Daniel’s Broken Arm

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We knew that life with boys would be different than life with girls.  In fact, last year we discussed the likelihood that we would become familiar with the ER and, more specifically, broken bones.  We realize that girls do this also (Sarah had broken her nose and a thumb on separate occasions), but it never seems to be a surprise when an active boy breaks a limb.

Daniel with his cast

Well, on the 25th of July (2 days prior to traveling for Janel’s wedding!), Daniel put his bicycle and helmet away and then came in the house to get some attention to several new scrapes he acquired by crashing his bike.  As he was showing us the scrapes, he remarked, “I think I broke my arm.”  Of course he couldn’t have broken his arm because he wasn’t crying or really showing that he was in severe pain.  But after a while he started doing things out of character for him (like lying down in bed at 3:00 in the afternoon) so Randy took him to the ER.  X-Rays confirmed a broken arm and he got a splint.  We were able to get him in to the orthopedic specialist for a cast on Tuesday and make the flight to California Wednesday morning.

Here is the video of him telling the story:

CHI Picnic

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CHI, which was our international agency (not the one that did the homestudy) held its annual picnic in Bellingham, Washington. We had an opportunity to see our in-country representative, Abdissa, for the first time since we returned from Ethiopia last September.  Abdissa runs the CHI organization in Ethiopia and he is a wonderful man of God.  He was quite amazed at how much the boys have grown and we all (especially the boys) were thrilled to see him again.

The Averills and AbdissaClick on the picture to see a few more.

Fireworks!

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Daniel and David enjoyed their first Independence Day celebration.  As in many previous years, we went to Don & Kathleen Olson’s home to enjoy the huge fireworks show at Lake Tapps.  However, because we had arrived home late on the 3rd from Hawaii, we spent only a couple hours there.  After the show, we came home to light off a few fireworks of our own.  The boys behaved perfectly and we had a great time.  Click the photo to see more.

Mom and boys

Hawaii with Jankel & Family

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We were pleased to be able to return to Hawaii – this time joined by Jankel, Venita, Tyler and Tanner.  The cousins were excited to meet each other and quickly bonded.  All eight, but especially the four boys, basically lived in the water and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.  Randy and Jankel were able to get in a couple rounds of golf while the moms pulled kid duty.  Cousins

Daniel and David demonstrated tremendous growth as they were able to see good family behavior modeled day in and day out.  By the end, we think our boys showed more progress than they had in the previous several months.  Their understanding of cultural and family norms leaped forward in ways we could not have expected.  What a blessing!

Also, the parents enjoyed themselves.  We don’t get together often enough, but when we do it seems as if we had never been separated.

In the evenings, we held a Mexican Train tournament with the kids edging out the parents for bragging rights.  We will get them next time!!!

Click the picture to see more (lots more).  We’ll work on getting some video posted, but for now all we have ready are the photos.

Holly’s Visit

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Holly with Daniel and David

Holly taught at Karshner last year (2008-09) and quickly endeared herself to the staff and to our family.  After school ended last year, she took an opportunity to travel the world by teaching in Thailand for two years.  She recently returned for a quick visit and came by to meet the boys.  Sary-Jo, Holly, Daniel and David went to the Point Defiance Zoo and had a great time.  It was fantastic to catch up with Holly and the boys quickly attached to her.  Click the photo to see more.

Field Day

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June 9 was one of the rainiest days in Puyallup.  It was also the date selected as Field Day for the Karshner Tigers.  Despite the downpour, the kids had a great time playing.  Here are a few pictures of the boys enjoying themselves.  Click on the picture shown to see the others.

Field Day

Sylvia Lake

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David & Daniel

On Saturday, Mike and Mary hosted a family gathering to celebrate Grammy’s birthday and also Nathan’s birthday. It was a great day for throwing baseballs, lazing around the lake, and fishing. It was the boys’ first fishing experience and Daniel caught a fish in the first few minutes!

We enjoyed time with family, and the food was great too.  We took lots of pictures and we’re just going to post all of them.  Click on the photo to see the rest.

Pioneer Farm

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Daniel at Pioneer Farm

Daniel’s third-grade class took a field trip to Pioneer Farm, in Orting. This farm teaches the kids about Pioneer life – Sarah and Janel used to enjoy trips there also. Many thanks to Stacey for taking pictures for us – they tell the story pretty well. Click the picture to see more.

Swim Lessons

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As part of the last swimming lesson at level 1, the boys had the opportunity to go off the diving board.  They both did fantastic, as you can see on the video.  David goes first followed by Daniel.  Daniel goes straight in and actually tried to find the bottom of the pool.  We’ll try to post some other video and some photos from swimming – as with virtually every other new activity, they LOVE IT!!!  They would swim every day if they had the opportunity (we’ll probably join the YMCA).  I think they’re going to like Hawaii next month.

Mothers Day Portraits

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On Mothers Day, we went to the JC Penney Portrait Studio and had family photos taken.  We had a great time and the results speak for themselves.  We still don’t have the pictures hanging on the walls in the house, but we’re working on that.  Click on the photo shown to see the complete set.  At the risk of repeating myself – these kids are adorable!!!

The Averill Household