Back in the routine

Maddie started school last Thursday and we're back in the normal routine... at least as routine as we can get down here.  The weather has been erratic, which makes planning outdoor activities rather tough -- we've had a ton of rain the past 3 days.  I checked the long term forecast and it appears as though normal summer weather will be here in a few days -- which is high of 85, low of 70, and rain at about 5pm. 

Keva Planks

Before bedtime Maddie was playing with the Keva Planks and I got carried away.  Maddie was working on the structure in the lower left hand side of the picture while I started up on mine -- I could have taken this all the way up to the ceiling except Maddie would have been out of blocks... I guess these really are for the kids right.  Dylan eventually came by and took this tower down, half of it collapsed on his head -- fortunately he found it funny (I wish I captured it on video).

Beach Day

Yesterday it was near 90 and sunny, today it's 70 and rain.  Cathy took the kids to the beach yesterday with one of our friends down here.  It was a city holiday -- so the city we live in didn't have work, but the city we work in did have work.  I chose to work, Cathy chose to take the day off.

Recruiting for the Sabres

Dylan taking a snap shot on Miller.

Since the Sabres are maxing out their salary cap with less than stellar results, let the new emotional owner up there know that Dylan will play for $1 a game. 

Back in Brazil

It was tough at first to leave the US after 3 weeks, although it was easy to adapt back to life in Brazil once we returned.  The whole family was back at the pool the next day, with high temperature of about 85 (wind chill factor of 84). 

First time on skates

These are the last of the pics from our trip to the US.  So here it is, Maddie's first time on skates -- and my first time in about 6 years!  Madison was just starting to gain confidence on the last couple of laps or so.  I have recently been informed of a nearby ice rink down here as well... I'm picturing soft ice with puddles everywhere, but who knows, have to check it out first before I pass judgement.

Candlepin bowling

Dylan went with the overhand toss.

While we were in MA a group of us went Candlepin bowling.  Popular only in New England and certain parts of Canada, it involves a much smaller ball and narrower pins than traditional "big ball" bowling.  Even though we were in Worcester, it was still hard to find an alley -- quite frankly I don't understand why.  It's great for the kids, even Dylan was able to participate and roll the ball all the way down the alley -- it took about 15 seconds, but it eventually got there and took out some pins (there were bumpers to block the gutters).  For adults, even if you lack the precision accuracy to hit all the pins, you can still whip the ball down the alley at 40mph -- and if you are lucky enough to keep it out of the gutter, you can watch the pins get demolished.  Lastly, there's a fun factor that plays into it -- it's hard to explain but you just want to keep playing.  While it may seem easy from just looking, it requires quite a bit of skill and patience (holding back the urge to whip the ball at mach speed) to achieve a competitive score.

All the cousins from MA

Sienna, Madison, John, Dylan, Christine and Steele.

Christine, Madison and Sienna

Sienna, Silas, Steele, Madison and Dylan

Balloon wars

Uncle Tim taking a beating.

Building a gingerbread house