Randy and the boys spent some time at the park hitting whiffle balls. It was quite interesting because the boys had not seen baseball a month ago. You can see that they have natural eye-hand coordination, but they need some coaching on technique. We had a blast and captured some video. Please note that they took turns running the video camera and they need more practice on that as well. It’s worth watching.
Monthly Archives: October 2009
Pumpkin Carving
We had our first experience carving pumpkins! The boys enjoyed the experience as each designed the face for their pumpkin. Dad did the carving at their direction. They got a bit gooey cleaning out the insides. Click the picture to see a few more.
Finished Product
Tooth Fairy
David Behayelu had some teeth pulled on Friday and was thrilled by a visit from the Tooth Fairy. He explains on video.
Randy’s Birthday
We had a family day together for Randy’s birthday on the 15th, including some time at the park and a visit to the oral surgeon for Behayelu. We had dinner with Sarah, Kyle, Ilaria, Chris and Paul at our favorite Mexican restaurant, Playa Azul. Thanks for all the cards, phone calls and online greetings!
Randy and the boys
Birthday Thank You Notes
The boys are doing very well in “Mom School” as they learn about life in America. They are learning what school will be like and developing their reading and writing skills. Sary-Jo is doing an amazing job with them as she varies the activities and keeps them happily engaged in the mornings. Here is a sample of their writing and it shows that “school” time is also quite practical since they had many thank-you notes to write following their birthdays.
David Behayelu’s Birthday
At Point Defiance Zoo & Acquarium
Behayelu turned seven years old today! The boys awoke before Mom, so they climbed in bed with her and watched a few minutes of TV. Behayelu opened some gifts there. After an easy-going morning we went to the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium with Sarah & Ilaria (thanks for the pass, Julie & Cindy). We saw many varieties of fish, sharks, birds and other animals. The sharks and walruses were especially impressive, and the otters were quite playful. The boys had a blast. They were so funny, as always.
When we got back from the zoo, we had fish sticks and mashed potatoes for dinner and then headed off to Bible Study Fellowship. The boys love going to BSF! They are making friends and, although they cannot yet complete or comprehend the lessons, they are memorizing God’s word like nobody’s business!! The evening ended with cupcakes, “Happy Birthday” and big smiles!!
My Name is Monkey!
Turn up the volume before playing
Birthday Festivities
Behayelu & Fraol
We had a great turnout for the boys’ birthday party in the park today. It was awesome, with clear blue skies and sunshine (although it got a bit cool after about 4:00 – it is October 11, after all). Our small local park was the perfect setting for a laid-back and unstructured party. We played various games, cooked hot dogs, and just generally had a good time (and, of course, the boys rode the bicycles). There were kids galore and the boys were overwhelmed with gifts (we’ll have to parcel them out over several days so they can appreciate them). Thanks to all who came; you made it a great afternoon!
The Titus family stayed after all the others had left and Jason broke out his kite, which was a great treat for the boys. Even though the wind had died down, all the kids had a blast trying to get the kite to fly. Later, after their bath (playing with new bath toys!), the boys put together the 3-D Lightning McQueen puzzle.
It was a great way to introduce the concept of celebrating birthdays to the boys.
Pumpkin Patch Fun
Group photo in the corn maze
We went to the Pumpkin Patch (at Spooner Farms) with Grammy, MacKenzie, Mason, Kyle, Sarah and Ilaria. Grandpa stayed at our house with the cats (and, more importantly to him, the University of Oregon game in HD). We went through the corn maze as a group, finding all six stations in sequence and in record time (especially compared to last year). We stopped for pictures along the way and just enjoyed it all.
After the corn maze, the kids (including Sary-Jo) each picked out a pumpkin to take home. Then we hit the snack bar and it was on to the pumpkin slingshot! The kids needed some help pulling against the slingshots, but we really enjoyed watching when they tried it on their own. We never hit the bullseye, but we came pretty close and had a lot of fun. Later this month, we’ll carve the boys’ pumpkins and post pictures of that experience. We’ll probably see some wide-eyes again!
After the pumpkin patch, the kids relaxed on our bed and watched TV with the cats for a few minutes.
Go Vikings!
Behayelu & Fraol with the Viking Mascot
We took the boys to their first sporting event – a Puyallup High School football game. We had a blast and saw a few long-time friends: the Smithhislers and the Malkuchs. As we left the stadium we ran into Lauren and her friends! The boys got their picture taken with the Viking mascot and one of the cheerleaders – both were very kind. And especially for Sarah, there’s a picture with Mandy Malkuch!