We've committed

After some hemming and hawing after the inevitable bids over our budget, Chris and I signed an agreement for construction. Our architect has a general contract business, and we are staying with him. The single-story addition will push the house out to the back to expand the existing kitchen and dining room and make a new family room that will be two-steps down. Also on the side of the house, we'll get a mudroom, replacing the existing covered landing. The heft of the project before us has us anxious. We want to get as many of our selections taken care of as possible before Chris starts her new job in mid-August. We also need to clean out all unwanted junk from the house and plan for how we'll live amidst the construction. Wish us luck. On the drive home after signing the agreement, a black cat crossed our path. Good thing we're not superstitious.

Juggling technique

Practicing your juggling is key to soccer success. Clare and her teammates juggle in warm-ups, training, and sometimes in the backyard. To the right is Clare's soccer coach from the past year, Jo. She's from Liverpool, and Clare learned a lot from her this past year. Taking action photos with our digital camera is impossible because of the delay in the shutter. I was lucky with these shots, so I thought I would share.

Harry Potter is in the house!

Chris and Clare went to the bookstore Saturday afternoon after Clare's trumpet lesson. Harry Potter was on hold an waiting for them. I think there was a line. No midnight parties for us. We'll be sharing the book, except for me. I read aloud parts of the first two books to the kids, but never have read through the whole series. John may be reading the #6 to remind himself. I don't know if he'll have time though because he's behind on Tale of Two Cities, his summer reading assignment for English class. I guess he'll go to the new Harry Potter. Clare reminds me to write that we received a free poster as well. Who else is reading Harry Potter?