How we're doing

What's the latest...

We have two new cats: Crookshanks and Violet. Crookshanks rolled in here like he owned the place, and has been absurdly comfortable from day 1. He sniffs noses with Gracie and let's the boy pet him. Violet, I've seen twice.

Ryan: Traveling more for work, and has a new mentor at work to help him prepare for his next move. Bitcoin is on the move and he's been excitedly watching that. He recently bought a bike and is enjoying riding.

Aurora: is spending the summer bouncing between three camps (two day camps and camp in Minnesota) as well as her grandparents' house. She liked zoo camp, but she's most excited for Camp Fire and going to MN to see her cousins (there will be two by the time she goes!). We're taking a summer break from piano, dance, and girl scouts. This week she has her bridging ceremony from Daisies to Brownies. She's incredibly messy, but wants nothing more to helpful. She makes a point of saying 'thank you' to any special thing that happens, and she's very sweet and affectionate.

Andrew: loves his school and is becoming a more confident talker. He likes playing with the big kids at school because they "run and kick." There's an older girl who looks just like Aurora he plays with outside. He's obsessed with Paw Patrol and not particularly interested in extra curricular activities yet. He's not potty trained yet, but he's getting closer. He loves to read and he pick up after himself. He shuts every door behind him, even if you aren't quite through it. He really likes the new kitties, as long as they don't go in his room. He only cuddles when he's being dropped off at school, and I stay for an extra ten minutes and let him, because it's the only time he cuddles.

Gracie: has hips that bother her and struggles to go up and down stairs. Her hind legs are very weak. She loves the new cats, I think she missed having cats in the house. Right now we're on 'quality of life' watch, but I don't think she will be around when we go to New England in August.

The new house: We close on the finances Friday, and we got a lovely image of how the house will lay out on the plot! Our builder says we'll be in by Christmas. That will be almost 2 years after buying the land, but I am grateful we were able to take our time and do things right.

Me: I love my job, although the lack of responsibility frustrates me. I thought taking an entry level position would mean coasting for a year while I figured out the company. And that's true on one hand, except that I got bored 3 months in and started trying to change a lot of things and starting others and managing others. It's been GREAT, but now I need to be in a position to take ownership and really lead some of these things. Rumor is it's not far off.

Violet, as much as we've seen of her.

Andrew and a random ball he found. 

Pic from spring cocktail party we threw - counting down the parties left at the house!

Celebrating a kick ass job done in Palm Springs.

Our traditional preballet crepes.

Andrew's first brush with mortality - scraped knee.

Being a goober in South Bend, IL at office.

That time I talked Sara into trying on a $2000 dress in Chicago and she looked amazing. And then got stuck in it. And the store almost had to cut her out, but we begged them not to ruin the dress.

Seriously, no interest in extra-curriculars.