Look what Riley has done.

I know that updates on the kids are what my readers have been waiting for, so here's the first. (Thanks for reading, mom and dad)

Riley has finally gotten hooked on Harry Potter books. Back when he was 6 or 7, I tried to get him to read the first one and I think it was a little too advanced for him and put him off the books. But beggars can't be choosers here, and since our selection is more limited he finally gave in and tried again. He read the first 3 books in about 1 week. Now #4 is already checked out at the library and he's dying for it. He's also watched each of the movies after finishing the book.

Speaking of books, some of his favorites (besides Harry Potter) that he's read here have been: Phantom Tollbooth, The City of Ember, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, Harriet the Spy, The Mysterious Benedict Society, Here Be Monsters, and Alaskan Adventure Series.

Amazingly, Riley hasn't been playing as many videogames since we've been here. In part because our Xbox broke on the way here; so sad. But he still spends a few hours a week on clubpenguin. He even runs into some of his friends from Utah on it occasionally.

Riley had started making these intricate mazes at school during his free time. I remember doing this during church when I was a kid, so I understand the appeal.

He has also started a collection of Tazos. These are little plastic or metal discs that come in bags of chips here. I think they call them Pogs at home. You play a game with them and try to win more. Very popular with the Mexican kids.

Riley, Jane and Jocie have started a spy club and even built a clubhouse out of scrap from the Walmart construction in the backyard. He spends endless time contemplating new rules, contraptions and merchandise for the club. Currently they are decorating for Christmas.

I still make the kids practice piano at the church a couple of times a week and Riley has learned a couple of new favorite songs and even started to write one of his own. I promise to record it when he says it's ready.

Riley still refuses to admit that he likes Mexico, but he already admits that he'll miss Jocie when we go. They have a lot of fun together.