Library cards, drums and our next zip code

A few days ago I received the August edition of the National Geographic in the mail. It is one of my favorite magazines, but then it hit me... it is almost August! Time has been flying by, and in the last two weeks since I updated our blog a lot has occurred. We have all been enjoying the mild July summer together as a family and with our friends here. I've even had time to go to pilates consistently at the Y in my attempt to get back into shape and I had a evening out to enjoy dinner with some of my gal friends. James has graduated from the pike level in swim lessons to the eel level. James also got a drum set from our neighbors garage sale this weekend. He loves it! If you are wondering... I am the one who purchased it for him, however, the rule is that it stays in the garage or it can be played outside when weather appropriate. James also got his first Library card. He shines with pride when using his own library card! James has started to read, and we didn't push him on it, we just encouraged him. He is sounding out the letters and starting to put the sounds together. Very exciting!

Gabriel has turned into quite the climber... he is very quick, and he is using new words and sounds everyday. This morning James and Gabriel loved going to the zoo. We meet up with one of my friends and her two children. Gabriel was fascinated by the pastiche of different animals, people and the pseudo water geysers for children to enjoy playing in. James enjoyed riding on the train, observing the animals and hanging out with his friend Lane (who is his age).

Husband James just started week two of the school he is attending for the next 6 weeks. Then he has a huge interview and test. We are wishing him the best! Study James, study! The best part of James going to school right now, is that we have been able to enjoy lunch with him during the week. The boys love having lunch with their Dad during the week.

We are also debating our next zip code. This December we will be moving to either Charleston, South Carolina, or possibly... a recent option is Monterey, California. In Charleston, James will be teaching at the Officer Nuclear Power School. If we go to California he will be attending Graduate School. We are still deciding which option will be the best; we have some talking, thinking and praying about which option we will choose as a family.