I can't believe summer is here. We have been so busy since school ended. We are still busy with soccer, swim lessons and Vacation Bible School. We took Jake to Florida for his 2nd birthday! We all had so much fun. Ma and Pa came down and uncle Jeff flew in from Nevada. Jake loved playing in the sand and running to the edge of the water. We set up a tent and each afternoon he would say "night night time" and would run to the tent to lay down and take a nap! He is amazing! He would sleep for two hours in the tent!
Jake has adjusted beautifully. He no longer bites, lays on the floor in fits or hits. He is very affectionate and has learned his new boundaries and is a very happy boy. He is VERY strong willed but we think this can be a good trait and we are just working on focusing it in the right direction. His language is unbelievable. People that meet him for the first time think we have had him since birth b/c his language is much more advanced than the average two year old. They can't believe we have only had him for 6 months. He can repeat anything we say, understands everything we say and is putting 2-4 words together at a time. Every morning he asks , "momma, where dada", "momma, where Nadia", "momma, where Mia", "momma, where Lu?"...we go through this every morning. I tell him daddy is at work and Nadia, Mia and Luke are at school. Now I tell him the kids are sleeping (now that school is out!) and he says, "ssshhhhhh". It is so funny because he has learned to tattle quickly. If Luke takes a toy from him or he wants something one of the kids has he runs to me and loudly says, "MOMMA...LLUUUU!"....as to tell me "mommy, Luke! (has my toy, took my toy or I want that toy!). I told the kids he would quickly learn to tattle on them if they misbehave! They are all shocked at how quickly he learned to tell on them.
Jake loves to ride bikes, drive the battery ran jeeps (although he hasn't mastered steering it yet!), bubbles, swimming, going to the pond to feed the fish, swinging, coloring, reading, watching Diego and Dora...you name it! He loves everything and is doing everything. He cried every day we dropped of Luke at preschool and would say, "momma, stay stay, school school". I told him he would get to do all that soon enough. He just wants to keep up with his sisters and brother.
Nadia and Mia have been busy with soccer all spring and now doing 3v3 tournaments this summer. Rick coached Mia's team and they placed 1st this season. Nadia's team placed 2nd in the U-10 division. The boys already kick the ball around with each other. I think we are going to have four soccer players! After so many practices and games they would much rather be with our beloved babysitter Heather. They love to play with her and are so sad that she is moving away this summer. Jake asks about her all the time. He says, "where Hethy?". She was with us from the time we brought Jake home and he thinks she is just suppose to be part of our family. We don't know what we will do without her! The boys will be devastated when she leaves.
Luke finished up gymnastics and took a break this summer. He is really trying to grow up. Although he and Jake argue and battle it out over their toys, they have formed a deep love for each other. Luke tries to help out and is so proud when we brag on him for sharing. The kids all love just spending time together. Rick set up a two room tent in our basement and the kids have been sleeping down there all summer. They have it all set up with their stuffed animals and blankets and plan on sleeping down there until August!!! Guess I won't have to be making any beds. The girls have had some sleepovers and the kids go crazy when they see the tent down there. We dim the lights very low and it looks like stars on the ceiling. They think they are camping....in comfort with air conditioning! (smart kids!)
Well, I will post some current pictures. Everyone is doing great. We continue to pray for the Vietnam program to reopen. Our hearts were broken when we received the letter saying they would be closing. We pray for all the children who patiently wait for their forever families to come get them. Please pray that our two governments can come together in agreement for the benefit of these children of God. Happy Summer. Natalie
