Day 243: Reunited with Lovey

This morning was very hard for all of us. We all stayed up past bedtime and was so upset to hear the alarm clock so early. We made do and eventually left the house. No one was late so that was nice.

Daniel and I each had busy days for the most part.  I enjoyed a nice lunch out with a great friend. It was a great place outside and I had the best Thai food. The heat really picked up before we left though. It was around 95°F! I definitely welcomed the AC once I returned. 

I left early to meet Caleb off the bus and Daniel finished up a few things. While Daniel was still at work, I cooked dinner and Caleb helped set the table. Caleb insisted he take a picture because it looked so great. I received compliments from all, so that was nice. 

Daniel picked up our mail today, and the package we've been patiently waiting for arrived. Lovey (not the original) was reunited with Maddie and she kissed all over him. She was so happy to see him. She pitched a fit at bathtime because Lovey couldn't join her in the tub. 

She was loving all over Caleb. 

When Daniel walked in she said Lovey! And then kissed all over him. She then laid back down onto Caleb. 

She fought her sleep pretty well and finally gave up around 9. We're finishing up a few things so we can go to bed. 

Goodnight all! 

Day 242: Softball and Fantasy Football

This morning we slept in a little bit and then got ready for Daniel's softball game. He joined up with other embassy folks and played a fun game of softball against the semi pro women's softball league, The Warsaw Diamonds. They only lost by 7, so at least they weren't run ruled! They then played another team who is made up of expats (Americans living in Warsaw). They only lost by 5 to them so it wasn't terrible.

The kids and I enjoyed watching Daniel and our friends play. It was great cheering for them and also camping out on our blanket. We were right beside a playground so the kids stayed busy with that, too. 

She kept saying, "on my motorcycle."

After the softball game we came home and enjoyed lunch and naps. While Maddie napped, the rest of us watched America's Funniest Home Videos. 

We left once Maddie woke up to run a few errands and pick up a few groceries. We came home, enjoyed dinner and baths, and then Daniel joined a group of family and friends via FaceTime for the fantasy football draft. It was nice seeing family and friends that we haven't seen or talked to in a long time. Daniel seems happy with his team overall, so we'll see how the season plays out.  

Caleb got to stay up late to watch the Little League World Series. Japan pulled out a win. It was a great game and the kids looked amazing. He wasn't happy, but at least he got to watch it. 

We're all going to bed now that it's after midnight. Hopefully tomorrow won't be too terrible. 

Goodnight all. 

Day 241: A Day With the Family

This morning we let Daniel sleep in and Caleb actually took care of Maddie. He fixed and fed her cereal and then found her favorite cartoons on TV.  When I came downstairs they were sitting on the couch being so sweet. 

Daniel eventually made it downstairs and we sat around through the afternoon. We left the house for a short bike ride and picked up a few items. 

When we returned I cut up some fruit and the kids called Nana and Poppy. During that call Maddie asked to put on her princess dress. I got her dolled up in her Elsa gown and Cinderella shoes. She would twirl around and say, "I a princes!" She's so funny with dressing up and gets so excited with it. She loves her dresses and her shoes. As a matter of fact, she didn't like the outfit I had for her to go outside in and told me, "I want a pretty dress!" So, we changed.

Caleb played downstairs and Maddie eventually followed him down to play. 

The kids had a good night and Caleb got to stay up late watching the Little League World Series. The team he was pulling for won, so he was excited. 

Goodnight!

Day 240: An Evening at The Dentist

This morning everyone moved a little slower but we made it out the door on time. 

Maddie had a fun day at school. She's learning so much Polish and she's beginning to use it now. 

Caleb is still doing great in school and seems to be transitioning well. He loves his teacher and his classmates. 

After school and work we went to the dentist. This was our first visit while here in Poland so it was definitely interesting. Daniel, Caleb, and I all had cleanings scheduled along with a few x-rays. There seemed to be a slight alignment issue with Caleb, so hopefully we can have a second opinion before we move forward with anything. 

Maddie did well sitting through all of our appointments. She was antsy, but not too bad. We'll follow up again soon, but the good news for all of us was: NO CAVITIES!!!

We came home and talked to Nana and Poppy on FaceTime. Maddie had a lot to tell them! 

I'm done for the night, so I'll leave you with this photo. Goodnight!

Day 239: Back to School Night

Maddie slept in her bed all night so when she walked in my room this morning after 7 saying, "I slept good," It was hard not to laugh.  

Caleb was up, dressed, and ready to go pretty quickly this morning. He has been great at fixing his lunch and getting himself ready for the day. There's still a little adjustment and motivation needed at times, but he did great considering it's Thursday and the end of the week is often challenging for us all. 

Daniel and I had eventful days and worked hard. Daniel stayed at work late, and I came home to the kids. Our neighbor came by to sit with the kids so I could go to Caleb's "back to school night." I'm so thankful because that part was not in the original set of plans!

Once I arrived to Caleb's school, the conference portion had almost ended, so I met with the teacher briefly before he had to go to his child's conference. 

While in the classroom I was able to spot some of Caleb's work.

I can't believe how grown up he already is (although his attitude reminds me more often than I'd like). 

I came home and gave Maddie a bath and helped her get ready for bed. She and Caleb both had great days and enjoyed playing with their friends. 

Maddie is also learning more and more Polish. She's doing great at repeating what her teacher tells her! She and Caleb also sang Sto lat (happy birthday) tonight. 

We are definitely looking forward to tomorrow and a much needed weekend. 

Day 238: An Ordinary Day

We started off okay this morning. Nothing too exciting to report as we all made it out of the house on time. 

Sleepy head at the foot of the bed. 

Work was a whirlwind for Daniel and I, but the day passed by quickly and we were able to get a lot done. 

When we got home, Anna and the kids were returning from the park. Maddie took her baby along for the park fun. She was so cute holding her baby and making sure she was okay. 

We prepared dinner and did some catching up with chores and such. Maddie wasn't too fond of eating, so she ended up taking a quick bath and then going to bed. She loves to read "Cindabella" at night, so we do. 

Caleb got his items ready for school tomorrow and then got ready for bed. 

Everyone had a great day overall and we're looking forward to tomorrow. Hopefully the weather will be just as nice. 

Day 237: Princess Madison

This morning Madison refused to wake up. She slept in and told me no when I tried to wake her. She eventually came around and was laughing and smiling within minutes of being awake. 

Caleb was dressed up nicely for picture day. He was so excited and said he saw his picture that was taken and he looked "haaaannndddsome." 

Madison went on a fieldtrip today to see the bees and was also able to try some honey. She had such a fun time and kept telling us, "I eat honey!" 

Caleb had a great day, too. He told us how his classes went and also commented that he moved up in Polish. He's now in the intermediate class and he (as were we) was so proud of that accomplishment. 

Yesterday we received a package and we weren't able to give it to Madison until today. We tried our best to get her reaction, but she didn't care about anything besides her princess dress that was, "so pretty!" 

Once I had it out of the packaging she put it on and smiled. She then said, "I so pretty. Look, I a princess!" She said this statement various times, and she was so proud. Her dress lit up and played the song, "Let it Go." She was ecstatic. 

She needed a hat!

We eventually pried her dress off and got the kids ready for bed. We watched a movie and enjoyed some family time. 

We had the perfect night for the rainy weather outside. 

Goodnight!  

Day 236: Haircuts and Parks

This morning we got ready for our day and made our way out of the house on time. 

Caleb had a great day overall. He learned how to draw landscapes in art and he worked on his drawing all night. He was so proud and he did a great job. He also discussed how he didn't like French and was hoping he could do Spanish at some point. 

After work Daniel took Caleb to get a haircut and I took Maddie to the park close by. She had so much fun. She stopped to smell the flowers, chased a pigeon, tried to feed said pigeon, dug in the sand and played on the playground. She had a blast and she couldn't have been better behaved. 

She loved playing in the leaves, too!

After Caleb's haircut and our park adventure, we went to Blue Cactus to eat. Supper was great and the kids behaved so well. 

This was Caleb trying to work on his smile for tomorrow's picture day. 

Once we got home we took a few pictures and then got the kids bathed and in bed. 

We've had full but great days. I'm hoping tomorrow is just as perfect. 

Day 235: Church, Shopping, Cooking, and Bed!

This morning we were up fairly early and got ready for church. We headed out and arrived somewhat early. We saw a lot of friendly faces we had been missing. It was so nice being back at church. 

Maddie refused to play in the nursery area so she sat with me and Daniel. She was great and even fell asleep on me. She napped for 15 minutes or so until the service ended, and then she woke up. 

After church we went to the mall and enjoyed lunch. We also got everyone a pair of shoes and some other items we had been needing. 

We finished up the mall trip with a few groceries. We headed home and unpacked the car and then took showers. 

At 5pm we got to watch Venezuela and Uganda play in the Little League World Series. Uganda lost, but it was really neat watching some of the kids play who we had met in person. 

Daniel and I cooked dinner and also a few other meals to last throughout the week. We were able to get everything cleaned up and put away before 8, which was bedtime for the kiddos. 

Caleb went to bed without problems and Maddie was in our room as I finished up something. She then got in my bed and told me goodnight. While Daniel was taking a shower she fell asleep on his pillow. 

Daniel then left for work so I let Maddie stay on his side. She usually finds her way to our room before sun rise anyways, so I figured it wouldn't hurt anything. 

We've had a productive day and we're ready to call it a night (or at least I am). Goodnight all.