Baby Baganz Arrives!

This week was our first full week back in school - with all after-school activities starting up as well. Our normal run-down is as follows:

Mondays: Both kids in full day school, followed by tennis
Tuesdays: Jack in full day, Kate til 1:30, followed by dance for Kate, then we pick-up Jack
Wednesdays: Jack in full day, Kate til 12:00, followed by swimming for Kate, then we pick-up Jack
Thursdays: Both kids in full day school, followed by soccer for Jack
Fridays: Jack in full day, Kate til 12:00, followed by REST for all!!! Last week, the kids made "TGIF" signs - wonder why! :)

So far, its busy but fun... Jack is really enjoying his tennis and soccer (especially because both activities allow him to wear the only outfit he ever wants to wear - his soccer outfit). We now have an agreement that he can only wear his soccer outfit on tennis, gym or soccer days - which leaves two days a week that he needs to wear something else. Last night, he decided to sleep in his soccer outfit (snuck it on after he went into bed). Good thing we have two sets!

And Kate is in LOVE with her active schedule. To listen to her talk about it is like listening to a high school student... she is SO busy, and thrilled to tell you all about every activity. I think she enjoys the after-school activities as much as school.

And I'm having fun as well - using the extra time to really work on my German, as well as tackle a bunch of nagging projects that have been left unattended for the past two years. Jay and I took a German proficiency exam last May - we both passed (thank goodness), but since he got a 92 and I only got an 84, I am really trying to study hard for our next exam, which we hope to take in the Spring. (once a nerd, always a nerd)

But the big highlight of our week came on Thursday, when Jack's best friend, Chance, came to stay with us for our first ever sleepover. Chance's mom, Stacey, was induced with their baby that night - and baby Brooks Ryder Baganz was born on Friday morning. It was a rough delivery, but everyone fared really well... and we got to have Chance sleepover on Friday night as well. My other good friend, Jen, and I coordinated on school drop-offs and pick-ups (Chance goes to another school out by Jay's office), and we had a celebratory after-school party with Chance, Ava, Jack, Kate and Colin. The kids were really excited for their friend - and it was such a privilege to be part of such an exciting time for the Baganz family.

On Saturday, we went down to the lake early in the morning to have our Christmas card photo taken - still haven't seen any proofs, but hopefully they turned out. It was an absolutely gorgeous, clear morning - and the kids loved hamming it up for the camera. Afterwards, Jay took the gang to Starbie - and I took Chopper for a 90 minute walk around the lake. It was a perfect afternoon, and we both enjoyed the exercise. We had a picnic dinner down at the lake, and enjoyed a quiet evening at home afterwards.

On Sunday, we rode our bikes to church (Jack and Kate), while Jay and I walked with Chopper. Below is a picture of St Anton's, our church.

Being able to all ride/walk is a new development for us, and we are thrilled that Kate can make it the whole way without a stroller - our big girl! And luckily, Jack is patient with us all, and stops frequently so we can catch up with him. Here we are with all 3 of our babies stopping for a drink. All of Zurich's 1200 fountains are completely safe to drink from - so long as you remember to drink from the spout, not the dog-friendly section on bottom. :)

We kicked off the Sunday school program at church that day, with Jay and I teaching the 3-6 year olds. Afterwards, I had a meeting at church to get the program organized for the upcoming year, and Jay took Jack & Kate to lunch at McDonald's. After a final bike ride home, we took Jack to a birthday party at his buddy, Carlos', house - and Kate reveled in an afternoon home alone with Mom and Dad, where we hung new pictures in her room, painted, and played. We made it home in time for early bedtimes - and all were happy to crash, after a busy week.