This is the 4th (and sadly, therefore, last!) Friday post from my dear friend Kerri, on issues that arise when trying to raise a children ethically. I actually saw them both earlier today and had the opportunity to play hide-and-seek with Kaleb who was hiding from me under the bed when I arrived. When I found him, I laid down on the floor next to the bed and we talked about his big upcoming trip and how great it is to be awake. So hurrah for being awake, and hurrah for explorers everywhere, big and small. Thanks Kerri! x

My older brother, his wife, 8 year old son and 5 year old daughter flew in from South Dakota last weekend. It has been nice having them around this week. Kaleb has particularly enjoyed his beloved cousins. I babysat them, while their mom went back to school, from the time K was 1 until he was 3. So Niccoli and Hallie were like siblings for Kaleb.

In May my sister-in-law took a job as a traveling nurse and accepted a position in Sioux Falls, S.D. They sold their 2,500 sq ft house and most of their possessions and took off. Since May they have lived in a 3 bedroom apartment and spent many, many nights camping around the mid-west. They have LOVED it, no regrets at all. Niccoli said the Crazy Horse memorial was his favorite place, but agrees with his sister that the waterfall in Sioux Falls Park is pretty awesome.

Next week my whole family (parents, both brothers and their families, Daren, Kaleb and I, 16 of us total) is going to Disney World. Yikes! This is my parents’ birthday gift to all the children who have or will turn five this year.

After Disney my older brother and his family are moving to Anchorage, Alaska for at least 3 months. Hallie wants to try dog sledding and Niccoli wants to play hockey. They both want to learn about Eskimo culture. This time they will also be sharing a bedroom and are happy about it. Yes, they are also homeschooled, by my brother no less.

Next, their eye is on Hawaii for a few months before looking for a more long term placement. Part of me truly, deeply envies their life right now. It takes a brave person to just uproot, shed the excess material “stuff” and go exploring.