Like Father Like Son

Dainis built a play station for the kids before we left for Colombia.  It has a kitchen where the kids can pretend to cook, a grocery store where they can start learning about money, and a tool bench.  They love it!  Juan got all sorts of Black and Decker plastic tools for his birthday.  It is so cute to see him using it all!  Dainis can't wait until he is old enough to work on projects with him outside.  Dainis really likes wood working projects.  Working on things together will give them lots of father and son time, while making lasting memories.

Play Dough Time

The kids love Play Dough, and it was a big hit with all of the kids at the hotel in Bogota.  We got out new play dough and all of the kids' new play dough toys this week.  They had a great time, and it was a lot of fun to watch them.  They are doing very well!

Time To Do Chores

We have now been home for a month, and the time has gone by so fast.  There have been a lot of changes for the kids as we have tried really hard to have structure and rules.  Now that the kids have gotten more settled and we are in a routine, we have started chores after breakfast and throughout the day.  Each child makes their own bed, carries their dirty clothes to the laundry room, puts their clean clothes away, and sets the table for a meal.  Juan sets the table for breakfast, Angie sets the table for lunch, and Ingrid sets the table for dinner.  They also each have an additional chore each day.  Juan is in charge of empting all of the trash cans, Ingrid unloads the dishwasher, and Angie vacuums under the kitchen table every night after dinner.  Our dog loves having kids around now who drop crumbs!

The Library

We have started going to the library, and the kids love it.  They have never been in one and were very excited to get their own library card.  There is a small collection of children's books in Spanish, that the kids really like.  They each pick out five books every time we go.  There is also a great selection of educational DVDs, which will be great for our home schooling units.  They are doing really well with their English, and it is hard to believe we have now been home for one month!

Making Cookies

We made chocolate chip cookies with the kids, and it was their first time!  They loved the cookie dough and had a great time making them and eating them..  It is great reminder of how many small things are kids have never done.