I feel like I am finally back into the swing of things after my vacation. The swingset is practically done now, and the guys are thrilled. Ron did a terrific job -- it looks great.

I had been considering driving back to Maryland with the guys and visiting the grandparents and then shooting up the coast and seeing the rest of the family in Boston, but I don't think it is going to work out. I know many people are relieved that I am not going to attempt it, but I am bummed about it. I was really looking forward to not only seeing people in Maryland again, but also taking the guys to Scituate and spending some time with the rest of the family branches.

We did our semi-annual measuring yesterday and the guys have grown a lot since 1 January. Andy, Benjamin and James all grew 1.5 inches, and Elias grew 1.25 inches. This means that Andy is now 58 inches tall -- I thought he was a little taller (it seems to me that he was 59 inches tall the last time we were at the pediatrician), but there you are. Benjamin is 53 inches tall. Elias is 48.5 inches tall, and finally, James is 39.5 inches tall. Andy is also wearing a men's size 8 shoe. It is a stunner.

We have swim team championships this week -- Tuesday and Wednesday. Tuesday, we have to be at the pool by 6:30am or so. I am so glad that I bought a canopy -- there isn't a dot of shade in the entire pool complex and we are going to be there from 6am or so until about 2pm or so. I am dreading it. I will take pictures so that you can all share my misery.