Nolan has finally decided that traveling with his feet satisfies his curiosities much better than crawling on all fours! He's getting better with each day, though he still looks like he's gotten into the liquor stash. :-) He's understanding more and more, and is becoming even more vocal. He's responding to directions, which makes things so much easier!
Kiersten is also becoming quite "grown". I sometimes forget that she has the limitations of a 4-year-old, because we have some interesting conversations. She's as hyper as ever, and constantly makes up new songs, dances and games. She has imaginary "racing friends" that come over almost daily. Sometimes they have to be told to go home if they're making her too wild. We're hoping to have her in preschool next year, which we expect will get her focused and maybe will get those wiggles out!
Richard and I are still looking for teaching jobs. I can't wait till I'm not dependent on the whims of the government for assistance. They've voted to extend benefits for unemployment, but mine was coming to an end soon anyway. I cannot believe it has been nearly 2 years since I've taught. It's going to make it hard to get a job, and principals will most likely start to wonder why I've not found one. Richard is enjoying his job as a chauffeur at Givens Estates. It doesn't pay him nearly what he's worth, or the work he does. But the residents and his coworkers love him. We visit him on occasion to have a VERY brief lunch or just to say hello to him and maybe Susan, if she's on campus.
Mom is living away from us - 4 hours! - so we don't see her as often. We're going to visit this weekend. Kiersten is super excited to see her Abi. And I know she can't wait to see her grand babies.
We're so ready for Spring, or at least the warm weather, so we can venture out of the house without being weighed down by our coats! There are so many great parks in the area, and my goal is to visit each one in the county at least once! That may be a theme for the spring & summer.
