Today was 22 degrees and we enjoyed our time at the park before coming home to our English and Art Class which is normally on Thursday but was moved to Monday because our friends are arriving from Toronto. Strange weather but ain't complaining.



Today we booked our plane tickets to come home for Christmas! That means we are really coming and not just thinking about it or hoping or wondering or contemplating or oscillating...we are really coming HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today was a balmy 22 degrees and we enjoyed the park before coming home to our English Art Class!

Apples are perfect for keeping the doctor away (really). Apples contain an antioxidant that may stave off the decline of lung capacity that occurs over time from air pollution. In a study of more than 2,500 men, those who ate five or more apples a week could suck in and pump out more air from their lungs than those who didn't eat any apples. Aim for one a day!

For my running friends and for me:



When shin splints strike try ice to reduce inflammation. Another good treatment is to trace the alphabet (in a sitting position) on the floor with your toes. Do this with each leg. Or alternate walking on your heels for 30 seconds with 30 seconds of regular walking. Repeat four times. These exercises are good for both recovery and prevention. Try to do them three times a day.

Two nights ago, a very big thing happened for our little family. Frunty fell asleep on top of Daddy. He really wanted his Daddy and jumped on top and fell asleep just as he used to do when he was a tiny baby. Every other night, I am the only one Frunty will fall asleep with and I love this but have wanted C to enjoy the feeling again of a little baby snuggling into him and drifting off to sleepy land. It is very cozy and sweet and one of the best feelings we personally have as parents.

We really enjoyed our cousins' visit this past long weekend! They came up from Torino. We did a lot of fun activities together including face painting. I have graduated from using face crayons to actual paints and the hardest part is getting these little kids to sit still during the process as they are so excited! Green bunnies? Yep, that 's what they wanted!

We went to the Little Gym yesterday (www.thelittlegym.be) and Frunty really had a ball as usual. The teacher said, "Il est maigre mais si fort". It is true Frunty is slim but very strong and fast and loves jumping off of high things without holding my hand and lands well on two feet. He also likes doing somersaults and does them with such gusto sometimes that he rolls off the mat. He also likes swinging like a monkey on the bars and holds my hand while walking along the balance beam. Yesterday, on his own, he wanted to help the teacher carry the instruments back to the cupboard unit. The teacher had not asked for help. It was very cute.



Frunty is in the class for 2.5-3 year olds called Canailloux and it is fun because parts are organized and other parts are free play. Frunty is learning French too.