A year has gone by (in Belgium)

It's true, we're in Belgium for about a year now,
and so much has happened....

- Kids went to a new school. It was a bit rough at first, but they have adjusted really well.
- Wim started working for a new company. Same as with the kids - a bit rough at first, especially when he has to commute all the way to Merelbeke. But recently he has been able to work from home about 3 days a week which is working out perfectly.
- I started a new job as well. Very different from Cisco/Siemens, but I enjoy my time there (limited as it is).
- We have gotten to know most of our neighbors in the street, very much so in the last few months when the weather got better and we love it here.
- We have made several new friends, some really great friends, some school friends, but all in all it makes adjusting to a new life so much easier.

I remember when I just arrived in Belgium, the weather was gloomy, I felt alone, and I was so afraid that we had made the wrong decision about moving back to Belgium.

I am happy to say that we both feel we made the right decision, and even though we do miss California and our friends there, our future is here...

Progress on the backyard

is none ....

On the contrary, we have decided to start all over again, with a new garden designer.

We will meet the new guy this Sunday - I have high expectations of him, I really hope he doesn't disappoint us.

As a result, we will tear up the original design and fill up the big hole in the backyard that was meant for the pond.

Sounds like I'm winning the bet as well (where I was betting we won't have grass/lawn before summer)....

Mendel can ride her bike

She hasn't been very interested in riding a bike by herself, but when she asked whether we could ride the bike to the soccer field instead of taking the car, I told her she should be able to ride without her training wheels before we could do so.

She responded that she can almost do it, and I followed her into the garage, out into the street, and ran behind her while holding onto her for just a bit.... and she was right - she could do it.

We tried for a few more rounds and yep - she got the feel for it and is now officially "riding her bike".