrie's room...purple paint by MOM

BOY"S room paint by mom...blue and green alternating walls...a mess and a 'napping' Collin too!

And finally some master bedroom shots..notice the fabulous baby quilt on the chest at the foot of the bed? MY bestest friend from Japan made that for Cameron...He naps with is every day! Thanks BECKY!

What we have been up to!

We are offically settling in. The boxes are getting fewer in #, as I work at kepping the kids happy and unpacking daily.

We are considering a local private school this year. Carrie is excited, Kyle is NOT. Time will tell where this goes.

Carrie finished a week at horse camp. She learned to ride, groom, clean stalls and saddle the horses. There was even a news paper article on her camp...I think if you click the pic you can see it larger. That is Carrie on the front left!

Kyle just finished a week at skateboarding camp. He mastered some cool new stuff and is catching serious air! He is also practicing a lot of unmastered new tricks!

Collin is sooo happy to have a whole room just for toys and play. I have to hunt for him, as he disappears in there all the time. I need to get those in home cameras that my brother has!

Cameron is 4 months old now. Way too fast for me. He is growing soooo fast and I feel like if I blink I will miss something!

More to come in next post...incuding pics of the kids, pics of the house...hopefully box free!

ODE TO THE USA

The roads are wide;
you drive on the right.

The stores are big;
you can shop at night.

The people are many;
always on the cell phone.

The house is ours;
we have a HOME!

SO, we have a house, still no furniture, but we have a home. WE are getting adjusted and have sooo much to share. As soon as I buy a new camera cord or get mine in shipping there will ba a lot to show.

Overall, the brief synopsis is:
We found a house, bought a house, are camping out in our house.
Carrie is in horseback riding camp, Kyle will be in Skateboarding camp next week.
Then at the end of summer sports camps (volley ball and ???)

Collin loves the yard (HUGH!) and Cameron loves life in general....

Cannot wait to show pics!

2 weeks and days to go!

Well, I sat down on the floor to upload some new pics and...now camera wire...huh? GuessI let them pack that!!! ARGH!
But on a bright note, we are packed out. I am sitting on the floor and there are only 2 weeks and days left here in Japan...
Cameron has started laughing and smiling. his first giggle was for Collin! Collin was thrilled!
Cam is now fatter and taller and full of bright eyed stares!
Collin is handling the empty house well. Carrie is trying desperately to organize a going away party for herself. And Kyle has burst into random tears 2 times in 2 days.

Kevin and I decided this move is going to be really hard on Ky. He doesnt remember living in the states. He was not yet 4 when we got here, so it is all he knows. Carrie is older, remembers more. Collin is too young to care yet...and Cam is happy as long as there is breast milk! :)

SO this move will be hard for Ky and we need to acknowledge it on some level for him...

WE are soooooo ready to get on that plane!
Cannot wait to see a Walmart, Target or real grocery store!

The packing begins!

Our first day of packing is done...and now we are preping for the weekend by picking the few select items that live here for the rest of the time ( about 2-3 weeks)...

Took a good idea from my dear friend Becky, and we are taking a wagon to the thrift store for dishes and toys to use. It is easier than borrowing from the base. It is just down the road and no need for a car. Also, we can take it all back any time of the day and put it back into the donations box! :)

Thanks Becky!

I am trecking along with 4 kids in tow. Glad I figured out the babywearing thing with the other 3, or I would never have a moment. Cam is always in a carrier and snuggled up on me. It frees me to take care of a high demand 2 1/2 yo, a 6 yo that thinks he is a skateboard star and a pre-teen 10 yo girl (hormonal???)!!! Wow...who would have ever thought I would be soooo crazy as to have 4 kids...peopel keep asking if we are done..cannot answer that just yet though...

We are house hunting on-line and narrowing down the search. We found a cute 4 bedroom and 3 bath and then realized it would never be big enough without a basement or finished room over garage (FROG)...so we had to laugh at the idea that a 2 story 4 bed room house was too smalllll!!!!! LOL

Here are a few pics of my beautiful babies with the now GONE Cherry Blossoms.....