Pictures

We are starting to settle back in. Michael is back as work, Blake seems to be doing well in his new school year and Sophie and I are still hanging out.

Michael doesn't say much, but I guess his work is going well. The news I get is from listening to him talk to his dad over the phone. But he doesn't seem any worse off for taking 2 weeks holiday. His building is expanding and they get to move their offices upstairs soon and his department saves the most money and spends the least so he's really confident of keeping his job if we go into recession.

Blake is in year 4 (3rd grade). We were two days late starting due to our visa issue, but now that is resolved. We purchased everything on his book list and more uniforms and he started last Thursday. He said he's gotten a few warnings so far but no time outs yet. I hope he's making new friends. We had a new school open in our area so half of the children went there instead. We chose to stay mainly due to the staff.

Sophie is learning lots. She sits up now without falling over, well at least until she tries to reach to far for something. She can go from sitting to the crawling position but then can't move as far or as fast as she wants and gets cranky. She does move a little though. She moves all around on her back and really fast too. She picked up this habit of sucking on her lower lip. She's more into a routine with her sleeping and eating.

Rocky is doing well. He came back from the farm very dirty and lots of hair loss. Both signs of a very good time! He's had a few baths since then and his hair is growing back. He's a very loud sleeper now. His dreams have him chasing or playing something because he gets very vocal. One time he was so loud I thought he was letting me know he got shut inside a room when I closed the door, but no, he was sleeping under the table.

I am doing well. I'm working on our taxes this week. Last week I completed a sewing project for Michael's long time friend James' wedding which is tomorrow. I've finally finished unpacking, cleaning and laundry.

As a family we have all started swimming. Welllll....one of us has only talked about it and hasn't actually done it yet.....but it's the thought that counts right? I take Sophie at 11:00am on Tues and Thurs and we are learning so much. She already goes under the water and knows to close her eyes when I say "Ready, go". We are working on holding our breath. So far we only keep her under for a second, but there are children in our class that stay under for 5. Blake swims at 5 on Mon and Wed and 5:30 on Tues and Thurs. He seems to be doing really well. They don't let them join a squad (competitive) here until they know all four strokes really well. He's still got a ways to go on Butterfly and breaststroke before he can move up. I go with Blake on Tues and Thurs and swim from 5:30-6 for open swim. I swam 1K on Tuesday, half swim half kick, which is good for being out of shape and only having 30 minutes. Michael wants to learn to swim better so he can do more of the triatholon himself. He wants me to help him. Sophie was getting up between 5-5:30 so I told him the next morning she woke us early, we would all just go to the pool. Well she hasn't woken at that time since! so we haven't gone yet.

Blake in the pool waiting his turn.

Blake swimming, yes the picture is sideways.

Sophie and Rocky, still best buds.

Rocky, sitting minding the baby.

Sophie and her toybox. She's quite happy to play alone for about 30 minutes before she needs entertained.

Latest stitching project.

Sophie in her suit. It's hard to get a picture of us in the water when..well when we're in the water.

Sophie in her Yellow Jackets T-Shirt from Grammy with a Jean skirt and matching shoes.

Sophie sucking her bottom lip.

Sophie loves to help us cook!