We now interrupt this story...

... with a short list of things we've learned in the last few days:

Solomon learned to ride his bike without training wheels, that it is okay to let go of the side of the pool, that we really do have to do school work every day.

Tinsaye learned how to swim!  Truly!  By herself.  And had the unimaginable courage to jump off the 3 meter diving board.  She also learned that even though it is hard to make friends in a strange place, she can do it and we will all be here to love her no matter what.

Thomas learned that too many sleepovers in one week leads to compromised sleep and poor decision-making ability, especially decisions related to nominating yourself "The Enforcer" and trying to discipline your siblings.

Meredith learned that getting your ears pierced hardly hurts at all, gets you a free date to the mall with mom, and garners lots of attention from lots of people.

Dad learned that Mom really needed Date Night!

Mom learned that Solomon and Tinsaye know their multiplication tables (!), that they used to get popsicles from their birth mom when they were sick, that everyone will eat pork roast and mashed potatoes, that when our four kids go out in the yard to play soccer 10 more neighborhood kids magically appear, and that every week things are a little easier.