The Jolliff Family

In my lack of blogging over the past two weeks, I have added lots of pictures to my phone.  So a random post is in order! Sometimes I get the feeling I am the only one working!  Maybe I am?! Banana bread was a special treat for the kids when they came home from school one afternoon. In an effort to usher in fall, I lit a fall smelling candle.  It didn't work for a few days but I wake up this morning and realize fall is in the air!  (Also, remind me not to complain about the freezing weather in a few months, ok?!) The latest grapes I bought are HUGE!!  This coin is about the size of an American quarter. Just some new art I love! We decided to make a quick beach trip a few weeks ago.  I am glad we did because the country is now on lockdown and the beach are officially closed.  We only had two trips to the beach this summer but we enjoyed both and look forward to going back in 2021! One quick trip into the Old City before lockdown.  Coolest kids in t...

Hap celebrated 45 years and we enjoyed a laid back BBQ with some special friends.  Our local friends did all the cooking of the chicken and beef and it was delicious. Hap and these two friends are spending hours together and have created a special bond.  They wanted to do something very special for him and so they bought him a birthday cake.  I wish I could share with you all the thoughtful words they spoke about Hap but somethings are best left for the heart.  These two men a treasure and I love the message they added to the cake! Between lockdowns and school starting and some other things, I dropped the ball on gifts for this year but they kids came through with some homemade gifts for Hap. Hap doesn't want gifts and he doesn't want a big deal made of his birthday but he deserves to be celebrated!  He is consistent, a hard-worker when no one is watching, and a solid husband and father.  We can't help but celebrate his life!  

The twins finally had the opportunity to start school on September 15.  The school was doing a rolling start to help transition the Kindergarteners into school, which is a pretty good idea.  I can't believe these sweet twins are in Kindergarten.  They are in the same class together but will be in different groups so as to promote Arabic speaking! Abigail has done really well transitioning to their new school but Abram still struggles a bit.  He is fine once he gets situated but the drop off can be sad for him.  I know they are going to have a great year (whatever the year looks like) and I'm thankful they have the same teacher all three of their big brothers had!  

NOT!!   More like Saturday learning around here.  Everyone worked hard this morning and afternoon to finish up the school week. Jacob worked on reading his book and then went to language tutoring in the afternoon. Andrew finished his work and was reading his book also. Abigail loves doing her workbook.  The twins haven't started school yet here but they are doing their workbook and ABC Mouse at home. Abram isn't as thrilled about his workbook but loves his work on ABC Mouse. Sam is working super hard and Hap is doing an amazing job helping him with his Algebra!!  

I have some random pictures from our past week on my phone that I wanted to keep.  I haven't been so good with updating the blog but we are getting into a routine with school and work for me, plus Hap has been doing lots around the house on the outside.  On Sunday, Sam and I got away with one of my friends from Germany to explore the Holocaust Museum. I had been before but there is so much to read and take in, that it was overwhelming this time as well.  There is no picture taking inside the actual museum but Sam enjoyed reading about some aspects of World War 2 and the Holocaust that were new to him.  Since he has a strong interest in World War 2, this was a neat opportunity.  I have to admit, it was really emotional listening to video testimonials in this place.  The Jewish people have been through such tragedies.  This is the view from the end of the museum, the only picture I took that day. The twins have been wanting something different in their r...

The three older boys had their first day of school this week.   Sam is entering the 8th grade and will go to school 2 days in the classroom. Andrew is starting 6th grade.  He will attend classes 4 days a week. And Jacob will also attend in classroom learning 4 days a week in the 4th grade. Everyone had great 1st days and a good week of school.  I pray that school remains open and they can keep going and learning.

 We decided to do something a little different for Jacob's birthday and to get away for a night.  We loaded up yesterday and headed to a nearby camp for the night.  The evening weather was beautiful and the sunrise so peaceful. Finding roly-polys is just one benefit of camping out. Two tents all set up and ready for the night.  Jacob, Andrew, and myself slept in one tent and Hap, Abigail, Abram, and Sam in the other tent.   This morning, we got up and ate some breakfast I had packed and played baseball most of the morning.  I actually didn't take any pictures of the batting practice but everyone had fun and ended up super HOT. Which made the swimming pool super refreshing.  We were the only ones in the pool and it was wonderful! After eating lunch and a bit more swimming, we headed home to celebrate Jacob some more! Jacob is 9 and it's hard to believe! Jacob is full of life and enthusiasm for things he loves.  Jacob continues to love panda-bears. ...