First Snow

Today, it snowed for the first time of the year. 

We were so blessed that you were home from school due to 10th grade testing.

I so wanted to be with you for the first snow; your first snow EVER! 

It was such a busy morning in the house, but we dropped everything 

to bundle up and go outside to enjoy the snowfall. 

It was so beautiful and you loved it! 

It was also Apple's first snow.

You and Zeek played outside longer than I did. 

You didn't mind the cold. You didn't even zipper your jacket! :)

Later in the evening we went sledding at the neighbors' house. 

You were surprised when I took out all of the winter gear that you would wear.

You couldn't believe we put all of that on to go outside. 

You loved sledding as well. 

When we got home you were so warm that you couldn't get your snow gear off fast enough. 

It was only 2.7 degrees Celsius. You have never been in such cold. You said it wasn't so bad after all. 

It was a really special day for all of us. We will never forget it! 

Door County in October

Last weekend we went to Door County for a mini vacation.

It was your first time.

We stayed at out family's condo where our family 

almost always stays when we visit Door County.

It was a good and relaxing time for the three of us.

I learned that you love to build puzzles.

We ate at Al's, of course. 

I was only sorry you didn't get to see the goats

on the roof because of the coming winter season. 

But the food was just as good as always. :)

We had ice cream at "Not Licked Yet" everyday.

And we went to Hands On Art! 

You and Zeek carved pumpkins, again.

When Zeek saw me taking this picture of you,

he said that you were even cuter than your pumpkin. 

I agreed.

We each painted a piece of pottery while we were there, too.

This is your beach scene on a plate, before it was fired in the kiln.

It is beautiful.

We also made our way to the real beach at sunset one evening.

It was not nearly as warm as one would like the beach to be,

it was certainly beautiful. 

We took fun pictures, walked the edge of the water,

drew in the sand, and watched the sun set...

It was a great time for all of us.

Sleep Over

This weekend, you had a sleep over with four other 

foreign exchange students from your school.

You all went to the football game,

and then came back to our house for the night.

There was lots of giggling, talking, eating, and 

photograph taking...

You all watched a movie before passing out for the night.

In the morning, you all had a incredible 

wholesome, amazingly delicious...

oh, sorry

...you had breakfast together. ;)

Blaser's Acers

This weekend we went to Blaser's Acres up the road.

 I could not WAIT to take you here for fruits and veggies

and pumpkin picking! 

You are Zeek searched for and selected your own pumpkins.

We also each picked a smaller pie pumpkin. 

Zeek played some games

and agreed to smile for a couple of pictures. :)

Then we returned home, where we later

opened up, cleaned out, and cut faces into 

our carving pumpkins. 

At night, we went out to light candles inside

the carved pumpkins in the dark. 

This was not only your first time, 

but also Zeek's! :)

Homecoming

This weekend was Homecoming. 

Your school had some festivities 

throughout the week to celebrate.

On Friday night, you, Zeek, and I 

went to the football game.

Saturday, you met with some friends 

to get ready, eat, and go to the 

dance together.

I came to take pictures when you were all ready to go.

You all looked so pretty and cute.

You had so much fun

dancing the night away!

"Kevin's" Birthday

Last week we went to the Timber Lodge,

and area indoor water resort,

for Zeek's Birthday.

We stayed over night and had a great time 

swimming, playing Sequence, 

and enjoying our time together.

Zeek's best friend, Jaymee, also came with us.

And Zeek actually insisted that we call him "Kevin" 

the entire time. :)

 My brother, Tony, surprised us with a visit.

We all went to Chili's for dinner after we left the resort. 

It was a very fun few days!

Freedom House

Today we served dinner at the Freedom House.

This week, we actually made all of the food.

I pre-made pasta at home and packed everything up in the jeep.

Zeek and I picked you up from school and we went straight to the center.

You and Zeek worked hard chopping and prepping, 

while I reheated the pasta and baked the garlic bread.

All was successful, and after about an hour of clean up

we were ready to return home for a weekend of rest and relaxation.

We have no pictures of your first service at the Freedom House, two weeks ago.

If you recall, we had very little time for pictures (or anything else)!

Let's just say "Pizza Hut saved us", and we'll leave it at that. :)

AFS Welcome Dinner

Tonight you had a local gathering with AFS.

I wasn't feeling very well, so Zeek and I only stayed about an hour.

Thanks to our liaison family, you were able to stay until the end. 

I was sorry I couldn't help you make some plans with 

the students you have spent time with here, so far.

Hopefully, we can plan a girls' day for you

 sometime in the near future.