This summer has been long, tough, and interesting. Mike took his 7 week sabbatical--woo hoo! Unfortunately, he had to spend most of that time caring for the two little kids and their mother, who had major pelvic reconstruction surgery, including a hysterectomy, on June 11th. The backyard kiddie pool proved a good source of entertainment during the time that we were stuck at home a lot. Once Mommy felt able to get out more, the local baby pool added a fun change of scenery! Leah and Samuel have both become much braver throughout the summer.