Park, Park, Park & Park

With Dorothy's first steps, we thought it time for a development update. She weighs in at: 20 lbs. And stretches: 78 cm. Her hips, which from birth needed monitoring, are now fine, according to the doctors. She was diagnosed with Duane Syndrome about 6 months ago (she's missing an optical nerve- Read more here ). It's a life long condition and nothing can be done about it. So, she just won't be a RAF fighter pilot. Arguably, she's still able to be her choice of US President or UK Prime Minister, like her brother .

Well, the 20th (Friday) was C's fourth birthday. He got his first bike (really a like-a-bike; a bike without pedals. Genius inventions!). We ran all around the neighborhood this morning with it, and he's learned how to glide and balance. We then had a big Pirate Birthday Party at the house for him on Saturday! All of his friends had great costumes- which resulted in foam sword fights around the house all afternoon and lots of shouts of "Treasure!!!". As we've done in the past , here is the centerpiece of the meal- a joint creation between Bells and I. Video to follow of both momentous events.

Dear Thomasina- I had a lovely time with you today at Deen’s Farm in Morden. Starting with our porridge and apples for breakfast, we spent alot of time together. My favourite part was showing you the friendly goats. When we made sounds like cows- MOOO- I thought yours was the best. Do you remember the chicks and what they look like after 4 weeks? And the big wooden pig showing us where bacon comes from? Thanks again, and I really look forward to our next weekend together- Christian

Randomly, both kids came down for breakfast in similar shirts. Camera out. Food everywhere.

C started reception this past September (which in the US is nursery school or kindergarten level). This means that he is now on the regular school schedule that all kids are on in the UK. Which means our holiday time is dictated to us, and everyone in the UK with kids is on the same schedule (An unintended effect is that anything associated with holidays or kids gets expensive, crowded and/or both during these specific weeks in the year). Well, we had a stay-cation! No France for us. I had a few days off from work and Grandma came over from Chicago for the week. We all had a marvelous time- nice and balanced. Time outdoors, time with C & D's friends, time for Bells and I on our own, meals with Mom, museums. D may have even taken her first few tentative steps...