Y3W9 - Lleyton has Mad Skills

After a few weekends in a row traveling, we laid low and watched a bit of the Tour de France finale. Being here in Europe, coupled with the return of Lance Armstrong, and the lack of massive dopping suspensions, the Tour seemed to receive a bit more interest. Things seem to be shaping up for a nice show down next year as Armstrong has announced his move to a new U.S. based team sponsered by RadioShack (are they still around?) and this years winner, Alberto Contador will searching for a new team. Hopefully, Lance can regain even more of his past form and test the theory that cycling is a truly great team sport.

A few firsts for the "der kleiner man". He is starting to stand up without the aid of surrounding objects. He is not yet attempting to move his feet without the aid of something semi-stable, but we're pretty sure it is coming soon...

Next, he decided that he will not be intimidated or contained by a flight of stairs. This traverse was naturally completed with Ellyn still sleeping. She would have never condoned of such behavior.

Lastly, we think Lleyton is developing one of his most critical skills. An ability to sleep. Thus far he has followed his dad's lead - sleeping poorly. You'd think that the son of Ellyn would have some natural talents in this area. After rather meager attempts in other methods, we utilized the... dump his crib in the closet area (small room in our house), close the door, and visit him in the morning. Thankfully, after a couple days, he seems to be getting into a rhythm. Our pediatrician has always said, "If my favorite person came and visited me in the night every time I made a noise, I keep on doing it too..." There must be an age limit on that rule because I've tried it many times and I never get a response from Ellyn.

For you soccer fans, the Bundesliga begins in just a week and a half. FC Köln fans cannot wait for the return of favored son Lukas Podolski (Poldi). Hopefully, I'm able to score a couple tickets for their first home match of the season against defend league champions, VfL Wolfsburg. I've got my people working on it... English Premier League is begins the week after.

Lastly, while I've had an easy time developing appreciation for many non-traditional American sports. One I'm still working on is Cricket. I did catch a small bit of the world 20/20 Cricket Championships a couple months ago, but the thing to watch right now is the England v. Australia battle for 'the ashes'.

Test Cricket (the most traditional form of the game) consists of 5 - five day matches. Winner of the best of 5 gets to keep 'the ashes'. Have to love it and embrace the diversity.