Back on Track

Last Thursday, we were surprised (but happy) to find out our car was done earlier than expected! Abigail was so excited to have Lightning McQueen back. Well, we walked the 2 1/2 miles to the shop to get him (the car) and as I was pushing Abby in the stroller, we hit a bump and over she went. She and I both got bruises and scrapes on our legs and she got an awesome bruise on her forehead. Yeah!

Also, Abby learned about "Stranger Danger" at preschool yesterday so when I went to pick her up, I quizzed her and her friend, James on what to do if a stranger offered them candy. They both yelled, "No, Thank You!!" It was so funny to hear them yell so politely. Funny kids.

I am about half-way through reading, "The Forsyte Saga" by Nobel Prize winner, John Galsworthy. I had no idea the volume I picked up actually consisted of 3 books and 2 short stories in 1. I just wanted to see the TV series and I like to read things before I see them. It is really good so far, and I finally found something I won't finish in a couple of days- plus there are some people named, "Baynes" in it. One commits suicide, but...

Paul has actually had time to keep up with his classes this semester and it has been great for the whole family. Abby has turned into such a Daddy's girl lately. She loves getting him to act silly with her. Fun, fun, fun!

Raspberry Days

The raspberries are at their peak right now so that makes snack-time easy... we just go outside and have at it. The weather is also cooler so we can go in the middle of the day for hours. (Notice the shoes on the wrong feet).

So here's something ridiculous: I called our media provider to get a downgrade on our cable to save a little money (we only had the highest level so Paul could watch the football from England and now, they have the rights to so few games, it's just not worth it anymore). Well, it turns out that the package we subscribe to was such a "deal" that if we downgrade now, we'll actually have to pay more. So if anyone needs to watch a program on some obscure channel, you can bet we have it... just let me know and we'll tape it. We've already recorded "Krakatoa: Volcano of Destruction" from the Science Channel if anyone's interested.

Also on our list of "things we have to deal with but don't really want to" is our car transmission going out despite the fact that it only has 62,000 miles on it. Thanks to Dad finding us a used one, it is now here in Utah, but won't be done for another week. We don't mind walking more- in fact, that part has been nice- it's just that we can't bring Abby anywhere until we get it back. Oh well, a week's not too long, eh?
Good news: My tomatoes are finally ripe after having to plant them so late... mmmmm there is nothing like fresh tomatoes! I foresee lots of chips and salsa in my future!

First Day of School

So both Paul and Abigail had their first days of school this week. Abby loves her little preschool playgroup and learned all about Alaskan animals; specifically bears. Paul is taking a bunch of Geography courses and is set to graduate next December (finally!). There were some major thunder storms over the last couple of days and all Abby could think about (besides the excuse to come and sleep with me in the morning) was finally wearing her shimmery pink raincoat. All Paul could think about was how the weather was perfect for football. I guess I was the only one who felt dreary. The best thing about the storms was the cool weather it brought with it. Autumn is just around the corner and I cannot wait!

European Cars are Here at Last!

As a poor student family it is unrealistic (not to mention depressing) to think about owning a new car, but there is good news on the horizon. American car manufacturers are at last coming to their senses and will build European cars for the American market. These cars will actually be fun to drive and wont make you feel like you're throwing your money away like you would if you purchased a Taurus. Feast your eyes on the Baynes Family's second new vehicle (hopefully). For those of you with an ounce of curiosity the above vehicle is the new Saturn Astra on sale in September 2007.