First Day of School and Last First Day...

It's hard to believe how time has flown by. When we were contemplating moving, my one wish was to be moved into where we wanted to live "forever"by the time Brandon was going into 1st grade, no later. We moved in before he started Kindergarten and have loved Greenwood. He's made lots of friends, as has Shelby and Kevin and I, too. Today was the first day of school, but also Brandon's last "first" day of school at Greenwood. It is strange to think that he will start middle school next year. But in the meantime we are going to enjoy and treasure this year..during the good times and I'm sure some trying times (i.e. homework!). I can't wait to hear all about their first day.

The finished product...

and the chefs that made them.

Sushi 101

The kids really wanted to have another sushi lesson (since Brandon had one at Scouts). They both love sushi, so funny since it took me till about 5 years ago to acquire the taste for it. I still pretty much stick to the California rolls...I don't go too far out of my comfort zone. We sort of made a list of things we would like to do this summer and this was one of them. So we called up the Dranny and asked her when she would be available and marked it on the calendar. So today was the day and her are some pics from the lesson.

Till We See Her Again...

I hate goodbye's. I don't do well with goodbye's. With that said, tonight I had to say goodbye to my niece, Emily, who is leaving for a year to go to Kenya. She will be a dorm mother for 9th grade girls at Rift Valley Academy. We are incredibly proud of her decision, but at the same time we are sad that she will be leaving and gone for a whole year. Last week, Emily, Peter and Brett took Brandon and Shelby out for a last "cousins" dinner at Mongolian BBQ in Bethesda. Tonight my sister hosted a farewell pizza dinner for family and a few friends. It was a nice gathering and I held it together pretty well, I did get teary eyed when Shelby hugged Emily and said her goodbyes. So Emily, its not goodbye, but till we see you again next year. Enjoy this next year, it will surely be a year of continued faith, joy, love, maybe a little homesickness, but definitely an experience you will never forget. We love you!