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This is a test to check if we can post from the iPhone.

Today was a big day for Mia. Mia passed her swimming test today at the JCC, which means that she is now allowed to swim in the deep end all by herself! This is a big deal! We went to the pool today with her friend Liv (who has already passed the swimming test). Mia really wanted to go in the deep end with Liv, but she was terrified to take the test. Liv and I encouraged her to try and she finally got up the courage. She was so awesome! She swam the width of the pool and back without touching the bottom. She was so amazed that she was able to do it. So, she got her green band that allows her to go in the deep end anytime she wants. I was so proud I nearly cried. And that was only the beginning. She jumped off the diving board for the first time today as well. That was really something. The poor kid was shaking like a leaf, she was so scared!! But she did it and she was so darn proud of herself!

Jonah, also had his first swimming experience today as well--but not in the big pool. Jonah joined all the neighbor girls for a dip in the kiddie pool today and loved it. He has always been a bit too scared to venture into the kiddie pool, but today he went in full force and loved it. I'm afraid I don't have any pictures of that one, but here are some pics of him lounging on his new chair eating raspberries--which are his new obsession.

Mia in the deep end with her new green wrist band

Jonah enjoying some early morning raspberries with his sister

Jonah enjoying some lunch time raspberries by himself

Jonah enjoying some afternoon raspberries on his chair...

I think you are getting the picture of Jonah's day.

The handsome Mr. Raich

Mia teaching the Jonster how to ride his bike

A new addition to the family

Wow, it has been a long time since my last update. So much has happened! Most importantly, we added a new member to our family. Don't even ask how it came to be--Jeff will give you one answer and I will give you an entirely different one. All I know is that one evening I admired a neighbors puppy, and the next thing I knew we were in the process of adopting a second dog. And so we have Sadie--a sweet little 9 pound Havanese/Poodle mix. She is 6 years old and was rescued from a puppy mill. She has been a great addition to the family. I think Dixie even likes her--although she would never admit it. Here is a picture of the newest Raich.

Additionally, here are some pictures of Mia and Jonah. Mia is wearing a new dress that was given to her by her Aunt Sue. She LOVES it. Mia has recently become much more conscious of her hair and clothes and actually manages to clean her self up pretty nicely when she wants to.

Mia, looking lovely

Jonah exploring at the Children's Museum

Mia as a cat

A few spring pictures

girl's day out at the University

Girl Scouts

Jonah walking Dixie

The Dance Recital

Mia had her first night of her dance recital tonight, and she has two more nights to go. Unfortunately neither Jeff or I could be there tonight, but her Grandma Jacki took her and said it was a big success. I was there last night, however, for her dress rehearsal and got a peek at the backstage insanity. Let me just say--I am not cut out to be a stage mom. Yikes. Here are some pictures of the Mia with her dancing friends.

The Science Experiment

Now that Mia is in 1st grade, she gets to participate in the annual science fair at her school. Here are the details:

--Experiment: To see who can eat a bowl of macaroni and cheese quicker--Mia or Dixie

--Hypothesis: Mia thinks that Dixie can finish first

--Results: Dixie was scared of the bowl of Mac and Cheese and ran to the couch to hide. Mia won the contest with ease!

--Summary: Our dog is a disgrace to dogs everywhere

Mia is off to a good start. Dixie is apprehensive.

Dixie has gone AWOL

Mia nearly peed her pants she was laughing so hard

Clearly Dixie has become a little bit spoiled--boxed mac and cheese just doesn't cut it

Summer "firsts"

We have had a busy May so far. Mia had her first lemonade stand a few weeks ago, she is busy preparing for her first science fair, her first dance recital, and her first spelling bee (in french no less). Jonah has also been busy with many firsts as well. He just got his first red wagon for his birthday and he just got his first haircut today. He looks like such a handsome young man!

We are also experiencing some exciting changes as a family. Jeff just had his last day at the hospital yesterday and is officially self-employed (yikes!). He is doing such an amazing job, and is holding steady at around 10 clients. He will be working three days a week and will be home with Jonah the other two days. I am thinking that this is going to totally change our lives. I am thinking home cooked meals, clean house, peaceful life...things are definitely looking up. Jeff has even ventured upstairs a few times recently. It seems we are getting a bit closer to our dream of having our own bedroom. I'll keep you posted on that one.

Some Lemonade Stand Funky Moves

Raking in the dough (seriously...they cleaned up)

Long-haired boy

Jonah may have been a bit apprehensive of the hair salon

Feeling pretty handsome with his new look

Below is a video, but it is sideways - try watching while laying down!