A return to a new normal

We had a wonderful trip to Utah this last week, albeit for a sad reason.  It was great to see everyone; to attend the services, to share memories and hugs, and try to support Terrisa and their family in this time of change.  We were so impressed by a few a things; namely, the wonderful job Terrisa has done creating and recording memories for her family; the amazing support of the local community, schools, friends, neighbors, etc.; the resiliency of the kids in the face of tragedy - what a marvelous eulogy Curtis presented; the knowledge that their family will be reunited again one day.  We continue to pray for them as the next weeks and months pass and they settle into their new "normal."  We love you guys.

On another note, our kids were not really affected, this whole situation is still over their heads.  They were excited to stay in a motel and swim, get lots of "car treats," etc.  One evening we went to JB's to eat, which is kind of like Denny's.  Part way through the meal, Ella looked at us meaningfully and said, "This is a really fancy restaurant."  We giggled. :)  Then she said, "Also, our hotel is a really fancy hotel."  We had to laugh out loud at this because while it was cheap, it was not fancy.  No bugs or dangerous criminals, just leaking bathtub, peeling paint, missing shelves, stinky AC, that sort of thing.  Breakfast was...free.  They had toast and two kinds of cereal, watery waffles and squeezy bottle margarine.  Ella asked why the butter was so yellow. :)  They also had hot cocoa which thrilled the kids, so all was well.

I don't think I have mentioned yet that we went ahead and pulled Caleb out of school and started homeschooling again.  He had some rather rough weeks and was altogether DONE with public school.  I had been thinking this needed to be the way of things anyway, so I was ready.  We are doing great, things are more relaxed and Caleb especially is happier, which keeps everyone happier.  He has no regrets, does not miss public school at all, and happily reminds us from time to time that he is never EVER going to back to public school (until maybe college).  It's been nice.

Ella, on the other hand, still loves school and does not mind at all that Caleb stays home.  She is doing great, has a good little friend, is learning a lot, and remains helpful around the house.

Rachel is adjusting to having Caleb home, but as long as she and Ella can play together like normal she does fine.  She is so cute!  It's hard not to spoil her rotten.

McKinley is still the center of attention wherever we go.  She is easygoing, a good eater, quick to smile - her top teeth came in! - and snugly.  We all love her to pieces.  She can army crawl anywhere and gets up on her hands and knees and rocks, so I know it's only a matter of time before she will be speeding around.  We can't wait!