Wow...is it really already the middle of August?? How did this happen?!
We've been in Wisconsin for a little less than 2 months now and we're all getting adjusted pretty well.
Taylor has become pretty good buddies with some of the kids in the neighborhood and she can usually be found outside playing with one, some or all of them. She's officially enrolled as a first grader at Greenville Elementary School and is excited to get started and make even more new friends! After all, that's what school is all about, right...your friends?! {She is so much like me, it's scary sometimes!} She's too busy to want to do anything other than play, which means getting her to read or do any kind of "school work" this summer has been a challenge. I pray that she isn't behind when she starts the curriculum at her new school. She was always ahead of her class at home so I'm sure she'll be fine...but, I can't help but worry. Reading even 10 mins a day with her is a challenge, let alone the recommended 20. The problem is, I don't want to force her to read when she doesn't want to and then have reading turn into something she hates, rather than loves. I'm hoping once school starts and the days are shorter and we're inside more and have more of a routine that she will settle into a good reading habit. She's been pretty emotional and sensitive lately {another reason I haven't wanted to push her too much} and I think it's got a lot to do with her missing her family and friends back home. Skype and phone calls seem to help but I think she just feels a bit lonely sometimes...and I totally get it. So, as challenging as she's been this summer, I'm trying hard to remember that we're all fumbling through this transition and she's probably feeling all the same feelings I am, without being able to understand or verbalize them. I'm hoping school starting will give us all a good kick to get back to life as we used to know it.
Benjamin. He is the classic definition of both a two year old and a boy.
He's just one big, loud mess.
He cannot sit still. Hates to be contained or confined. Loves to find mischief wherever he can. And I literally cannot take my eyes off of him for more than a second for fear of what I will have to clean up if I do!
He is the exact opposite of his sister and sometimes I just laugh and shake my head, remembering the sweet, agreeable baby that she was, while I'm staring at the little savage in front of me.
He talks like a 4 year old...saying complete, 5-7 word sentences. He understands everything and has a vocabulary that exceeds normal for his age. You can ask him anything, tell him to do anything and he knows exactly what you're saying, and will do it.
His favorite things to do right now are feed Lambeau, ride his scooter {which he taught himself to do} and throw a ball...specifically his softball or football. He can swing a bat, throw and catch a football, and ride his scoot trike like nobody's business. We're thinking this boy will be our athlete!
Did I mention I love him dearly?
Matt is doing extremely well at work and I'm so proud of him! He's enjoying the company and his co-workers and I couldn't be happier for him...they really are a great group of people who have gone out of their way more times than I can count to make us feel welcome. Now, if they would just quit trying to convert me to the green & gold team I'd be happy...cuz that's not gonna happen!! ;)
He sold his beloved Harley Davidson since he doesn't have a lot of free time right now and he got tired of seeing it sitting in the garage, collecting dust, while he walked by it everyday. It wasn't as hard of a decision for him as I thought it would be, but he was a little sad to see her drive away. I think the new patio we're planning and finishing our bar downstairs will ease the pain a bit. ;)
I'm doing pretty ok, too. That probably doesn't sound too convincing but, really...I'm ok.
I miss my family and my friends like crazy and there are certainly days where I let myself get down about it but, for the most part, things are good.
I'm learning my way around town and can usually go without my GPS now, which is a relief!
We've found a few good parks and some fun places to play and we spend a lot of time outside. I try to keep myself busy, which isn't hard with two kids and honestly, the days seem to be flying by! I'd be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to summer ending. I love the sunshine and the long days but I'm also craving some sort of normalcy. I'm so, so thankful we didn't move here in the wintertime, but I'm also feeling a bit lost without the routine that school brings. I'm trying to get my home and family settled and it's a big task, and then throw in things like trying to find the best grocery store and figuring out where to pay the utility bill while trying to entertain 2 kids, one who's bored and one who can't sit still, and still get home for naptime...it can become a little challenging!
I'm really looking forward to a visit from one of my oldest and dearest friends at the end of September, and then in November our really good friends are coming to visit and go to a Packer game...seriously can't wait for that!! We're also planning on heading back to Washington for the holidays so that gives me something to look forward to, too...even if it is 4+ months away. :)
And last, but certainly not least, we found a new church that we all loved this past weekend! I literally blinked back tears while sitting there listening to Father Peter talk about stepping out of your comfort zone and letting God lead you to something amazing...something only He knows is in store for you.
I felt like he was talking directly to me.
And I heard a little voice in my head saying "maybe this is why we're here."
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Lunch date, complete with ice cream, of course!
Snuggling and singing lullabies to his baby at bedtime. <3
Loving on our pooch...he likes the new house, too!
Having some fun at Bay Beach...although she liked the big, wooden roller coaster much better than the "baby rides!" ;)
Visited the Packers training camp and the new Pro Shop at Lambeau Field...pretty cool!
A tradition in Green Bay...the players come out of the stadium, pick a kid and their bike, and ride across the street to the practice facility while the kid tags along, carrying the helmet and chatting with them about Packer football. So cool!!!
Taylor was hoping to see Aaron Rodgers but he didn't make an appearance. We did see AJ Hawk, though...he's a beast!
Ben eating his first ice cream cone...
...and getting dressed up like a little sister. :)
And here's the little stinker in action..."I washa my feet, mommy!"
My pretty girl at the Brewer's game. :)
And even being at the Brewer's game made me miss home! ;)
