Hope actually groans every time I say, “Hey, we’re going to *try* something…”

It’s going to be a long year. That said, the fruits of this trying labor are totally paying off. I can’t say we tried as much this month—we’ll see when I make the list below, but what we did try, we did it with flair.

So, without further ado:

• We both signed up for Duolingo. Hope is taking French (which she takes in school) and Spanish. I have finally (6 years later) resumed my Portuguese lessons with a side of French.
• We try to write each other short emails in French.
• We tried new vegetarian recipes.
• We tried a couple of new restaurants.
• We continued to try to find other adoptive families to hang out with periodically.
• I took Hope roller skating.
• Hope served as a teen service leader during the recent youth service at our church.
• Hope also spent her first afternoon at a band friend’s house, which meant that I got to try some of the new found freedom that comes with Hope having something like a social life.
• Hope went on an out of state band trip without me—again with FRIENDS! I got to try a new vineyard and go wine tasting with fellow blogger, Polly of KnitMeForALoop.
• Hope tried to use her new debit card—I’d like to say “responsibly” but we’ll get there.
• Hope does her own hair exclusively now, and as I wrote recently, she rocks her glorious fro on the regular.

It was a successful month. Our March tries will get under way soon; I’ve got a bit work thing going on and I need to plan somethings for us. But, so far, so good! Trying things has been fun and has broadened both of our horizons in meaningful ways.

Stay tuned!