Family of Five

The last week, as a whole, has been shaky.  We anticipated it being a little difficult since it was the first week with all our big kids gone.  The littles all really enjoyed the bigs being home over Christmas break and it is always hard on Jocelyn when they leave again and it was a new experience for Benjamin to have them all leave.  Monday and Tuesday were trying days but Wednesday and today have been much better.  We are officially a family of five again (at home anyway) and it is awfully quiet.
It has, however, been really good for the three littles.   They are forced to play together, or alone - which none of them want, so they are learning to navigate their new relationships.  A sibling bond is not something that is instant so we are enjoying watching them build it day by day.


We had Benjamin's first visit to the Apple Store this week.  He was in heaven!

All of them love Scott reading to them at bedtime.

Today they had a good time building with some blocks and then knocking down their creations.

It is very rare that I see one of them without the other two.  They just shift from activity to activity all together.  It is really very sweet even though it increases the times I really would like for them all to go to their separate corners!

P.S.  In school, I was flipping through some everyday objects flashcards with all of them and Benjamin got more of them correct in English than either of the girls - who have always lived in the U.S.  He continues to amaze me with his learning!  And when we were talking about the sound c makes and listing off words that start with c, he listed off 5 or 6 words right off the top of his head - in English.  "Carrots, cake, cookies, candy, etc."  Do you notice a trend with his words?  :)

All in all life is very good and we are grateful for how God is growing our family.