End of May

The end of May has brought about so many changes... Kali graduated from the 8th grade and is now officially a freshman in High School. After the ceremony we shot some pictures and Kali and I headed to IHOP for a celebratory dinner with other families and friends. Kole came with us, but Kaci was tired, so Boyd took her home and missed out.

Now that this ceremony is over on to the last couple days of school then swim team starts. It is going to be a busy summer! Kali really enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, Sam. He is a good kid. He is shy and likes to kind of watch things for a while. He doesn't let too many people know too much about him. He is a private person. Kali is the opposite, in that she likes to be with friends and hang out, but she too will sit back and watch people before she leaps into a relationship of any kind. Both are witty and smart.

Next post I should have more pics of the other two kids.

Oh and I had a birthday along with my older brother (who just so happens to be a half century old!) LOL I wonder if he will see this.....

One more spring picture

The school year is one week from ending. Kali graduates from 8th grade this year and will be in high school next year! Hard to believe that this is the little girl we held in our lap just 12 years ago.. The time sure has gone fast.

Here is Kali's Spring school picture

And here is a picture of Kali and Kaci(hopped in) and Sam. Sam is Kali's boyfriend.

I know she is too young for this. We thought we would let her try it and see.

The channels of communication are open. It is so endearing to watch her grow up.

We are watching this from both our side and his. He is a gentleman so far.

Spring school pics

I have two of three of the kids spring school pics back.

Here they are:

Thoroughly Modern Millie, Jr.

Since just after Christmas break Kali has been attending play practices anywhere from 3 to 6 days a week for 3 hours or more each time. This weekend has been the performances. The group of 4th to 8th graders have been fantastic! I have been so impressed with all the effort they have put into this play. Three of the students had to learn how to say their lines in Chinese. Boy o boy was that a tough one for them. Kudos go to the director for getting tape recordings of the lines from a native speaker as well and letting the kids know they needed to not stereotype their parts. Kali played the part of Lucille, a flapper and a modern. There was a surprise part of her as well. That of Hong Kong Mama. A very important part!

Here are a few pics from the play!

A week since we added Mojo

We are now the crazy dog people. I know too many pets.. but how could we resist this cute little guy. First is Mojo in his red collar that is now blue, then Mojo and Reiko and the last pic is Mojo and Drake(drake being the smaller). Still trying to get all three in one photo.

Kole's first short story

This is Kole's first short story written in 1st grade. What an imagination!


Alien Attack

One night I woke up and I saw an alien burning the house. The whole neighborhood was on fire. All I could see was the houses on fire and an alien.
I ran quickly back to my house. I grabbed my two water guns and sprayed the fire but that weas not enough.
Then I got my dad's tools to openthe fire hydrants. I unscrewed every hydrant and water came out and put the fire out.
Then the aliens started to disappear because they didn't like the water. I saved my neighborhood from the alien's attack.

By Kole Bringolf
1st grade

April is almost half over!

Holy Cow! Where has the time gone! It is moving so fast! Let's see....

We had a wonderful time at the U of I for ICASP (Illinois Chinese Adopted Sibling Program) put on by TASC (Taiwanese American Student Club). The kids love going to see their "Big Sibs". I love going so I can hang out with the other parents and learn about what our children go through being Asian and living in a Caucasion home. I also learn about the positive things that we are alreday doing for our kids and how we can support them later. A extra benefit, the food! oh yeah, very good!

All the kids are growing by leaps and bounds. Kole still has a size 1 foot. But he is getting taller! Kali and Kaci have almost caught up with Boyd and I. They have been on Spring break this week, so they have been home to drive their dad crazy. Boyd started a part time job at the airport. Sounds interesting and something new all the time.

I have been working crazy hard at work. Some days I am so burned out, I am not sure how I make it home, but I do. I have also started back at Weight Watchers trying to loose weight to feel healthier to keep up with these kids! If I am not doling out money, I am driving them somewhere or picking up something for them. Crazy busy. There is only about 7 more weeks of school.

Kali will be in a play in a couple of weeks. We will be glad when that is over... a lot of running to and from the school almost daily.

Kaci will have recital in June. That should be fun to see. I think their theme this year is candy.

Kole is still doing cub scouts and spends way more time in front of the TV and video games than I should let me. Some days it is just easier to ignore it.

Here are some pics for your viewing pleasure: