All's right with the world

The front tooth that has been dangling for days has finally dislodged itself (Russell related his opinion that the said tooth was a "little shy" to explain why it was so reluctant to leave his brother's mouth), and we have one excited Thomas. Such an event, as you can imagine, was not without incident and the precious treasure was immediately lost in the dirt and grass under the swing set. Of course, we were all frantic. (Elliot less so. He chose to climb onto the swing while Thomas and I were crouched and crawling in the dirt so as to conk us on the head with his feet.) Super Mom, of course, emerged triumphant, discovering the miniscule tooth after several faux ones were found and then discarded. The tooth is now cleansed and has been carefully placed and sealed in an envelope for the Tooth Fairy. I hope she has a dollar.

It is another beautiful day here in Iowa. A day which elicited a fresh vitality to my spirit and warranted the rearranging of dressers. (Sorry, Jared, for the scratches on the wood floor.) A day worthy of throwing off our new schedule, one week old, and playing at the park despite the late hour. The boys spied a cicada on a tree, a cicada newly molted and still clinging to his hollow shell of a body with sticky legs. Unlike his hollow comrades with whom we are more familiar, his body and wings reflected this new creation and were lime green and we oohed and awed and marveled at him. I imagine Sammy (because that is what Russell named him) was a bit disgruntled to be surrounded by five boisterous individuals who could not help but offer up our "Good Morning" song to one so new. 

Well, chicken broth is brewing on the stove top and the air is fragrant with it. Dinner is soon to be begun, Thomas's favorite: fried chicken and baked potatoes. I have a child who just fell off his bike and is in need of medicine and am not quite sure where the Sons of Thunder are. Lord have mercy because one never knows what they might be doing. (Yesterday there were pottying in the front yard.) And now, I am going to heat up my coffee to refresh my dragging body. To steal from Browning, truly "God is in His heaven and all's right with the world."

Enjoy some K.A.M.P. pictures! Peace and goodness.

First year KAMPers (Elliot is in the front)

Elliot (in blue) and Russell with their sweet counselor Chris

I won't tell you that Thomas referred to his hanbok as "dorky."

And this precious girl, Katherine, is my personal hero. After surviving an accident that probably should have killed her, she has made an amazing comeback and has a spirit that is admirable.

Some of our favorite people: Theresa (which sounded like Chorizo coming from Elliot's mouth), Anna, and Katherine.

And to quote Russell and his new favorite phrase, "You betcha know it, Korean adoption means pride!"

And Thomas's new friend, Brooke, an amazing person and talented Korean dance and drum instructor, whom my eldest son adores. The night we returned home from KAMP Thomas just had to compose a letter for his friend. And yes, he also had to construct a drum out of a wine cork for Brooke. And yes, we did have to purchase a special box from Hobby Lobby and mail it to her. Thankfully he chose a box with butterflies and not hearts.