Moving to Denver

We've been in Denver for a week. Ten days, actually. We arrived last Sunday, after 2300 miles with two cars, three kids, and a dog.

Today Simon asked if there was somewhere here like "California". "California" is the name the kids gave to a spot in the woods back in Charles City, VA. There was an "Africa" and "Alaska" in our woods as well.

Well, there isn't a "California" exactly. But there are parks, shops, and a library all in walking (or biking) distance.

Speaking of biking... Simon finally has some pavement to ride his bike we bought him a year ago. After just a couple days, he's careening - on front well and one rear training wheel - around corners. Exciting for him... a little scary for me and Andrea. Ella is a block ahead of him the whole way, and somehow he has it in his head that he's beating her. All of us, actually. Even when we're pushing him up the curb.

Ella's excited about the summer reading program at the library - she finished her first activity tonight after several drafts of a very impressive illustration based on book she read.

Oliver keeps taking off running for the street. That's a bit of a concern. At least he's happy.

And the dog is working out great in the big city. Oliver's made a game of stepping on him, grabbing his wagging tail, and throwing the tennis ball *at* him. Man that dog is tolerant.