Weekly Catch-up & T minus 2

Camp was a huge success for both boys. When I picked Jack up Friday from his he begged to stay for a few more minutes to play shuffle ball. On the way home he fought hard to keep back the tears but they flowed. He said he made so many friends and had such a great time that he was sad it was over. I felt so bad for him as I remember that feeling of something being "over" when you've had so much fun as a kid. He's so like me. Next summer they'll be in camp all summer long, but that's no consolation for an eight year old who lives in the moment.

Our days were packed as usual: Physio for my hand, a brutal dentist visit (2 fillings, an extraction, a bone graft & stitches), the pool, a cook-out at Craig's friend Mark and his wife Gail's house, a birthday party for Jack's friend Mario and a World Cup Final party today with the British Expats.Oh and I took Ben for a booster shot and then had him evaluated by a doggie day-care to see if I can start taking him there a couple of days a week to socialize with other dogs and get him out of the house.

A doggie day-care you ask? Well yes, since one day this week he was so manic at being alone that he ate soil out of a plant pot, then trash from the bins and then threw it all up in several piles in Daniel's room. Piles of black soil, plastic, paper & carrots (there's always carrots). He's got such bad separation anxiety that we really have to do something about it. Leaving the radio on and hoping he'll be okay since Bart is with him isn't cutting the mustard. He didn't "pass" his evaluation at the day-care since he was so nervous but they are willing to work with me to take him for an hour at a time to get him used to it. He goes back tomorrow.


And finally, Leanne's 18th Birthday was today. She will be here in two days. TWO DAYS! Or as they say in America "T minus 2 days".  I have no idea what that means. Anyway, I cannot tell you in words how excited everyone is, and not just us but friends and family on both sides of the pond. I just hope we can make this a fantastic three weeks for her.

Corn hole! The quintessential Ohio BBQ game.

Gail showing off her fruit salad pizza.

Jack with one of the barn cats, Molly.

First time climbing their big tree!

The Expats make a breakfast fry-up.

How very English: Pimms and a Victoria Sponge.