Oven Updates (as in It's an Oven Here)

Never thought I would picture a 102 degree day as a reprieve from the heat! I suppose it's all how you look at it! We've obviously been spending a lot of our time indoors!

The kids had a playdate scheduled for Tuesday but I called it off at the last minute for bad behavior. We rescheduled for yesterday, and since the neighbors arrived from New Zealand at the start, we had a house full of kids (as usual). Nash left us and is sorely missed. What a good dog! He slept in the girls' room and I kept finding Gracie curled next to him on the floor in the middle of the night. Made us long for Dixie-dog although I know she's in good hands.

School starts next week - WooHoo! Grace and I are terribly excited - Cole and Brady are enjoying the leisure time a bit much I'm afraid. No matter what our feelings, getting to school by 8:30 will be an adjustment for all of our lazy rears!

I keep trying to pin Jason down to schedule our two R&R's (short trips in or around Australia) and our big trip home (probably early '09). As soon as the calendar is planned, I'll post the basics to let everyone know what to expect. I'm excited about the R&R. I'm going a bit stir-crazy. To be expected, I guess, with school out and the heat. I can't wait until the weather cools and we can start exploring more and camping.

The social life if still going strong. Our neighbors came over a few nights ago and Veronica (whose Mexican) taught me how to make a red chili pork dish with mexican rice! My mouth waters just thinking about it! Our friend Lance came into town with his boss and we had them over for dinner along with a few others. As usual, I cooked too much food but it all went well. We have a celebration to attend on Saturday for the new Australian head of something-or-other. Then the kids will go swimming at the hotel (where the reception is being held) and then Tripoly with the ladies hosted at our house Saturday night. Don't hate me because I'm popular and beautiful!

Hope this finds you all well!