On the Road Again

The end of another week... or the start of another week. Whichever way you look at it, it's time to fill this space. I don't think I mentioned it previously, but while we were in the USA on our summer break, our house was broken into. While it certainly could have been a lot worse, we had a few things taken: Some that made sense (a camera, other small electronics) and some that didn't (old BYU hat, old backpack, military coin). Some things of sentimental value and some things that are just a big plain old hassle. The fraud alerts are up.

Right before returning to Buenos Aires, I told Candace that I was committed to get back on my bike as soon as we got back to ride into work and ride home from work as much as possible. It's a little over 8 miles (13+ kilometers for you metric followers) one-way. However, my backpack (that carries important things like clean towels, socks, and unmentionables) was stolen so I had nothing. It wasn't until this week that I finally got the replacement from The North Face and was able to get back on the road again (this is not another shoutout post). The traffic is the same -- horrible. The buses treat me the same -- like a target. I ride the same -- FAST (ha ha).

We are officially back to the grind.

On a negative note, we are entering into what will be a very difficult time of the year for our family. The last couple of weeks we have had highs and lows and Claire has started Kindergarten at her school. While that was so exciting, it brings back so many memories of doing the same things with Lily one year ago. Claire has learned to tie her shoes and started reading some basic words. She is becoming so much more independent, just like Lily was a year ago. It would have been around this time this year that Lily ingested something containing the bacteria that changed the rest of our lives. It is very hard not to hold our breath every time one of the kids show any signs of sickness. Claire is old enough to remember that Lily was "sick", so she is quick to be concerned.

We are so grateful for the continued thoughts and prayers of others, and for the fact that Atonement of Christ has relieved us from feeling the full brunt of this difficult challenge.

Are You Looking At Me?

We had a pretty busy week. I was stuck working late all this week and then came home to a busy weekend. Luckily, they were fun weekend activities. We have started to teach Claire how to ride a bike without training wheels. Balance is certainly an issue. Any suggestions? We went early Saturday morning to the school track and she rode and rode and rode. Sam, of course, still has training wheels (and a pink bike and helmet) and Caroline just loved to run around.

Later on Saturday, we headed deep into the city to visit the family of one of Claire's classmates that had invited us over. After hanging out with them, we went back to suburbs and prepared for a work-sponsored bowling event. Having been beaten by my wife the last time we bowled (at Pinstripes in Barrington, IL on 21 July 2011 - - a day of infamy), I was determined to put on a better showing. Candace brought her 'A' game again... but so did I. PHEW!

For Sunday, I was assigned to speak and it brought back lots of memories of speaking on my mission, in Argentina. But this time, as a member of the ward, it was very different.

Our big news this week comes from a recently turned 3 year old. We have had a little baggie of marbles on our refrigerator for several weeks, if not a few months. They were reserved for Sam once he went number 2 in the potty all by himself -- without reminders. He has been doing great at keeping his diaper and/or pullup dry from number 1 for a few weeks, but still seemed to enjoy the warmth that that diaper provided after going number 2. Well, I think it finally clicked that it was gross and he went number 2 in the potty. Besides the marbles, his reward was some SWEET Spiderman underwear. He is now wearing it... a little too proudly.

While downtown at Claire's friend's house, Sam came around the corner, pants around his ankles proudly pointing his back side to all who would look to show the Spiderman jumping across his derriere (I had to look up this spelling). Then in nursery today, the nursery leader commented that his pants were around his ankles again so everyone could see his big boy underwear. I can promise you that he didn't learn that from me. No matter who checks out the tighty whities, it was a big week for us. Now we can rearrange our diaper storage for Caroline.

What is She Talking About?

Have you ever wondered that? What is she talking about? I'm not talking about my spouse....

The highlight of this week was Candace's birthday. After crippling our bank account during her recent multi-week trip to the States, she said that she didn't feel like she needed anything for her birthday. Having been married for over 11 years now, I know that's code for: "I don't want anything big, but I want you to do something." I started small with the newest Twilight movie on DVD and followed with the big guns: tickets to the opera at the world famous Teatro Colon. I know... I'm awesome, right?

The opera we saw was called Pelleas et Melisande. It was all in French. Lucky for us, they had a screen above the stage translating it into Spanish. The funny thing is that we went with a couple that don't speak a lick of Spanish. The Opera was about some chick Melisande who marries some dude, Golaud. His little brother Pelleas hooks up with Melisande, blah blah blah. Golaud kills Pelleas. Melisande delivers a baby and then dies after giving birth. Golaud is left with the baby: Is it his or his brother's? [CLOSE CURTAIN] [APPLAUSE] There. I have saved saved you the agony of going to see it for yourself.

The Teatro is magnificient, ornate, and beautiful. It was actually closed for the better part of the last three years and has re-opened since we have lived here so we were happy to experience it.

Overall experience at the Teatro Colon: 10.

Opera: 2.

Chances of me choosing to see another opera: 0.

I'm just being honest here. Not that they can't sing their pants off, I just couldn't get into it. I have seen a ballet. I have now seen an opera. And now I don't have to any more. The important thing is that Candace was pleased as punch to go on a dress-up date. Earlier in the week, I came home early from work and grilled some hamburgers... a special treat.

Happy Birthday to Candace.

This was also our first full week back in country. After 7 weeks of healthy kids, the runny noses began almost immediately after we hit the ground. We have all been sick this week (with me getting it last). Probably something to do with going from the summer right back to winter. Or just kids being kids and never washing their hands.

Our kids are a hoot. Claire is the sweetest thing. Sam, for the second time, inadvertently (I think) left nursery with a toy or two in his pocket. Claire is moving all over the place now that she is walking. They keep us smiling... and tired.