Marcus,

Of course no exchange student could replace our favorite German exchange student.  Sorry it took so long to reply, but my computer at work took a dump and three weeks later I'm just getting it back.

Hannes ... where to begin.  Good kid who doesn't speak a lot of english and when he does we're not sure of what he said.  This of course is getting better every day and with a couple of months of practice he'll be putting us to shame.  Ben has taken a liking to him and they pal around together, both at school and at home.  Ben has always been the easier to get to know (more open) and they're closer to the same age (one year apart).  Andrew doesn't have the patience to try to communicate with him ... with a full-time girlfriend, school and work, he's barely around anyways.  Both Myke and I have enjoyed Hannes and learning about Finland (he's very touchy about his home land ... no jokes, and all Finnish hockey players are the best).  My greatest fear right now is he's leaning on Ben too much.  Although their close now, if this changes even a little bit I worry Hannes would be lost big time.  He doesn't seem to be establishing any other friendships but it may to soon. What do you think?  You seemed to have adjusted pretty quickly.  Is it easier to make friends with the females over the males at school or is that just how it appears (or was it your great looks)? 

Life otherwise seems to be flying by.  I hope all is well with you and your family and give us an update soon.

Miss ya,

Steve