More playing around my my camera.  I've been trying to catch Princess Penny asleep...I got one, but the next time she was awake.  So then I tried a different angle - from the top of her head!

(Oh, hey Mom, I'm awake!)

 I rotated this one....but I'm not sure I like it this way...lol...she looks kinda funny.

It is getting to be Fall here, the leaves have turned (mostly yellow, though we see occasional splashes of red), and the daylight is dwindling.  So when we visit the park for a late night playground visit...I've got to use the flash.

Sprout turned 4!!!  And is busy doing what he can to catch up to his 8 and 6 year old brothers. 

 He LOVED his cake.  He had requested chocolate and I'd added a boston cream centre, yum!

 Fun presents to open and share with friends.

And now...a copper princess montage!

I need to figure out how to make collages!

So here's the low down on our situation.  (No pictures in this post as I've filled my memory card...apparently 1000+ pictures and it has reached its' limit.)  When allegations are made that do not require police intervention, the file is sent to PRAT (Placement Resource Assessment Team).  PRAT meets once a week to review the files that have been submitted.  PRAT can force a meeting between the professional players and resolve any concerns with some recommendations OR they can begin a full investigation, interview anyone and anything.  There is also something called an Admin Review that can be filed by foster parents to challenge a decision made by a director in Family/Children's Services.  Essentially we had an agitated biological parent who was making allegations and some professionals who decided to support her in those allegations.  The file went to PRAT who forced a meeting and will make some recommendations.

To put it into perspective, one of the concerns was that perhaps I was overwhelmed taking care of so many children...the supporting points to this was that when a driver went into the kitchen there were dirty dishes in the sink and that I have on occasion been in my pyjamas when they came to pick up children for visits.  So we don't expect the recommendations to be anything too crazy.

Yesterday I began the Admin Review process.  I met with a Regional Manager and a Senior Supervisor, both who work out of a different office than the professionals I have been working with, and so are able to be less biased.  It took an hour and a half to tell them the story and explain what had happened and why I requested the Admin Review.  They will go back and call the other players and ask their own questions and what they are reviewing is the process.  Were the children removed according to procedure, were all the correct and appropriate steps taken (PRAT said the answer was "No Way" and so I don't expect a different answer from these managers), and they may even go back to the beginning and look at whether it was appropriate for the case worker to have placed the children here in the first place knowing how soon I would be having a baby.  The meeting went well, I felt like they heard my concerns clearly and understood them.  They said they intend to call in about a week and let me know what's happening.  I also requested transition visits with the children for their own emotional health, to be able to say good bye to a family they had considered their own for a time.  We'll certainly miss them and remember them, but I am grateful that this stressful process has concluded.  And now I can focus on emptying my memory card and taking more pictures!!

So much has happened recently that I'm at a bit of a loss as to how to fill you all in.  I wish I could just vent, but must be mindful of confidentiality.  On the 15th, through a series of unfortunate events, any and all foster children were removed from our home.  It was extremely stressful as we dealt with crazy allegations that left me feeling offended and baffled...often simultaneously.  We hope a conclusion will be reached soon and when it is...there will be a post.  :)  On the positive side of things, I've started my first photography lesson.  I haven't finished reading the material and watching all of the videos...but I have started and our first assignment is to take a picture of someone you love, up close, without a flash, and in good light.  Not quite as easy as it sounds...but totally enjoyable!  Here are some of the pictures I captured today.  Our Copper Princess was happy to be a subject and it wasn't too long before her biggest brother joined in.

 Up close and personal...something about baby eyes that draw you in....

 And Munchkin, this picture is full of his personality. 

So there are the pictures so far.  Feel like I'm not doing too badly for the first day.  More to follow!  But before then, here are some pictures of a recent church picnic we attended.  No Copper Princess pictures as she was simply sleeping the entire time!

 Princess Curly loved the bouncy castle!

 The boys hung out together...we brought a friend that Little Dude had met in kindergarten.  Notice Munchkin and Sprout's feet?....No shoes.  It has been challenging this summer to convince them that shoes are a good idea.  I think they're part Hobbit.

 Besides the bouncy castle, she really enjoyed the soccer ball....carrying it that is!

 And this guy just wanted to ROLL!  He's such a happy fella!

On August 7th we went to an outdoor picnic and movie.  It was COLD!  Big E had to work, but I packed up the kidlets and off we went.  We brought lots of blankets, and some snacks and right before the fireworks, our Copper Princess started to fuss and I was kind of could (because I'd forgotten to bring a jacket for myself!) and so I decided after the fireworks we'd head home.  Once home, I put the littles to bed and let the 3 older boys stay up and watch WALL-E in the living room, and they decided to camp there for the night.  Here are some pictures of the cold picnic!

 But we had fun regardless.

 Pretty happy with this picture!