Constant Beginnings

This was our parting gift for Ms. Kim. I found the quote and had the lady put it on the sign. Perfect for the way Claire views her. Ahhh, such love. Poor Ms. Kim had a tough time saying good-bye. I was the same. Good-byes stink. Well, dear friends, 2 years has nearly come and gone. I can't quite believe we are here. We've moved out of our house, our treasures are packed and moved (all 13,100 pounds of them), sold Chris' junky car, I've cleaned out my classroom for the last time, said some good byes to colleagues, begun my last days of Korean shopping and now, we are getting ready to go to Chris' farewell dinner with his squadron. Monday will be the hardest day. I've read and researched ways to ease the transition with children. We've talked about the move, ways we'll keep in touch, things to look forward to, focused on the positive and tried to keep it all tearless. Claire cried last night. She's said things like, "I don't want to l...

We made a whirlwind trip through South Dakota on our way to Denver. We stopped at Storybook Island in Rapid City. It was a great little stop for a much needed break from the driving.  After that quick stop, we continued the drive through vast wilderness to Denver. We spent the night, then met Chris' Mom and her husband at the Denver Children's Museum where the kids had a blast. We spent some time there, then moved to the Butterfly Pavilion where butterflies fly free. It was pretty neat, but a quick stop. They had alot of insects and spiders to see, including Rosie, the tarantula who you could hold. Chris decided he had better set aside his inhibitions for the sake of his children and held sweet little Rosie. Claire followed suit. She loved it.  We finished our visit with a stop at the Cheesecake Factory. It was delish as always. We said our good-byes to Chris' Mom, then made our way for the final surprise. Claire played with Ava's American Girl Doll the entire visi...

Our summer visit was jam packed. One special event was Jackson's baptism. We were asked to be his Godparents. It was a special day and we were so honored to be a part of it. Jackson is the smiliest baby I've ever seen. He is truly loved by all. My whole family. LOVE them! Nate, Jessica (my sister), Jackson, Nate's sister and brother in law, and Chris and I. Jackson and his aunties. My sisters and I with Jackson. Nate and Jess Chris and I with Jackson. J and Jackson Lisa and Phil My Mom and Dad with Jackson Lauren and Jackson All the beautiful children. Claire and Jackson Mya and Jackson One more attempt with all the kids before we part ways for yet another summer.