Another Medal!

Abate had another Cross Country Race this week. This time at Lake Whitney. This will also be the location of the District Meet at the end of the month. There were over 100 boys competing in his race and he placed 10th. Pretty good since he hasn't been able to train much the past two weeks due to his foot injury. He got another medal to add to his collection - he was the only runner from Gatesville that received one.

Soccer season has finally started. Abate played in 2 games last Saturday and scored a total of 12 goals. 4 in the first game - where he was goalkeeper for half of the match. He scored 8 in the second game which they won 15-0. The opposing team really tried to keep the ball away from him, but he was just too good and way too fast for them. The high school coach was talking to him after the match and already has his eye on him. I tried to get some video of him playing and scoring - but as I said he's just too fast and really hard to catch him with the camera. I'll try again this weekend.

Both kids continue to do really well. They both really like school and are making friends. Fantu has really come out of her shell and just shines now! She has gained so much confidence and her self esteem is really good. She used to hate her hair and now she loves it - which she should it is so beautiful. They both have really healthy appetites and Abate has recently started eating everything in sight - I think I see a big growth spurt coming! But they have both been growing like weeds since arriving here 4 months ago. Pants that were once too long are now nearly too short, and Abate has nearly outgrown all his t-shirts we bought when he arrived. Their English skills are really improving. It's most noticeable with Fantu as she struggled a bit the first few months. Her reading and writing has come a long way. Abate's English was always good, but his confidence has improved with it since school started. He is doing really well keeping up in most of his classes without much extra help. Report cards come out the end of next week so I will be curious to see just how well they are doing. No matter what I couldn't be prouder!