We had such a good day today! And, since we've been back there have been few days that I have truly enjoyed, I felt like this was a good day to
try and get back into our blog!
First, we decided today that we are going to Home school again next year. It is going well this year, the kids love it, I like it and love the time that I get to spend with them and Matt loves it too. We also decided that we are going to join a Home school CO-OP for next year (essentially shared teaching for several subjects).
The day got a bit rough from there...with it taking Matt 3 hours to get an oil change. When we were in Singapore our mechanic, Rusty, would come pick up the car, take it, change the oil and bring it back...all at our convenience of course. Plus, whenever we had work that needed to be done, same deal...essentially we got spoiled. So, the kids and I waiting around for over 3 hours for Matt to get back from the oil change was a little frustrating, to say the least.
However, once he got back we headed out...
We stopped at TGIFriday's for lunch, which was really good by the way, and we had a great waitress. Once our bellies were full and we were all happy again we headed on over to PetSmart. The kids were wanting to see the dogs, which they only have on special days...now, my Elijah who is TERRIFIED of all dogs has got it in his head that he wants a dog...and then yesterday decided he wanted two. So, the reason he wants a dog is because we have a bunny that comes in our yard and in Elijah's words "does his business!" and it frustrates Elijah to no extent! So, anyway, we went to see the dogs today. I am not an animal lover and have had no pets since I was a kid. I wasn't too worried that I would get attached to anything...anyway, we get there and of course they have the cutest little 14week old dog...and I really loved it! I thought it was the cutest thing and I wanted to put it in my pocket (or maybe a big bag as it wouldn't fit in my purse) and take it home with me!! I was pretty surprised...but, Elijah petted that dog and another dog, I was SOOOOOOO proud of him. Now, Matt says we can't get a dog until we have a fence. He wants an outside dog (which does sound pretty good in theory), to be a watch/guard dog. So, anyone want to come build a fence so my kids can have their first pet??? :) The thing I am worried about with an outside dog is that it might bark it's head off at night...disturbing our sleep. The thing I am worried about with any dog is potty training it and the added thing to take care of...not to mention the expense...Anyway, we looked around a bit longer at PetSmart and then headed on to Toys R' US to buy Elijah a bike (Matt and the kids got Kayla's last night, but they didn't have the right size for Elijah).
At Toys R' US Elijah fell in love with a gold bike. I don't know why, but Matt and I weren't feeling it...maybe because it was $20 more than a green bike, that was exactly the same! Long story short, Elijah ended up liking the green bike and that is the one we brought home with us.
On the way home from Toys R' US we stopped at the library so I could run in and get some more books on CD...the kids are loving listening to them as we drive around town.
Once we got home, Matt and I got the kids helmets adjusted to their heads, all the stickers and tags taken off the bikes and then we all four got on our bikes and road around the neighborhood! It was so fun! We've never been able to do that anywhere that we live and I love it. I love being in a subdivision, I love that it's safe and the roads aren't heavily traveled and that we all have bikes. In Singapore we would rent bikes when we wanted to ride, but this is so nice! We only road around for about 30 minutes but Matt and I were so tired :) I am SO out of shape. Both kids said they were not tired :)
Once we got back from the bike ride Elijah informed me that I had not been to the grocery store yet today and he thought we should go. I said to him "You are going with me???" I was truly surprised because he is all the time telling me he doesn't want to go! He said "Yes, I want to listen to The Magic Tree House on the way. No, wait, I want to listen to Junie B. Jones." So, we headed back out the door, at 4:00 to go to the grocery store...we got home around 5:45...but we got groceries (the bill was a little higher with my little helper), and now the kids are in bed. It was a really good family day and we made some good memories today.
I know it doesn't sound like much and we really didn't do much, but the point is, it's one of the best days we've had since we've been back. In some ways I feel like we are FINALLY starting to get a little more settled...and trust me, we need to feel settled.
Thanking God today for our many blessings!
You will not see any pictures of Elijah wearing his "cool" shades...he hid under a laundry basket and refused to come out until the camera was gone...