An earthquake, a hurricane, and the first day of school

Guess I am proving to not be very good at keeping this blog up to date. Oh, well.

Last week was a natural disaster bonanza here! On Monday we had the earthquake (which I missed because I was driving). I got to campus and was confused as to why everyone was outside. I called the student I was supposed to meet with and when I mentioned that something must be going on, her response was: "Um, maybe it's the earthquake?" She was too sweet to point out my complete cluelessness.

Then we followed up the earthquake with the hurricane. Takoma Park was hit pretty hard by the storm - 11 trees down in town. We avoided damage, but still have a pretty wet yard. We've got some small branches down in the backyard, but no big problems. The worst part is we lost power for 24 hours - the day before school started for everyone.

Early Monday morning we got the robocall that Finn's school - Takoma Park Elementary (K-2) - had power and was open, but Merete's school - Piney Branch Elementary (3-5) - was closed. Merete was disappointed. Finn was excited to start Kindergarten, but a bit nervous to get on the bus on his own - he had been looking forward to riding in with Merete.

I wasn't able to be there since my classes started that morning as well. So Matt took photos and sent them to me. I kept my class updated on his progress. I suspect they either thought it was insanely cute or incredibly annoying. I explained to them the injustice of not being able to be there. I have been taking Finn to the bus stop for 4 years, and I don't get to go the day he FINALLY gets to get on the bus.

Finn was excited to be the first person in the bus line, as his backpack proves:

Here's Finn in line waiting for the bus:

Matt titled this photo, "The bus is here - Finn is not making eye contact with the bus":

Finn getting on the bus. Notice Merete standing, watching him. I think she was a bit jealous.

Finn on the bus:


When he got off the bus (I was there for that!), he was exhausted. He was practically silent. For those of you who have spent any time with him, you know that means he was worn out. As Susanna, a friend of ours said, "The only time I've seen Finn so quiet is when he's sick."

He reports he had great day, but didn't remember anything from it. Only his music class where he marched to a song. After crying that afternoon because he lost a turn at Operation, we put him to bed at 7:15. We didn't hear a thing from him until we woke him up the next day. He was eager to go back which I take as a good sign.

The next day was Merete's turn for her first day. She was ready to go. I think she felt a bit cheated that she had to wait. She has had her outfit all picked out and her backpack packed for the last week and a half. But now, she's an official 4th grader and reports that she has "the best 4th grade teacher ever."



I don't have any photos to show off my first day, but so far all my classes seem good. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they stay that way!

Meeting Rowan

Yesterday we arrived in New Hampshire for our annual "it's too hot to stay in DC let's go visit the grandparents" trip. Today my sister, Beth, drove down from Maine with her almost five week old baby, Rowan. Both Merete and Finn were excited about meeting Rowan, and their expectations held up. Merete wanted to hold her the entire time:



As Finn was waking up from his nap (he went to bed pretty late the night before - he insists that even though it only looked like it, his eyes were open the entire time), I put Rowan in bed with him. How cute are they?




Finn was a little more reluctant, but after some convincing he decided to hold her. Immediately after this photo was taken he announced: "Okay, I'm done with her now." Then he was off to play with marbles.

Trying this out - Finn's Birthday Party

I've decided it's time to start a Blog. Yup, I'm finally entering the world of blogging. I've been inspired by friends of ours - The Cousineaus - who moved to France earlier this month and are sharing their adventures. I realize our blog won't be quite as exciting - how could it be? I can't compete with a new country with three kids under 5. But, it will be a way for us to share with you all what's going on in our increasingly hectic lives.

What better post to start with than Finnegan's 5th Birthday party?



He wanted a Star Wars birthday. I made him a cake, which ended up not working quite as I had planned. I had ordered an edible image which I couldn't manage to get on the cake. In a last minute panic, I decided it would be a good idea to draw a Yoda. Great idea, bad execution. I drew the body, Matt did the head. Finn was - thankfully - thrilled with it. I think the dueling Anakin and Darth Vader figures helped.



Several of Finn's friends came to our house for a combined backyard pool party and field day races. Matt planned the field day activities: races, softball throw, balloon stomp. He had more events planned, but we lost their attention to the pool.


Party Highlights:
Here's Finn getting ready to blow out candles:

And blowing:


And trying again (I think Ella's trying to help now, too):


Finn with school friends Ethan and Aidan:


Teaching Naomi and Ella how to duel with swords:

Watching Noah discover swords (sorry Laura and Tom!):


During the party Merete was a huge help. She has quite the fan base in the 5 and under crowd. Towards the end of the party, though, we could tell she was becoming upset. We couldn't figure out what was wrong until she admitted she was disappointed that the marshmallow structure designing had to be dropped due to lacking attention spans. So, this is what our evening looked like:


Merete's structure:


Finn's: