Same size

We always measure the kids on or around their birthdays on the family height board, which Hal is prominently displaying here. After being measured today, we noticed that he is 5 feet 4 1/2 inches, which is exactly as tall as Teresa is. Strange to have a child that size. We measured Tyler and Dan also, and, remarkably, they are both taller than they were one year ago.















We are going bowling tonight for Hal's birthday party. He's having us plus six of his friends to do Cosmic Bowling and eat pizza at Freeway Lanes here in Solon. He's also getting the Aaronic Priesthood tomorrow in church, since he turned 12 years old. We believe that Grandpa Harry will be on hand for that event.

I drove home from Chicago after work last night, and got in at 2am. It's a fairly long trip, but it's a four-lane highway the whole way.

We are in waiting mode on our house right now in Buffalo Grove. We've made an offer, and the sellers are interested, but it may be next week before we find out if it will go through.














Here is the house we're looking at. We like that it has a park behind it. If that doesn't work out, we'll start looking again at some other options.

After Day 2 at Abbott

I'm official now-- here's a picture of my Abbott name badge that I wear around my neck all the time. I like the job a lot so far, from my limited time there. Day one was mostly spent at a big orientation session with HR, then I got to meet with the Russian marketing team who were here visiting the US headquarters. Yesterday I signed up for benefits and started planning some marketing research that we will be doing in 7 different countries-- fun!

My specific products that I will be responsible for are the "tolerance formulas" -- as opposed to the "everyday formulas"-- so Isomil, Alimentum, Similac sensitive, soy formulas, and anything for preemies. Essentially everything that is made for babies that don't use regular formula. Should be interesting because there is a lot of innovation and growth in this area.

We put an offer on a house in Buffalo Grove, and are hopeful that it comes through. The house backs up to a park, which we think would be fun for the kids. It would be close to church, work, and the temple. They also have a good school system. We have our fingers crossed, and should know today what they say.

Father Son Campout

Last Friday we had the annual father-son campout, which was great. Hal cooked foil dinners and selected our campsite to complete all the requirements for First Class. It was Dan's first father-son campout. He enjoyed it, despite what the picture shows:
















Today was my last day at Nestle, and we had a nice event in the culinary center, featuring our pen friends from A.J. Rickoff school in inner city Cleveland. My pen friend this year was Randy Campbell Jr., and here's a shot of us together in the culinary center. Off to Chicago soon!

Back at Work

I was back in the office today after a 2-day trip to California, and it was my first day in the office since I resigned. The stream of people coming by my office made it sink in that we're really going to leave. It feels a little bit liberating and a little bit sad, too. I guess a little bit like graduation day.

Teresa is with Tyler and Allie at swimming lessons right now and Dan is sitting on my lap at the computer. Hal is laying asleep in the middle of the living room floor-- he got back this afternoon from a 3-day 2-night camping trip with his entire 6th grade class. Looks like he must have had a good time with how soundly he is sleeping. Allie got to go on a field trip to the Cleveland Zoo with her class today, which she has been anticipating all week.

Moving!

Hi everyone!

We're moving to Chicago, to go work for Abbott labs on the Similac brand. Looking forward to a new experience, which will include international marketing in developing countries.

My job (B) will be 13.4 miles North of the Chicago temple (A), which according to Google maps, takes about 21 minutes. We expect lots of visitors! Not sure what town we will live in yet, but it is safe to assume we will be in that vicinity.


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My first day is May 27th, and we are hoping to find a house in June as I commute back to Ohio on the weekends.

Spring has arrived here, and it's great to see the flowers. Here are some pictures from our house: