Finally

We have absolutely loved being home, but boy, the unpacking has been brutal! It would help of course if we were home!

Saturday we traveled to Palmyra to celebrate the life of my Great Uncle Walter Tuley, Sr. While most people hardly know their great aunts and uncles, Uncle Walter was in many ways like a second Grandpa to me. In fact, after my own Grandpa passed away, I remember Uncle Walter coming over to me, putting his hand on my shoulder and telling me it would be ok, he would be there for me, and he was. Uncle Walter and my Grandpa were alike in so many ways, so while a few of his grandchildren shared memories of their grandfather, I couldn't help the tears that came to my own eyes as many of their memories were just like mine.

**First for Rance
-Drinking out of a Water Fountain! Hilarious to say the least! Not sure what received more water, Rance's clothes or his stomach!!

We had been debating on if we should take Rance to church on Sunday or not. However, we figured if he had survived the massive Tuley family with flying colors he could definitely handle church! Rance was a little more shy on Sunday morning but he did great. He played with Cavin and I in the nursery the first hour and then went to church with me the second hour. During church he couldn't get over the big "television screens" and he absolutely loved the music! He clapped away and tried to sing along! We were again impressed with how well he did in completely new surroundings and meeting lots of new people!

**First for Rance
-Eating his first donut!! He loved it!

Monday we took Rance to his first day of school. Although he is 6 and should be in Kindergarten, we decided preschool would be a better fit for him at this time. I am not sure what Rance's perception of school is, but every time we have asked him if he wants to go, he says no. So I had to literally drag him to the car Monday morning to leave for school. We went into the Valentine's Day party and he was able to meet his friends (he was again shy), and participate in the party. He didn't want to give his Spiderman valentine's away at first, then I showed him that the other kids had valentines to give him. Once he realized what was happening, he was happy to put a valentine in each box. I think he really liked school and he told Matt last night during his bath that he went to school and said yes when Matt asked him if he liked it. He did ask to go home a few times, asked to go play with Cavin once, and still says he doesn't want to go back to school!

**Firsts for Rance
-Going to School
-Using scissors and glue
-Valentine's Party!

I was really tired yesterday for some reason, so my plans for a big homecooked meal complete with Matt's favorites for Valentine's day didn't happen. Instead he ended up going and getting 2 Little Ceasar's hot and ready pizza's. I fell asleep at 7:30 while Matt watched KU lose to K-State. What a romantic Valentine's day, huh?

Tuesday, finally a day at home for the boys and I! I wanted to take Rance to school, but we don't feel he is ready to be left alone yet, and I desperately needed a day at home to catch up. So we stayed home so I could get some stuff done! I have finally caught up on the laundry, I have one more load to fold and then I should be done for a few days! I jokingly told Matt if this is what laundry for a family of four looks like, maybe we'll be done having kids! I was able to get my kitchen cleaned up although I still have a lot of deep cleaning in there that I want to get done. But my big accomplishment was getting everything unpacked and put away. I have swept my hard floors but still need to run the vaccuum on the upstairs carpet. Not to bad, I don't think, with lots of breaks inbetween to play with the boys, help them with something, feed them, change diapers and the like. It feels so good to have my house somewhat organized and cleaned again!

Firsts for Rance
-Blowing bubbles! Someone gave him a bottle and he has been dying to use them. Finally this afternoon we went outside and he blew bubbles! Lots of giggles!

Tomorrow, we try school again....praying Rance does well!