Where have we been?

Wow--time is really flying by. Jeff finally got back from Africa and France. He had a great time and built the wifi network in Kilgali. Maybe one day we can all go back as a family. France would be a great place to go too--we are talking about buying a small house there in the small village where Alex and Amy live. While Jeff was gone, Owen and I spent most of the time outside. We cleaned up the back yard and planted a bunch in the front. Owen LOVES it outside. At first he was not too thrilled with the playpen in the back yard, but he is pretty cheerful in it now. He throws his toys out for the dogs to play with. He has to stay in the playpen in the back yard b/c Scout and Putter are pretty rambunctious and have scratchy paws. But in the front, we are free. I put the hose on and Owen waters everything. Such a big help! Im not kidding...Last week Jeff and I laid stone for a patio and now that is finished so hopefully no more dirt in the back porch from the old dirt patio. We are really on the move lately. Owen is "cruising" as they say. I actually think all of the standing in the playpen has helped strengthen his legs. I guess he will be walking soon and that just blows my mind. He is talking tons too. He now says "UP" very clearly....of course he does. Owen loves to be carried around. I am the mommy taxi and I drive him around while he points at things and makes this certain sound (think Beastie Boys "whoo whoo" its my disco call) and waits for identification. Wall, door , wall yes thats a wall.....Our first year with Owen has come to an end and what can I say...the overwhelming exhaustion is over and he is now capable of more interesting, imaginative play so things are really looking good for the future.
On a different tack, I have the opportunity to buy half of a thriving flower shop here in town. This has many good aspects--money, great health insurance, 401k, but also many drawbacks--I would have to put Owen in some sort of childcare situation, tied to New Braunfels --also what about more children? Anyway, its a big decision and I will let you know how it all turns out.

Well, the long hot Texas summer has officially begun. It has been at least 95 degrees for two weeks now. Yikes! This puts a damper on our outside time b/c its is truly too darn hot to be outside. That is another one of O's words---he says "Hot" as we get into the car...I also don't like going outside in the heat of the day because I can't stand putting sun block on him. I think it is too full of chemicals...We have been swimming and it looks like Owen is going to be a water baby. I am looking into lessons at the Y.