It’s been 1 week since Raphy joined us. He’s getting better trained, but slowly. We had a vet visit including some shots and meds, and apparently need to continue regular and frequent visits. It really takes someone to constantly watch and attend to him; much like. baby! He had a lot of love and attention yesterday during Austen’s birthday party with 9 other 6th grader girls! But that was yesterday and he’s re-energized for today!
On Sunday, 9/11/16, Lu and Austie drove an hour to a farm and brought back a new family member: a 3 month old male golden retriever, loosely named Ford. He doesn’t really know his name so various names are being tossed around: Kobain, Raphael, Raph, Raphy, Boaty McBoatface, Yoshi, Oscar, Hector, Leonidas, Puppy puppy puppy… We’ll have to pick one soon. Dada informed Grandma and her simple reaction was: “What!!!!” That’s the most exclamation points used by Grandma so far! He is very sweet, energetic, playful, cuddly and clumsy. He licked Army in the face but generally has stayed away from Army and Squirt. They are also happy to keep their distance but Army doesn’t seem to care too much. Squirt is more worried and cautiously curious. Ready or not, let the games begin.
We had a blast with our family birthday party. Austie’s first soccer tournament with her new team, Strikers, was today so everyone cheered her on in the 102° weather! Almost everyone packed in to the RV for a fun commute. Happy birthday to my little baby girl. Love you so much! xoxoxo Dada
Poor Gage! He really didn’t like the duration of the school day. “It’s too long!”
I went to Tokyo, Japan for a business trip 8/29-9/4/16. This is my third time but my last trip was in Dec 2009 so it’s been almost 7 years. I forgot a lot but quickly became familiar as I explored the train, neighborhoods, convenient stores, restaurants and other activities. This time, it was summer in Tokyo and a very hot and humid one with typhoons nearby when I arrived and when I departed. Below are some pictures to capture some of the action. Until next time, Tokyo…$B$8$c$M!*(B
Last day at the Metuchen Pool. Cooler weather & cold water but that didn’t stop these guys from jumping in! Austen is a proficient swimmer and is very comfortable in the water, diving, flipping, sliding, whatever. A few weeks ago, Austen shared some swimming tips with Gage. Since then, he’s improved significantly!! He can go under water, flip and became comfortable with his strokes. That gave him the confidence to take on the diving board. Despite my fear and concern, Gage had no problem with the diving board and continues to improve with comfortable swimming, with great help from big sister, Austen. It’s been a great summer with huge swimming progress! I think I also got a little better although still not close to the little water monkeys. My goal next summer is go dive in. I feel a little worried just thinking about it!! 🙂 Dada
Look closer. It’s Army napping under Gage’s swim shirt.
In between the fighting, they constantly look for each other. Where’s Austie? What’s Gage going? Siblings and BFFs!
