Wednesday, October 5th

Rain, rain, rain, and a whole lot of humidity.  That basically defines last week.  We are and were dry, but there was a lot of flash flooding in the area.  

Tuesday Gavin had an eye appointment.  He does need a light prescription.  We tried on lots of frames and found two that worked great for him. 

The flooding on Thursday and Friday made for some school delays and early outs, and interesting commutes.  By Saturday the area began to dry out, and Cora had fun at the homecoming dance. 

Sunday Phil and I were able to enjoy a NASCAR race in Dover complements of a contractor.  We had seats in one of the VIP suites.  

The restarts were definitely the most fun to watch.

Monday the kids didn't have school for a scheduled teacher work day, so the kids and I headed to Chincoteague.  It ended up being a nice day at the beach.  We did learn to stay where there is a breeze, otherwise you'd be attacked by the mighty mosquito force present.

 The wild horses at Chincoteague

Today Cora has another soccer game.  It's been a bit since that last one due to rain.  Athan has a dental appointment to check out a nice chip he put in a bottom tooth.  BOYS!!!

School life is going well for the kids.  Cora has been driving them to school since last week.  Having the extra car and driver is great for her soccer schedule.

Thanks for reading!

Jessica

One Month and One Day

We've been here one month and one day.

The last two weeks have been a lot of settling in and trying to establish a routine.  

In some ways I'd say the honeymoon is over with all of the fun of the newness over, but this is just a step in getting used to something different.

Two weeks ago Obi and Athan both had an orthodontist appointment in Salisbury.  Obi currently has braces, and Athan's teeth need some spacing.  Athan was put on return check for 6 months, but does need to have 5 teeth pulled soon.  Obi went back last week to get his brackets off from the Ames orthodontist to have the brackets put on that this orthodontist uses.  Our Ames orthodontist advised us that this may happen; each office has their preference of equipment.  

Last Saturday we purchased another mini van.  Now we have three vehicles, so Cora has a vehicle to drive.  This will be great for her after school practices.  

Gavin has been busy with his swim team practices, and the rest of us are getting used to that schedule as well.  We purchased a family pass to the YMCA where his practices are held.  Phil and the other two boys have been working out, playing in the gym, or using the pool during that hour 4 times a week.

I figured out how to do the school lunch ordering thing.  I chose to make Monday's the day the kids would get the catered lunch option.  Mondays are Chick-fil-A days.  The other days they will continue to bring a lunch from home.

Ballard was able to transfer Cora's National Honor Society membership to Salisbury Christian, so she is now involved with those meetings.  

Athan was so happy to find that a boy in his class lives in our neighborhood, and they have been playing together very well.  

Gavin has been having trouble seeing the board in school, so he goes to see an eye doctor later today. 

This week is homecoming week at SCS.  The week is filled with school spirit activities, and the kids are enjoying being out of uniform.  Friday night there is a block party at the school with several activities for all current and past students.  Saturday night there is a homecoming dance for the high school students.  Cora has the cutest dress for the event!  This weekend is a three day weekend, for there isn't school on Monday.  

Aside from all of the business of daily life we have enjoyed more ocean visits, more crabbing, and more exploring of the area.  

Photos of crabbing in Crisfield, MD

Photos from Cape Henlopen State Park at Lewes, DE

Nanticoke, MD

This place looks to be vacant now, but at one time must have process oysters.

Thanks for reading! 

Jessica

They survived the first week.

The kids had a good first week at their new school.  Tuesday night we had more arts & crafts time covering more textbooks.  All of the kids' books need to be covered.  Since I hadn't done this since at least junior high, I had to watch you tube to relearn the skill.

Wednesday night Cora had her first soccer game of the year.  They lost, but she had a good game and enjoyed herself.

Saturday morning Cora had a fundraising car wash for the girls and boys soccer teams.  That afternoon we went to Assateague State Park.

At the end of our water time we were able to view some wild horses in their natural habitat.

  

Really they were just wandering the parking lot.  They kind of own the place.

Sunday Phil, Athan, and I headed into town to pick up some crabbing supplies.  We returned home, ate lunch, then we all went down to Crisfield to try out a new skill.  My goal for the day was 2.  We ended up with 10.  Everyone really enjoyed the experience.  When we got home Phil cleaned them up so that we'd only cook the legs.  We cooked them, chilled them, and put them in the fridge for this week. 

These were the first two crabs we caught.  We had to throw them back though.  For they were too small, and they were female.  

The first keeper!

Even the kids that don't like crab found it very fun.  I'm going to get some more hand lines and another net.  Next time Phil and I will just sit back and measure for the keepers.  

Thanks for reading!

Jessica