Hi Family,

As I'm sure you've noticed, the posting frequency on this blog has taken a plunge.  I know everyone stays really busy with life, but Andrew and I miss hearing about what is going on, so we decided to try something new.  We will pose questions to all of you in this post and you can answer them in the comments.  That way everyone can see them.  It will almost be like chatting on the phone (almost).

Dad, Mom, Maria, and Anna: How have the animals been?  Any new ones we should know about? How is the new roof coming? What kind of projects are the girls working on in school/class?  Any new plays for Maria in the future?

Holly and Paul:  How are the boys adjusting to their new home?  Are they enjoying exploring all the land?  What has been the biggest challenge to getting settled in for you guys?  Do you feel like you are (getting) more organized now than before?  Have you planted any crops?

Sandy and Matt:  We do pray your home sells soon and it looks amazing after all the work you've done on it. Have you closed on the new house already? Do you know when you are moving? Have you guys traveled or had any visitors this summer (is it the year for Matt's family reunion?).  How is your carpo tunnel syndrome doing, Sandy? How is Ellie's dog agility training coming along?

Heather and David:  I bet you are getting excited to meet your new little one.  When is the due date? Next month, right? Have any of the kids made any recent bedroom swaps (i.e. David getting his own room, or all three moving in together?).  Do David and Amelia take any classes like dance, gymnastics, karate, T-ball etc.?  What are their favorite activities?  Do you like your new neighborhood?  Are there more kids around than at the town home? Have you gone to any balls or galas recently?

Daniel and Regina:  Don't you finish up your course work soon, Dan? Do you graduate end of summer or end of next semester? Congratulations! How is work for Regina going?  Has she made significant advancements in the past couple of years with her job? Is she still in the same job as when you guys first moved there?  Do you guys get to travel around the New England area alot? Do you have a favorite little getaway spot?

Tristan and Elizabeth:  How has the summer internship been going?  Are you in NY or is it some other place?  What is Alistair up to these days?  Does he have a favorite TV show, genre, or character?  Do you get to visit with the Bartons a good amount (They are pretty close, right)? Has the weather been pleasant this summer for many outdoor activities?

Ok, as for us: We just did a big bike trip recently where we followed the Danube River all the way from Regensburg to Vienna.  The kids had a blast and we met lots of interesting people along the way.  It was so nice to get to really see and experience the Austrian countryside. Philip has been taking Ju Jitsu for about 2 months and he loves it.  It is really teaching him how to pay careful attention to the instructor and implement the moves.  He does it for an hour from 5-6 and then he stays at the gym while Andrew does his class from 6-8.  All in all, ju jitsu nights are really fun for him!

Well, I hope you like this new format we are tying.  We hope to hear back from you guys and feel free to post your own questions in a separate post!

Love,
Andrew and Amanda

Dorothy was helping me put away her pajamas and spied a pair of Black Patent Leather Shoes I had put away for winter at the back of her drawer.  She said "oooooh shoes", and immediately sits down to put them on.  Some of you may remember that Ellie had a fascination with shoes and Dorothy is following in her footsteps.