A summer update sans photos

Well, our desktop computer (the one that holds all our photos) is temporarily out of service. We're hoping the trip to the computer shop will just be for a 'servicing' rather that a 'burial'. Ugghhh!

My deadline to update the blog with all of our summer 'happenings' has come and gone, so I thought I would just share with you a few moments. Then perhaps I can back-track and add photos later.

• Our whirlwind trip from London to Paris with 7 countries in between was marvelous. There were so many awesome sights and it was great for the boys to reconnect with their cousins. Ben and I really liked the Alps (Swiss and Austrian) and wouldn't mind getting back there at some point in our lives for a more relaxed holiday. Elam liked Innsbruck -- the slower pace and the Alpine yodeling and dancing show that we got to see. Silas was waiting for Venice and I don't think he was disappointed. He enjoyed the gondola ride and chilling out next to the Grand Canal.
• Silas lost his first tooth the day we returned from our European trip. It was really wobbly the entire time we were away. In fact, I had begun saying, 'How cool would it be to lose your first tooth in Germany?' Then the next day, 'How cool would it be to lose your tooth in Austria?' Well, that stubborn little tooth waited until we were back home in Durham and the popped out about an hour after we were here. Too funny! We are all still trying to get used to seeing that lovely smile with a missing tooth. :)
• Living in this new neighborhood has given the boys several opportunities to play with friends that are around. They have had lots of days of bike riding, lego playing, Wii at on house PS2 at another. Really good times.
• I challenged the boys to read at least 10 books on their own (Silas reading out loud to me) over the 6 week holiday. Silas has finished and Elam is trying to get 2 more done.
• I am reading Eragon out loud to the boys...just a little every day. They really like it so far.
• Our minister and family were gracious to lend us their car again while they were away in Florida. Having a car for a couple of weeks allowed us to go to the coast one day and out to Broomhouse Farm Woodland Adventure.
• We went with another family down to Lichfield to visit Daniel and Nicholas (Elam and Silas' friends that we used to live right across the street from in our old house). Daniel and Nicholas' family moved this summer and it was great to see their new house and visit with them again. Then all three families trekked down to Legoland in Windsor for a really fabulous day out. It was nice to have a bit of time away that was strictly fun for the boys.

School starts up again on Monday. We were going to go out to Tesco today to get a few bits and pieces of school uniform but it is a really blustery day. Goodbye summer!