We are back from an amazing vacation to Scotland, London, and Amsterdam. We are all feeling happily relaxed from nearly a month of adventures. Now we're getting back into the swing of real life again, although for the kids and I that is mercifully a gradual return to normalcy. With no school in session, we are able to return to life without the constant pull of the schedule. We have enjoyed getting  back into a healthier exercise and nutrition program, seeing friends, and for the kids, getting back into the pool.

Speaking of the pool, I just have to do a minor brag here. Turn away now if you just can't handle yet another mother bragging on their child. Today was the Aurora Swim Team annual awards picnic. We went for the first time since we've really only stepped up the swim routines since Christmas. In addition to a participation trophy, Toph was awarded by the coaches the award for "Most Inspirational Boy, Ages 11-12." They had a lot of nice things to say about Christopher's work ethic at practices that aided his selection. His coach Scott shared an anecdote from this week's practice where he gave the kids an opportunity to pick the stroke they wanted to work on for a certain number of laps. Everybody picked freestyle since it is generally the stroke that requires the least amount of effort. Christopher was the only one to push himself and select butterfly rather than taking the easiest option. My dad coached tennis for seemingly hundreds of years and always impressed on me that getting the "Most Inspirational" award was the highest award you could get -- more important than the awards for "best" player (or swimmer) since it reflects upon character rather than only achievement. With that understanding, I'm very proud of my boy today.


More photos and stories of vacation later.