Adventures in August

We've had quite a busy time this month. Matthew was very excited to
get out his Thomas backpack, new lunch box and head off to preschool.
The first two photos are from his first day of school which we are
pleased to report went smoothly and happily for everyone. He seems to
enjoy it, asks to go to school and his teacher even said he was well
behaved. (There are few comments that can delight the parents of an
active 2.5 yr old boy more than being told their child is well behaved
- probably because they often despair that this will never be the case
:) )

Other adventures include a wonderful visit from our English cousins,
Stephanie and Nick, who have children 6 months older than Matthew and
Owen. Although the distance and jet lag are clearly daunting, we would
like to find a way to get together more frequently than once every 5
years.

Young Master Owen is doing well and rapidly outgrowing 6 month old
clothing. His tummy troubles have abated significantly, he likes belly
kisses and his favorite song is the hokey pokey. He was sleeping
though the night for one blissful week but has now apparently decided
that he would like a nightly appointment to snuggle with Mommy at 2-3
AM. Mommy, it turns out, is a softie and partial to Owen snuggles and
so far has not been able to deny him.

Things are generally going well. We have arrived at the point where

one person can watch the kids all day or get both kids to bed calmly,

without chaos and tears. That's not to say this happens every time or

even most of the time, but periodically we can have both kids going at
once and it is pleasant and fun. From the grownup standpoint, this is
an important milestone, especially as I am back to work and Stewart is
travelling a bit more.