Wew house photos! That's 4 more photos than my album! My whole family aren't too photo-y, we just don't tend to take photos. Struggling is good, it means you're improving!
The freezing really didn't help me follow along either. I got skype the other day but I haven't added anyone or used it at all. I might look into using it if I can be bothered, that skype event seems like it could be fun. I find talking to someone through a machine really awkward though (unless it's text). I even find phone calls hard, I'd much rather talk to someone face to face