First Month of School

Even though it bothers me to blog out of order, I really want to make sure to document the first month of school for the boys while it's fresh on my mind.

Josh, Sam, and Seth

Sunrise, first day of school 2019

The big news this year was that Josh finally joined his brothers at AIM. This is Josh's first experience of being dropped off and spending from 8-2 without either of his parents. The transition was just about as rough as we anticipated. I sent Ben to drop off the boys the first week of school, because I just knew that I couldn't handle the crying from Josh. Poor Ben...on Day 1 Josh literally had to be peeled off of Ben screaming. Apparently it was quite the scene. Later in the evening I heard Josh tell Sam, "Yeah, they tried to pull me off the door, but I'm really strong and they couldn't move me." Yes, we have that kid. After hearing about the drama of drop-off, I spent the whole morning crying on and off, questioning whether or not we were doing the right thing by having Josh go to school. It's hard to make your kids do hard things! However, when I picked Josh up (with a cupcake in hand), he had a smile on his face and said that it was a good day. By day 3, Josh told his brothers that he "loved it." Throughout the first two weeks, we definitely still had a lot of ups and downs. For example, the Sunday before starting the third week of school, as soon as the sun went down, Josh tried to convince us that he was sick and refused to eat dinner. He still gets very nervous at any new things, and doesn't enjoy going to art and PE because it's different (and in Spanish). Sometimes he says school is boring, often he says that he misses me and wants to just hang out with me doing the mornings, but overall, he's very happy. He seems to be making buddies and it's so adorable to here him saying things and names in Spanish; he has the cutest accent. We feel that it's so healthy to have him playing with other kids his age and doing school work that it is hands-on (as opposed to worksheets...he's a very kinestetic learner). He now has homework Monday through Thursday: 10 minutes math, 10 minutes reading on the tablet...we joke that it's his dream come true to HAVE to have screen time.  

 

 Josh's first day of E2 (kindergarten) at AIM

All smiles with a cupcake after completing his first day of school.

A note Josh wrote me his second week of school: "I am happy."

It's hard to believe that Sam and Seth are entering into their third year of school at AIM. Especially compared to Josh, they were experts at school. They had a little bit of nervousness, but more than anything were just excited to start classes again. Sam has the same teacher, Teacher Sam, that he and Seth had in third grade. Seth has a male teacher for the first time ever, Teacher Khaled, who is from Egypt and is very passionate about education. They are both very happy. They also have been such a blessing with helping Josh adjust to school. That dramatic first morning for Josh, the teacher ended up going to Sam's classroom and having him come down and help calm Josh down. They are always looking for and waving at Josh, and dropping all three of them off together is just so neat. 

Sam's first day of 5th grade at AIM

 Seth's first day of 5th grade at AIM

 Our after school hours look a little different than the past years. Josh's classes end at 1, but he practices basketball Monday through Thursday until 2, when I pick him up. Josh and I then hang out in the school cafeteria until 2:30 when I can pick the big boys up. We all then head home, grab something to eat, and chill until 3:45 when I need to take the twins to soccer practice. Josh and I return home from that trip, hang out for an hour, and then head back to pick the twins up at 5. Sometimes it feels a little crazy with that many trips to and fro school and practice, but it does give me sweet, focused time with the kids. I especially treasure the one-on-one time with Josh, as he was my little buddy for the last couple years while the twins were at school. 

Josh can earn "puppets" at school for good behavior..it's such a great motivator! 

I am happy to report that I am doing just fine by myself during the days. In fact, the mental reprieve from having all the kids at school during the day has been so wonderful. I've used this first month to really rest and do things that I enjoy. I joke that I've been doing all things slowly, because while homeschooling and having kids with me, I always felt rushed. I used to hurry through everything: workouts, showers, devotions, grocery shopping. Now, I can linger a bit, I can browse, I can read a little longer, go for long walks, and just savor time. I can focus during group Bible Study and coffee with friends, instead of always juggling a child next to me. It's been really, really nice. It has also helped me be so much more present with the kids when they are home; I missed them during the day and am excited and ready to spend focused time with them in the afternoons. So, while I'll always treasure my years of homeschooling, I'm am grateful for this change of pace in all our lives. To everything there is a season....

My sweet Joshy with his Piglet, who he brings to school every day. 

The boys all dressed in Mexican colors for Mexican Independence Day.

The twins are playing soccer again this year and after about four weeks of tryouts, they found out some exciting news: they made the "A" team. We are so proud of their skills improvement throughout the last couple of years. Moreover, their coach told me that they were on the fence to which team they would make, but that he chose them for the "A" team because they work hard, don't goof off, and listen and obey well. Ben and I feel like this is such a great compliment to Sam and Seth's character! We are looking forward to watching their games this year, as they are playing on a team with some very talented boys! 

Josh is playing (and loving) basketball. He had his first game this week and it was quite the ordeal to get him to go with his team. What a funny kid he is: he gets SO extremely nervous for new situations. He was just dreading this game. It took about 15 minutes of tears and excuses from him, and threats and bribes from me to get him to walk out to the court. He was very concerned about "everyone looking at him," and even told me once that "he would be the only blonde kid out there." I've never heard of a six year old being aware of these types of things! The other funny thing about him is that once he actually get the guts to do something he's nervous about, he's totally not timid in the situation. For example, he was running down the court, "swimming" with his arms and being silly...that doesn't sound like a nervous kid who doesn't want everyone looking at him! 

 Sporting #42 like his daddy. 

 His hair doesn't look very different from the other boys!  

Adios Amigos!

One of the difficult aspects of being an expat is that, in being part of a transient community, people are often moving. This spring/summer we had four families that we were close to move. My heart feels weary of goodbyes! 

We met the Gamba family (from Colorado) because our families kept running into each other. We first met on a hike in Chipinque, then at a museum in Saltillo, then even ran into each other in a grocery store. At that point in time, we knew it was fate to be friends! (We even saw them once at the airport as both Jenny's and my parents were on the same flight into Monterrey; how crazy is that!?) They lived on the other side of town from us and we ran in very different circles, so we didn't get to see each other as much as we would have liked to. But the times we had together were always fun and we hope that someday we can visit them in Denver (or that they'll come to Oregon!). 

Final dinner together at PF Changs
Kyle, Dempsey, Cadence, Jenny, Thatcher, Josh, Seth, Jamie, Sam and Ben

Our last hang out together we watched the NBA playoff of the Nuggets vs. the Blazers (which was perfect because they are from Denver and we are from Portland)

Battle of the big men!

The Lester family (Aaron, Sona, Oskar and Max) were very kind and consistent friends. Sona and I especially connected and as our circle of friends was similar, we were involved in a workout group and different social activities with one another. She was always helpful with the boys if I needed it and the kids always had so much fun playing together. They are a family from the consulate, so perhaps we'll have to travel and see them someday in another part of the world. For now, their family is having a "normal American experience" living in Kentucky for a few years (they have lived in many cities in Europe.)

Going away dinner with the Lesters and a two other families that they are friends with.

One of the hardest goodbyes for me was saying goodbye to the Williamson family: Luke, Leah and Liza. Leah was one of my closest friends here; it was rare that we didn't see each other once, twice or even three times during a week. We participated in the same Bible study for almost two years and Leah also had a workout group twice a week that I consistently attended. Their house was very close to ours, and I always felt safer when Ben was out of town knowing that I could call on them if I had an emergency. Leah is one the steadiest, kindest and most determined people that I have ever met and I don't know how I would have survived our first two years without her friendship. I will miss her dearly! 

Going away dinner for Leah at Senora Tanaka

 Before she moved, Leah helped host a baby shower for our friend Amanda.

Saying goodbye at church: we will miss seeing their faces every Sunday!

My amigas who helped me survive long days at home with Josh while the twins were in school: Leah and Amanda.

And our kiddos: Josh, Harvey and Liza

I saved the hardest goodbye for last: the Andersons. We have really felt the impact of Clayton and Megan moving! We have so many fond memories with these two: from countless meals while watching sporting events, to the boys doing hikes together, to a trip to Monterreal together...we passed a lot of time with Clayton and Megan. Megan was also in weekly Bible study with me, and she was my friend who would come over and help while Ben was out of town. We always appreciated that they not only tolerated hanging out with our kids, but instead paid attention to them, played with them and loved them. They became like family to us here in Monterrey. Thankfully, they only moved to Washington DC, and we're all already planning road trips in one another's cities sooner rather than later. We know that we will see them again! 

One last hike before they moved: Clayton and Ben took the twins to hike Las Antenas

Post hike meat fest at a backyard barbecue stand

Praying blessings over them at church.

Josh loved Megan and had no problem hanging out with us while we had a final breakfast together.

 

What a hard goodbye! Megan and I passed so much time together, shared many victories, losses and tears with one another. I'm thankful for a lifelong friendship began in Mexico! 

And because I never wrote a post on out trip to Monterreal with the Andersons, here are a few photos from that trip back in March:

Megan and I at the entrance

Sunset view from our cabin

Night time fireplace s'mores. Sam, who went on this trip still recovering from a horrible case of strep throat, cut his finger super bad making his s'mores still. Thankfully, we were able to stop the bleeding and didn't have to go to the emergency room for stitches. 

In the morning, Megan and I got to read and chat on the porch while the boys went golfing.

 I made every one take a group picture! I'm glad that we have one of all of us together! 

June Visitors: My Sister and 3 Kids

Last summer my sister visited us in Mexico with two of her kids: Edmund and Miriam. This summer, she brought her other two daughters: Aidah and Clara, and Edmund once again (so that Josh could have a playmate). I am eternally grateful for my sister and her husband making the financial and time sacrifices to visit us here, not once, but twice. It meant the world to me and we made such sweet memories!

We picked everyone up at the airport the evening of the twins' last day of school. What a way to celebrate school ending! The next morning the twins, unfortunately, had a rehearsal for the end of the year ceremony; but, that gave Katie's family time to sleep in and settle in for the trip. Then we headed to our favorite restaurant: Frida Chilaquiles for lunch.

It's harder than you would think to get 4 somberos into a picture frame.

Sisters so happy to be with each other!

We went to Planetario Alfa for the afternoon.

As always, the peacocks did not disappoint

I think that they are one of the most beautiful animals.

The main goal of the visit was to collect peacock feathers; we got a bunch and we were so excited!

All the cousins. Josh got the picture memo a bit late.

Josh and Edmund: buddies.

The kids asked if they could walk through this arched walkway of water. We said "sure" assuming that they would get a little wet. Little did we know that once we walked through, the arches would get smaller and totally drench all of us. We couldn't stop laughing about the mishap, threw in the towel and just let the kids keep playing and get soaked. 

They had a blast! 

I love this picture!

Day 2 we took them to one of our favorite parks: Parque Olivos. 

The kids loved the cement slide

And the cool trees

That afternoon we visited the Grutas de Garcia. It has been on our families "to do" list for a long time now and it was fun to visit a new place with our visitors! 

We took a funicular up to the top of a mountain to the entrance of the caves.

Aidah

I don't exactly know what we were expecting, but definitely not a cavern this grand! 

We took a guided tour that was about an hour long.

There were so many cool formations!

We really enjoyed the different lights that they used to magnify the stalagmite and stalagtites.

The was called "La mano de muerto" or the "Hand of Death." It was a bit creepy.

The cave was so extensive! 

Katie's kids did great during the tour even though it was all in Spanish.

Our guide was super nice and enjoyed the kids. 

Well done Josh, thanks for ruining the cousin picture.

Family picture in low lighting. Boo. 

The view from the outside of the grutas.

That evening we had hamburgers with our Mexican friends and celebrated the oldest son, Martin's, birthday together. It was a little different having two families at our house together that couldn't communicate with one another, but I was happy to introduce people I love to one another. 

The kids all love night swimming.

Those two! 

We found an enormous water beetle in the pool, which Aidah wanted to bring home with her for her bug collection. Later on that night, my sister later found a water beetle in her clothes. If only I could have gotten a video of her reaction! 

Celebrating Martin! 

Day 3 was a big outing day as we took everyone to Bioparque. It's about an hour an a half from our house. The big kids filled every minute with singing rounds and camp songs. I got the privilege of the middle seat with Josh and Edmund who could not keep their paws off one another. 

Buddies

How does Josh already have chocolate on his face?

The lorakeet cage never disappoints

Josh's face is so sweet in this one! 

We were so proud of Edmund for his courage with the birds! 

Again: look at Josh's delight.

Katie and my hands

Great picture of Seth and his three birds

Look at Ben's sock! 

Party place

Next we all went on the safari to feed to animals. Unfortunately the giraffes, who are usually the stars of the show, weren't hungry that afternoon. But the kids still got to feed zebras, gazelles, camels, ostriches, and water buffalo. 

I feel like Seth looks so grown up in this picture! 

It was so fun to share this experience with Katie! 

Mr. Zebra

You have to watch out for the ostriches...they'll steal your whole food box! 

Katie and Edmund

The Plato fam

We spent some extra time feeding the giraffes after the safari.

I love giraffes!

Go Clara!

Everyone has to pet the giraffe at least once! 

Aidah

Edmund wasn't too sure about the giraffe and would only get close to them with Ben.

I love this picture.

We relegated the littles to the trunk for their picnic lunch; they didn't seem upset about it. After lunch, we re-entered the park to check out the water slides. I don't have any pictures of the big water slide, but it one of the coolest slides we've been on: down the mountain side with beautiful views. All the kids also went on this smaller one.

Edmund and Sam

Clara and Josh

Seth (I guess I didn't get a picture of Aidah)

We ended this epic day with street tacos at Taqueria Orinoco and then onto one of our favorite ice cream shops, Lacreme

Chocolate faces

I love this one! 

For our final full day together, we decided to just chill at home and swim. It was a delightful and relaxing day of quality family time.

All the kiddos in the pool

Ben is the best. He played and played and played "monster" with the kiddos.

They all love him so much. (Note: Katie and I were unwilling to be the monster.)

Aidah has a cool underwater camera that we had fun trying out. This is Sam (I think)

Aidah

Sam again

Seth

Nice pose Clara

The big kids

This one is super cool with the water perspective

The littles were a bit harder to get an underwater picture of! 

We topped that day off with, of course, more ice cream. This time Caramela's. 

Final moments swimming (Edmund airborne in this one)

And there goes Josh

Lined up for a swimming race.

Last morning together. Edmund loves his uncle Ben and it has been so precious to watch them bond over these trips to Mexico. In fact, it has brought all of us so much closer together.

Other favorite memories from their trip:
-Letting the kids have sleepovers together and them asking, "Can we start talking now?" when we put them together.
-Playing Catan in the evening with me, Ben and Katie.
-Sam's quote of, "I wish girls didn't have privates so that we could swim together."
-Me driving to the airport for the first time.