We have been experiencing technical difficulties. Our primary computer has decided that it will no longer talk to our modem. The laptop does not have the capabilities for photo software (very old, very slow). At the moment, I don't have a way to get my photos on-line. I need to set up our wireless router and see if the computer is willing to talk to it instead of the modem. If not, I guess I have to come up with a plan b!
Quick summary of the past week - kids are growing like weeds. They are fighting playing well together for the most part. I've had a migraine and other assorted head issues. Blech. It has been HOT, HOT, HOT. Definitely summer weather! Today it is raining and it feels so good after a week of serious heat. +30C anyone? (Serious heat for those of us in subarctic climes anyway...) Work has been busy, and that's a good thing when you're in business for yourself. I moved around massive amounts of furniture earlier in the week, still have the aftermath to tend to but at least the beds are where I want them to be now. There has been a lot of cartoon watching this week due to aforementioned headaches. This sometimes leads to explanations of reality vs make believe. A lot of imagining has been happening too. Lots of "You be so-and-so and I'll be so-and-so and we'll do this" kind of chatter and antics.
Hendrik has been reading up a storm. He tackles the biggest of words now on his own and if he is truly stumped he'll come looking for some help. So proud of him! Riley continues to be my right hand helper. "Mommy, are there any dishes I can help with?" "Mommy, can I put that in the washing machine?" "Daddy, your jeans are so dirty! We need to wash them." Also lots of, "I love you! I love you!" with kisses bestowed on all (even big brother who isn't so keen). Very sweet and enthusiastic. Abby has been balancing between independence and realizing that it's okay to be too little to do certain things. Like she said contentedly a couple of weeks ago, "I can be in the parade next year." I get innumerable hugs and kisses from her every night because 5 or 6 just isn't enough! :) Emma is smiling at us all and is at her happiest when all of her people are around her. She loves weekend mornings when she sees Dwayne when she first wakes up. She can often be calmed down by Hendrik saying "Cheese, cheese, cheese, cheese" in a robot type voice. Riley tickles her until she giggles. Abby checks on her regularly and calmly tells her everything will be okay when she starts to fuss. "Oh little baby, it's okay, Mommy will help you." For all the fighting and hair pulling moments, they really are incredibly wonderful and sweet little people!

