Buenas dias amigos and familia,
The week has gone by fast--I meant to update this blog sooner.
Joshua and Alec started school on Friday and did very well.  Joshua ended up with the teacher we were hoping and praying for.  Her name is Maria and she is very sweet and fun--at least so far! Teachers are addressed by their first names here. A boy who speaks good English sits next to Joshua and helps with translations.  Joshua said the boys on the playground told him he was a good futbol player--that made Joshua feel good.  Joshua said that they are all really good at futbol (soccer)l. He loves having boys to kick the ball around with!

 Alec went right into his class the first day with no tears. This morning he told us he knew how to get to his class so we did not need to walk him in.  He says know one in his class can speak English.  They are just learning English in 1st grade, but of course his teacher can speak English.  Alec's teachers name is Noemi, which is pronounced no--amy!  Today some boys came up to him on the playground and were talking to him in Spanish but he had no clue what they were saying.  He told us he responded with  "I speak English," and then he ran off! He already has a birthday party to go to tomorrow night.  I can't rsvp because I don't think the mom will understand my Spanish on the phone.  These are the little things we deal with everyday--trying to communicate.

Both boys swim in P.E this week and you should see the little swim suits they have to wear.  They are very European!  Ethan has to wear them as well---but he is refusing at the moment.  Not sure how that will work out. 

Alec told us the food at school is barf!  I guess they had fish and soup today and he was told to go back to his seat to finish his yogurt.  They make the kids try everything and eat 75% of their food.  This will be a challenge but I think very good!

Lynsey and Ethan start school Wednesday.  They are ready as they are getting very bored at home.
They are ready to start some sports as well.

The two younger boys and I visited two castles in Malga on Saturday.  The Gibralfaro castle and the Alcazaba palace/fortress.  The Gibralfaro is situated on the highest point in the city center.  It is connected to the Alcazaba, which is lower.  They are both Moorish castles---The Gibralfaro was completed in the 11th century by the Muslim King Yusuf.  It was built as a fortress to protect the Alcazaba.  The Alcazaba was built by king Badis of Granada.   We also saw a Roman theatre next to the castle that was being restored. 
The boys had a great time exploring these fortresses and I know any young boys that come to visit from the U.S will love them as well---lots of fun.

Dave continues to have many meetings at church and says there is lots of work ahead.  Church Sunday was good.  A friend translated for me so that was helpful.  The younger boys go to Sunday class and the older two stay in the service with us.  The church has Wednesday night youth group and sometimes Friday nights.

We finally bought a used automatic car, we should get it Friday.  We only had two choices for automatics and those were hard to find. 

 Dave and I finally went for a jog on the beach today.    We have not been working out but today we started! 

Can you believe I have not had a taza de cafe yet! I will have to make up for it and I am sure I will!

I think that's it for now. 

Please scroll down for more photos!

Buenas Noche,

Karen