Updates

For no other reason than it's been a while, here's a rundown of the events of the last couple weeks:

• Our month of July with Claire from France was wonderful! What a sweet, thoughtful, generous girl. A formidable cultural exchange!
• Valleyfair with Claire, her friend Camille, Connie & her 2 oldest and me and Abby was fun and the rented cabana made for a much more relaxing day than a huge amusement park would otherwise be.
• Abby had a great time with her French friend and got to spend a few afternoons shopping, and just hanging out so summer has been more interesting than usual.
• Although the weather has been cool, we've managed to get into the pool a few times.
• I had a week of vacation to hang out with the girls and also prepare for the BIG 50th anniversary party for my parents. It was fun to transform the garage into a 1950's prom night and nice to see old friends and relatives. Pictures to follow later...or on FB.
• We had a small pool party for Abby's birthday.
• We picked up Kevin's twins from Pittsburgh the night before Claire from France left.
• We sent Claire back to France and we miss her already. We hope she returns to stay with us again next year.
• Edited to remove this point by request. My apologies. I didn't realize anyone other than Ron read this blog.
• I'm still doing my best to Viva La France by eating real food only 3 meals a day with wine when possible, real ingredients, a nice desert when possible and being active yet not exercising. It feels great!