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1st Day of School

It's the start of another school year.  The kids are excited to be back and see friends and see their new teachers.  They were up early and ready for school before mom was out of bed with her cup of coffee.  Tuesday night the kids visited their classrooms while parents went to the All Parent Meeting.  The kids found their desks and arranged their school supplies. They were also able to meet their new teachers and have a few minutes to say hello to their friends and meet new friends.  After going to bed a little late, they were up bright and early, ready to start the school year.

 (ok, not the best location for a picture) 
Cami entering in her 3rd grade classroom

Ian can't wait to start Kindergarten.

 Bye Daddy, you can leave now!

 I have work to do mommy.

 Ian and his teacher

Cami and her teacher

 off to chapel

Ian had a great 1st day at school, although he was not happy that he only had a half day today.  He is ready to go ALL day just like his sister!

If you are wondering about Ben, he is at home this year.  We started home schooling in June, shortly after school ended.  He is a great student and is learning so much.  I am looking forward to being home with him to help him learn (and learn from him as well).  He is enjoying being able to move at his own pace.
It is going to be a wonderful year!

Date With My Dudes

After a fun night out with Cami, it was Ben's turn.  We planned on seeing the movie Diary of a Wimpy Kid with our free tickets.  Ian could not wait for his date night and Ben was willing to bring his brother along, so the 3 of us headed to the movie theater.  Tickets, popcorn, and a drink in hand, we headed into our movie.  We talked for a few minutes about all the changes coming up this week...Ian starts Kindergarten, Ben gets into a full home school schedule, and a long weekend at Grandma and Grandpa's house is coming up.

As the movie played, I enjoyed watching my boys share their popcorn and giggle at the funny parts of the movie. We enjoyed our time just hanging out watching a movie. Someday, I will get to have all 3 of my boys to hang out with, maybe at another movie, it won't really matter as long as we are together.

Date night...Cami Style

I love my daughter. I love that she is a kind and loving little girl who loves fashion and has a creative style.  She is my princess who alters her dresses to fit her style or cuts and resews straps on a dress simply because grandma showed her how to sew and she wanted to try.

Today I decided we would have a mommy/daughter date night.  It was a late start, but we headed to Kohl's to find 1 outfit for the first day of school.  With a $10 coupon Kohl's sent via email (new store opening somewhere) and a 20% off coupon. Throw in a few returns I had to do and her new school outfit is more than paid for!  Here are a few of the finalists.

Hello Kitty that she insisted she needed for when we go to Korea

An outfit (above) that makes her look grown up and has a necklace like Grandma Aladodo
and an outfit (below) that she absolutely wants for the first day!

And the winning outfit was...all 3.  Yes, mom is a pushover!  Thankfully they were all priced well and we only went over our budget a little. Out of pocket after discounts and returns was less than $20.  I don't think that is too bad for 3 really cute outfits and a VERY happy girl!

After a hard evening of shopping and trying on clothes, we were both starving.  Next stop, Noodles.  We both love Japanese Pan Noodles with Tofu.  We enjoyed our meal and some great conversation. I love my little girl and I can't wait for more dates!

A Sneak Peek

A little over 21 months ago, after a lot of talking and praying, we started the journey to becoming a family of 6.  We were comfortable as 5, but God put it on our hearts and minds to grow our family.  We were happy, comfortable, and optimistic about this journey to our next child.  Instead of the 6-9 month wait for a match, we had 21 months of waiting. On July 12 we found out that we were blessed with another boy.  We are praying that our paperwork makes it through the proper channels quickly so that a visa can be issued for our son and so we can travel as a family to bring him home. Our bundle of joy is now 26 inches tall and 20 pounds. Our premature baby is now very healthy.


We are praying that God prepares Alex's heart for a family and continue to prepare our hearts for a new member in our family.  

1st Triathlon

 We are so proud of Ben.  He completed his first triathlon this weekend.

 He was off to a great start with swimming 100m.

 He sped through on his bike for his 4.4 mile ride

 Finished up his bike, parked it, then began his 1.2 mile run.

 Mimi, Ian, Cami, and Ben Ben were all there to cheer him on!

 An awesome finish at 40:16.  

 The smile of a champion!

 He entered the race in the 9-10 age group.  He raced with an impressive 40:16 and placed 31/61 in his age group and 60th overall out of 493 finishers.  The race was open to kids ages 5-17.

10 months old

Alex Samuel Marthaler, 

You are 10 months old today. We look forward to meeting you and holding you and bringing you home.  We know the transition is going to be hard, but pray that God works in your heart to prepare you for a forever family.  We know that your foster mother is loving you and caring for you.  We are so thankful that she gives you the love and attention you need and deserve.  We are asking everyone to pray that the paperwork we need approved to be done quickly by those involved so that you can be issued a visa and so that we can receive a phone call letting us know that we can come see you and bring you home.  We love you sweet boy and pray that God continue to keep His arms around you to protect you and keep you safe.  We pray we will be there around your 1st birthday!

Love,

Mommy and Daddy

Ben, Cami, and Ian

Volcano

Cool things happen when you mix Diet C*ke with Ment*s

 Another fun summer science experiment.  

Celebration of Cami

 7 1/2 years ago we met our beautiful little girl.  On August 3, 2005 a judge made official what we already knew, we were a forever family.

That was then and this is now.  

She is growing up fast.  We are so proud of her.  She is a smart, creative, fun, silly, loving, gentle, kind, and loving little girl. 

Happy 8th Birthday Cami!