I'm sorry. I know, it's been forever since I've blogged. Life has had a funny way of taking up all of my free time this year.
If you know us at all, you know this past year and a half has been a challenge to say the least. I don't think I can thank our families and true friends that have supported us through this journey enough. We truly could not have done it without your support!
Alas, as all things once begin, they must also come to an end. We are thrilled to say that the Geenens are finally moving on! Rob started his new job in Lafayette, Louisiana on the first of this month. So far, he is really enjoying it. A fresh start, friendly colleagues, and a positive work environment have done him a world of good. The man I married is finally coming back to life, and for this I am so thankful!
The kids are doing fabulously. Max played soccer this season for Enterprise Futbol Club, and Lucas was a great soccer brother!
The kids are also enjoying their last few weeks at their school
Max's Kindergarten Class
Fire Safety Day (Can you spot Max? haha!)
Lucas's First Day of School
He was truly excited ;)
Although we've had a crazy schedule since Rob came back to the U.S. in October, we have tried enjoy as much quality family time as possible. Mid-October we enjoyed a long weekend in Panama City (my lovely birthday gift from MiMi & Opa!)
Crab Hunting
Lucas didn't have a problem adjusting to beach life!
The resort we stayed at had an indoor water park-- the kids loved it!
Carefree :)
My siblings, I love them!
A family picture, and everyone looked (normal) on the first try!
We have also visited the pumpkin patch. The whole year I had envisioned these beautiful pictures of my well-dressed kids sitting at the pumpkin patch. Since October was slightly insane, we ended up taking them after school one day. When we picked the boys up from school that day, Lucas had dirt all over his face and was tired since he hadn't napped, and Max was whining about being hungry (what's new?). At that point, I knew I would never get Christmas-card-quality pictures out of a day like this!
After one failed attempt at a photo shoot, the older boys went off into the corn maze for a break. Rob was cheating by having Max look over the corn walls ;)
Lucas didn't get to go in the corn maze, but enjoyed the free ride on Papa's neck even better!
This is from photo shoot part II. Sigh.... sometimes you just have to roll with the punches!
The best picture of the day. Excuse Max's strange smile. He has lost three teeth on the bottom and feels the need to show everyone this when he smiles. Not quite the memories I was expecting to make that day, but it was memorable nonetheless :)
To add to our crazy October we headed down to Lafayette, Lousiana to look for a house. On the way we stopped at the USS Alabama in Mobile, AL.
The boys loved exploring the big ship!
My husband is quickly becoming an American (and I think I might be in a lot of trouble with him for posting this picture!)
Rob enjoyed showing the boys how things worked on the boat
and Max made himself at home!
Our house hunt was successful, and this will be our first home in Louisiana! (If you are a close friend or family, look for our new address in your Christmas cards!)
After we came back from Louisiana, it was time to take the boys out trick-or-treating for Halloween! We went with a pirate theme this year. Lucas's costume is Max's old costume from Carnaval in Holland!
After the craziness of October it was time to seriously get back to work. Dr. Valkyrie (my former professor and mentor) have been working on a presentation for the Alabama Counseling Association (ALCA) Annual Conference since June. In addition to this presentation, I presented my research proposal at the conference.
This is my "baby." Many late nights, chairs thrown against the wall (just kidding), and tears (yes, those were for real) later, I assembled a research proposal that I intend to take to graduate school. During the poster session, many asked which doctoral program I was in, and one university even offered me grant money to continue this project. I'm bragging, I know, but I'm quite pleased with the responses I had!
The next day of the conference Dr. Valkyrie and I presented our content session. We weren't sure how many people to expect, but the room quickly filled and we had a great session!
This past week we celebrated Thanksgiving. It was so nice to celebrate with the whole family this year! We sure do have a lot to be thankful for!
Now it's time for Rob to head back to LA (Louisiana, not Los Angeles!) and in the next three weeks Sinterklaas will visit our house, our youngest will turn 3(!!), I will graduate, we will have a birthday party for the boys, and then we will move. Phew! I am exhausted just thinking about it all! For now I am going to enjoy a couple more hours with my sweet husband. I hope you all have had a wonderful holiday!
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