Riesling update

I almost gave up on him. We tried a lot of things and finally found a training plan that was fairly safe, and seemed effective. At first, progress was very slow. But he’s improved so much the last few rides that today he as almost perfect! Maybe he’s gonna be a good horse after all. 

Also, Mariyam and I made him a rainbow Appaloosa this week. 

Possibly the last remodel update!

I think I’m done painting. I’ve been painting all summer. I won’t know what to do with myself! Anyway, we have a few finishing touches, and over time some new dining room furniture and decor, but we are basically done with the kitchen, dining room, living room. 

Before...

After!

Weekend activities

Last night Mariyam and Umama volunteered to face paint at the grade school carnival. They were kept very busy with a constant stream of kids including Kennedy!

Today we did they sweet craft they had an idea for. The dogs were not sure what to think about having their feet painted. 

Then we went to the music store and Umama showed off her guitar skills. 

And we took a fun phots in the reflective window. 


Then we hit the mall for some shopping and dinner out. 

Eid

The girls shared their religious holiday Eid with us this week. They chose a traditional Indian restaurant-and were excited to be able to recognize all the food on the menu! They dressed up and even gave me henna tattoos.  Everything was beautiful and we had a great time!

Inch by inch

There was a local UKC interior trial this weekend. Legend needs two interior and one vehicle leg to finish her EN. I was hoping to knock out the interior legs this weekend (we had 4 chances). But Legend had other ideas and only picked up one leg-second place. I guess she wants to go to a few more trials!

The girls came for a bit and watched on Saturday. I think they enjoyed watching but it was turning into a very long day so Jerry picked them up to finish homework and do stuff at home. 

Making it!

We’ve been watching the new crafting competition game on TV and so here is the first craft we did with the girls. 

We saved the old truck tires and one that washed up in a flood. First we drilled holes in the bottom to make them environmentally friendly and not collect standing water for mosquitoes. Then we went crazy with spray paint! The final step will be stacking them for the goats to play on!

First week of school!

Well really it’s only 2 days, but they got to all their classes. No major hang-ups this time. They went to the wrong lunch, but I think a lot of kids went. And one wrong class which was a typo. But thanks to our research at open house we knew that might happen and they got to the right one after a few minutes. 

So here is the obligatory first day photo. 

Parenting Day 2

Yesterday I forgot to mention we went to the high school to sign up for classes and the girls got to meet the counselor They have a great mix of fun and challenging classes. 

They also gave us some gifts of native clothing from their countries.  

Today they helped us continue our remodeling by doing some painting and other odd jobs. 

Then, since it was Pakistan’s Independence Day we put on our native clothing and took some photos. 

Then we went to new student orientation and open house at the high school, met several teachers, and made a final schedule adjustment. I was really pleased with some of the teachers’ enthusiasm for having them in class and at school. Especially the JROTC teacher who really went out of his way to express his excitement to and make sure Mariyam got into a class that would be the best experience. This really has been a bright spot in our school district struggles. 

Finally, the princess and her new admirers

Welcome home-delayed a bit

Our new exchange students arrived Friday!  We arrived Sunday.  While not what we had hoped it all worked out ok.  Our coordinator Joyce picked them up at the airport and brought them to the house-after in ice cream stop.  Then our very accommodating house-sitter watched over them for a few days and got them settled in. 

Here is a picture from Dubai-where they first met in the airport

They get along like two peas in a pod.  Which is great, since they share a room!
They had orientation in DC for a few days before coming here.

First family photo-at the local Mexican restaurant!

First trip to Wal-mart

Jamaica

We had a relaxing time on our trip.  We didn't leave the resort and we didn't do anything strenuous.  One morning we walked along the beach.  We had a nice time visiting with the happy couple.  The wedding was lovely, in a great setting and during a perfect weather.  I didn't get a lot of photos on this trip but here are a few.