Vienna Halloween Parade

Our very reliable and fun-loving au pairs (Maren & Emmy) took our little dragons to the Vienna Halloween Parade. The local newspaper ran an article on the event featuring this photo. How much fun does that look?!?

Ethan's School Photos

Hey, having discovered the wonders of facebook, we've been much more active at keeping our friends up to date through social networking. If you haven't already, find us on Facebook and we'll bring you in to our latest updates. In the meantime, here are Ethan's first school photos for your enjoyment.

'Casual' pool party

Great fun with our neighbors and a whole passel of kids. The wine flowed as freely as the conversation, while the kids enjoyed the jumping castle (a.k.a. moon bounce), swimming, and puzzles. Milly made the day by quickly drumming a cake on request. Yay!

Ella's Brief Atavistic Regression

Challenging week with Ella. The picture says it all.

Singing horses

Click on a horse to make it sing!

National Night Out

We celebrated National Night Out with our neighbors. The jumping castle was a hit with the kids and the ice cream sandwiches that didn't melt were fantastic!

Ella made friends with Officer Sophia Grinnan whom she met last month at the Fair Oaks police station. Her daddy helps the police keep people safe through Volunteers in Police Service.

Ethan's 2nd Birthday

Well time flies - little Ethan is 2 already! Wow it was a hot day, but we had a family party outside with grandma and grandad, and a custom cake, champagne and a Pooh Bear theme - his favorite. Other than anything to do with cars of course - he even got new car running shoes that have wheels on the bottom.

Golden Gate Run

On our celebratory weekend away in San Francsico, I opted to go for a late afternoon long-distance run after a lunch on Fisherman's Wharf and drinks at the Palace. Initially targeting the 11-mile increment of my summer running schedule, the gorgeous wheather and stunning views instead inspired an amazing 15-mile path along the bay foreshore from the W Hotel downtown South of Market across the Golden Gate Bridge and back. My feet and legs shared a few harsh words during dinner at the XYZ restaurant that evening, but I've since been forgiven.

Day in the Pool

Well its like watching my childhood again! Ella and Ethan are real little fish. They love the water and the pool..it was 95 today so there was no better place to be, other then when we had a nap in the hammock

Ethan goovin' to the tunes

Ethan was hanging out with his eurochick pals and grooving to his new tunes. Here, cruising the Little Gym in style with his coordinated apple-golden hair, apple juice and apple-colored shades

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Visit to the Police Station

You can only imagine how excited Ella was to visit the police station with Daddy this morning. While Paul and Officer Grinnan worked on the Google Earth crime prevention decision support tool, Ella got the princess treatment with tootsie rolls, stickers, safety coloring books...the works. Ella loves the police and wanted to know when she can come back next.



This video shot with Camilla's new 'Flip' video recorder. You can see Ella enjoying a visit in the police cruiser.

July 4th 2008

We had another great July 4th. Lots of kids, and fireworks (set off by Paul) and enjoyed the day at our friends Chris and Karen's house.
The pictures say it all... i actually took a day off. Everyone I know out there, sorry for not emailing.. Until after July 23rd when i get this brand launch done i just dont have any time other than the occasional sleep and brief check in on my family!

Anyway, happy independence day... i even left my blackberry in my briefcase!!

Zoo-fest

Perhaps you won't be surprised to discover that both children were elated when I suggested a spontaneous trip to the zoo. This was truly an adventure for both, and it was Ethan's first time which made it really special.


We started with a ride to the train station in the van listening to the "They Might Be Giant's" album "NO!". Ella's favorite song goes "No means no. No is always no. When you hear no it means no, no, no...[guitar refrain]...No plus No equals No....." With this discovery of the latest TMBG album in the store, the band catapulted back to my (dad's) favorite all time group.



When we got to the Metro station, Ella was VERY excited and everything was cool with Ethan until the doors shut and the train started moving. He then proceded to wail unil we were about halfway to DC when he discovered that his imminent death appeared to be taking longer than he thought.
















The kids loved the zoo. We had a treat from Australia this time as the emu and the wallaby's were out feeding right next to their fence so we could see them up close. The best part was when Ethan saw his first elephant. Check out his astonishment in this photo here being held by daddy. A lioness was playful today and started tossing around a giant red rubber ball. Ella was delighted.















All in all, the journey was a success and of course the kids fell asleep as soon as we got home.

Metro ride: $3.40
National zoo admission: Free
Amazement of your two year old on seeing his first elephant: Priceless

Reston Sprint Triathlon

Can anyone say hills? Definitely a new experience for me crossing the finish line uphill. Here I am on the bike...the leg on which my training is concentrated (and needing the most improvement).

Next stop...Reston Olympic in early September!

Outer Banks 2008

Absolutely brilliant time, with sunny days and healthy kids the whole time (what a relief!) Best trip yet to OBX.

Dragon Fest

Yesterday was the annual school carnival and Ella had a fabulous time. Needless to say she has the horse bug so we will probably be looking at riding lessons this summer. How much happier can a girl get than having her face painted and riding a pony?

Racing in the Rain

First race of the 2008 season brought spirited competition and good friends together on an rainy Spring morning for the Worldgate Super-Sprint Triathlon

Paul is feeling good coming off the cycle stage into the second transition area and came in strong across the finish line.

Next up: The Reston Sprint in early June.

Getting Ready for Easter

We colored eggs and generally made a great mess getting ready for Easter. As always Ella loves getting into the entire project and we made some fabulous colored eggs for the easter bunny.

Ethan Partying on Saturday Night

Ethan was in fine form on Saturday night.. dressed for a dinner party and special guest arrival from Sweden (Emmy) Ethan put on his best outfit and cruised the kitchen, trying to pick up.