1st day of 1st Grade and PreK

Here we go... School is extremely exciting for the boys and this year was extra special since the boys are going to the same school (Dostyk International School). Their classrooms are directly across from each other so they get to see each other throughout the day. Cameron goes a full day until 3:15 and Mason goes until 12:00. Cameron's class has 10 girls and only 2 boys so he will get his share of girls. Mason has a small class of only 4 with 2 girls and 2 boys. Stacey and I are looking forward to seeing all that the boys will learn this year.

Growing

The boys are not the only thing growing here. This summer we tried a vegetable garden and were very suprised how fast everything grew (especially the weeds). We started everything from seeds and we had great success with tomatoes (regular and cherry), cucumbers, carrots, pumpkins, and apricot trees. I can't wait until next year to see what we can grow.

Camp Out

Boys, a tent, a movie, plus smores and you get CAMP OUT!!!

Even though it was in our back yard and the boys spent the night in their beds they did have a great time. We can't wait to do the real thing one year.

You want to buy a rock?

Cameron is quite determined when he puts his mind to something and this sure is a great example.
One Sunday afternoon he was outside with Stacey and he decided to collect rocks and sell them. The rocks are mostly broken up pieces of concrete, but Cameron was determined to make a go of it. Stacey and Cameron made a sign that read, Rock Store and an Open sign. He stayed outside for 4.5 hours refusing a snack to sell his rocks.
Little did we know, but Cameron had decided not to sit outside and wait for people, but to go to people. He knocked on people's doors and asked them if they wanted to buy a rock. He also asked people as they were walking if they wanted to buy a rock.
The funny thing is that someone actually gave Cameron 100 Tenge (about $1) for a rock. Cameron has so excited that it just fueled his excitement.
Cameron also convinced younger kids to go and collect more rocks while Cameron manned the shop.
After the weekend was over he collected about 300 Tenge (which is about 3 months worth of chores). The next day he rolled out of bed and told Stacey with his eyes half opened that he wanted to sell lemonade today. Get your money ready because who knows what he will think of next.

The Good Samaritan

One of the many reasons I married Stacey was because of her kindness. She is also an animal lover and put those two together and you get a woman who cannot say no to a helpless little kitty cat.
Stacey had been walking to the office since the weather was nice and kept coming across this precious animal for several days. Then I received a phone call one morning with her pleading for me to come and pick up the cat. I was trying to be the bad guy and said no, but she said the cat was already in a box in her office. What choice did I have.
I only wanted to keep the cat until we could find a more permanent home and I knew there was no shelter to bring it to so the emails and phone calls began.
We were very lucky to find a friend’s coworker to adopt the baby kitten late that night and we were very happy to find a home for the little guy.
Check out the cute pics. Paka Antoine.

I can go really fast

Mason loves to tell everyone that he can go really fast on his new bike. I know you may be thinking why give new bikes now and not when there is a birthday or holiday, but we have had the bikes up in our attic since March and by the time we wait for a birthday or holiday there could be snow on the ground so now is as good as time as any. The boys are already enjoying their new bikes and showing everyone what they can do.

I got a spare Papa

We took all the children bowling at the Golden Palace. It is more of a modern bowling alley where everything is computerized and the pins are not picked up by strings. Everyone had a great time dancing to the music, bowling, and eating lots of snacks. Mason and Cameron can bowl all by themselves (with me standing close by Mason so he doesn't drop the ball on his foot). We are going back for sure. Enjoy the pics and videos.