1-Year Anniversary in OZ

Since returning from our camping trip to Mt Remarkable, things have been fairly tame around the house. No wild scorpions in hidden corners, no trips to for off places, no real new adventures to speak of (although Kelli did start playing tennis in a local women’s league and they are quite competitive J … after shaking off the cobwebs she and her partner dusted the other pair 7-5!) We did mark our one-year anniversary since our arrival in Adelaide which consisted of cake and candles – But, really the biggest thing that’s going on are our little ones giving us plenty to laugh at.

Let’s see, shall we start with Collin. He’s always good for a laugh or two … or three. The other night we were having pizza and we had 4 different varieties. After everyone had finished and had their fill, Collin, true to form, comes back for seconds and thirds. He wasn’t quite sure which type of pizza he wanted so he stuck his little hands up into one of the boxes and pulled out a slice of olive/pepperoni. He said, “I’ll just try this one.” He then proceeded to take big long lick of the slice and then say, “nah, I want a different one.” At that I just had to grin and leave the kitchen – he was on his own. He’s also still on his Star Wars kick although he doesn’t watch the movies as much anymore. The other day Kelli was trying to get him to sing the ABC song so she was singing the song and the melody – to which Collin responded, “Dum dum dum, dum de dum, dum de dum” (the Star Wars theme if you couldn’t tell). Along with Kelli and her new tennis regime, Collin the other day asked Kelli who she played tennis with, to which Kelli responded, “Oh, just some grandmas.” The wheels turned inside his head and he said, “Is Erica there?” He must have thought that Kelli was going off to play with HIS grandmas and aunts … funny, goofy kid. You’ve also got to love his facial expressions. When he’s asking for something that he knows is a little iffy he gives it a little extra scrunch to his face as if it’s going to help him in the cause. He also managed a ‘Harry Potter’ scar by riding his ‘golf stick/sword’ around the house and fell over against the door.

Savannah has started school again and is moving full steam ahead. She’s eating tons these days and we can only surmise that she’s on the rise again. She was quick to point out that her PJs don’t fit anymore. She’s also started playing netball – a girly version of basketball without a backboard and some pretty weird defensive rules. It’s a good experience for her to get out and run around. Of course, she’s not too keen on the other girls guarding her. There was one girl in particular who was a full head taller than Savannah. She kept guarding her and Savannah would look up at her and get mad that she was ‘following her around’, obviously not realizing that this was just part of the game. She’d yell at her and the girl would then proceed to continue to follow …. Luckily Savannah didn’t resort to more ‘physical’ means of getting her point across; although I wouldn’t put it past her. Her birthday is also coming up shortly and she’s going to have a party with a few friends. When Kelli asked who she wanted to invite to the party she responded with several girl names. When I asked if this certain boy from church could come she gave me a wry smile and responded that “It’s not a boys party, Dad!” Ok, then, guess I’ll have to go hit the links with Collin J

Hunter is probably showing the most progress these days. His little feet are moving faster and faster, and sometimes not fast enough. I think he’s finally slimming down a bit. He got a haircut this past weekend and it makes him look like a little boy – definitely not a baby. I think he’s determined to make the same point with his brother and sister as well. He still doesn’t say many words but gets his point across. He’ll either let out a grunt/scream at them when he wants there toy, or he’ll just wiggle his little body into the position he wants regardless of who or what is in the way. Last night Collin was playing with an interactive block near the wall. Hunter proceeded to gradually push Collin with his bum till Collin was against the wall and Hunter was in position to play with the toy. That still wasn’t good enough though, he then proceeded to use Collin as a sitting tool --- and better yet decided to bounce up and down. Collin is laughing hysterically the whole time of course. They are all pretty good-natured about the whole thing. He’s also taken Collin’s ‘golf clubs’ slash swords to a whole new level by beating on his Dad of all people. I’ll be wrestling with Collin and Savannah and then out of nowhere I’ll feel a good sized whack on my back. I’ll turn around and there with a huge grin on his face he’s holding the blue pole above his head ready for another go. He also ended up in bed with us the other night and apparently I started to snore (which I of course deny) – Hunter got mad and decided he’d better do something about it so he rolled over and started to hit me. He’s also getting better at communicating with sign language. He’s got milk down and recently started doing please – which more or less is a pat on the tummy. Oh, and he’s also very stingy with his kisses, but when he does it’s hilarious. He pulls his arms straight and then pushes them behind him and sticks his little neck forward – then makes a direct charge at whomever and plants one on them. Always good for a laugh.

So, yes, despite no new adventures out and about, we are having plenty within the walls of the home. Good news back home that Oliver and Rachel blessed their baby – CONGRATULATIONS!! And Erica was recently engaged – GO ERICA AND MARK!!! And soon Grandma and Grandpa Whetstone are coming for a visit – the kids can’t wait!! We miss you all and think of you often …