tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54722049463866312542024-03-12T22:40:24.270-05:00Moving Kids to MexicoWe MOVED to the Pacific Coast of Mexico for 1 year with young children from July 2008 to July 2009. We went back for 5 weeks in Summer 2010. This Blog will document this adventure ...Frankly Rondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214064414695951062noreply@blogger.comBlogger242125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472204946386631254.post-34896468255543470922012-04-28T10:47:00.000-05:002012-04-28T10:52:13.323-05:00ConclusionI love this Blog. I recorded our adventures when our family lived in Mexico from July 2008 to July 2009. We then returned for 5 weeks in Summer 2010. This blog was and is our family history and also a resource for other families looking to raise kids abroad for a limited period of time.<br />
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Oldest Son is now in 6th grade and Youngest Son is in 3rd Grade. They are both still fluent in Spanish - we have created opportunities to maintain their bilingual status.<br />
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We start a new family dynamic in April 2012. Husband is commuting between Houston and Dallas weekly - similar to what I did the year we were in Mexico.<br />
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I am starting a new blog. I think I can help other families who choose the Commuter Family option. And once again, I capture our family history. And I just like blogging - when I have something of interest to say.<br />
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<a href="http://commuterfamily.blogspot.com/">http://commuterfamily.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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American Mommy in Mexico ends. For now. Tear Drop. Expect to SOB again some day.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">"I </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">am mid-40s Mommy to Oldest Son (age 10) and Youngest Son (age 8). I am married to Husband who is 50ish. We both earn a living in small independent businesses. We have a typical kid juggling existence but look for a slightly different life path when possible ..."</span></span><br />
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I am now <b>Mommy with Commuter Husband</b>.Frankly Rondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214064414695951062noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472204946386631254.post-82423232102263791612010-06-30T22:56:00.003-05:002010-06-30T23:25:38.944-05:00Visitors<div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/TCwSN0mQeVI/AAAAAAAAA5U/7XeYC_514hs/s1600/IMG_2675.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488782074524498258" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/TCwSN0mQeVI/AAAAAAAAA5U/7XeYC_514hs/s400/IMG_2675.JPG" border="0" /></a> <em>Camping Friends Checking Out the Beach on Day 1</em><br /></div><div align="left"><br />In our year living in Mexico (July 2008 - July 2009), we were fortunate to have many visitors - <strong>special time with special people in our lives</strong>.</div><div align="left">.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">We were able to replicate that experience last week. Two couples, I will call them our "Camping Friends" stayed a week in the same place we are in now and we were able to show them bits and pieces of Mexico. While Camping Friends have children, they were able to go SOB for an adult vacation.</div><br />We had a great time with them.<br /><br />Here is a glimpse from Camping Friend #1 Husband thanking us: " ... for showing the path less traveled - the taco stands, raw tuna, Tu Pollo, the pie lady, Sienna and fish on a stick at the beach, surfing, Latcho and Andrea, etc."<br /><br />And another email we just got from Camping Friend #2 Wife: "I want to go back to Mexico. Very crazy week. Very much like in Mexico. Plumbers saying they will come and do not. And, when they finally got here, they even spoke Spanish. Spent 48 hours with plumbers, inspectors and atmos trying to figure out gas leak mess. Trying to board dogs, but petsmart phones at location I want are down until next week...ugh......all this hassle and no waves to go with it!"<br /><br />Mexico is a frame of mind. It is a way of thinking. It honestly thrills me that our Camping Friends took a part of the "path less traveled" and the "things do not go as expected" paradigm with them back to the USA.<br /><br />Mexico is way more than geography. Mexico can change you. Or maybe it is just the concept of exploring other ways of approaching life that is the change agent. I do believe that tolerance is the real goal and living abroad for even a small part of my life has made a difference. So sharing that experience with people important to our lives and the lives of our children is significant.<br /><br /><strong>Special time with special people in our lives</strong> ... this is what really defines our lives where ever we are ... who ever we are ...Frankly Rondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214064414695951062noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472204946386631254.post-68806080539685133822010-06-27T12:42:00.004-05:002010-06-27T12:49:44.357-05:00Guest Blogger: Youngest Son - A Poem<div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Mexico</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">by: Youngest Son</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">.</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Mexico Mexico is the best</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">You can swim in the water</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">But you better put sun screen on every day</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">Or else you'll burn up that day </span></div><div align="center"></div><span style="font-size:130%;"></span><br /><em>Note: Oldest Son and Youngest Son are keeping a journal this summer. Youngest Son asked to write a poem today.</em>Frankly Rondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214064414695951062noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472204946386631254.post-67852044571153586452010-06-25T22:29:00.007-05:002010-06-25T23:06:42.040-05:00Boys Are Boys ... Where ever they are ...<div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">A Cheap Mega Plastic Power Rangers Ball<br />Two Cardboard Boxes</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">A Rectangle Play Area<br />An 8 Year Old in Ben 10 PJs</span></div><div align="center"><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:130%;">A 10 Year Old excited about the Recent NBA Playoffs ...</span></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486920096714372370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/TCV0wcuctRI/AAAAAAAAA40/x5-xse5njd0/s400/IMG_2637.JPG" border="0" /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/TCV14zKGXFI/AAAAAAAAA5M/euvT-2Hmnjc/s1600/IMG_2667.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486921339686509650" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/TCV14zKGXFI/AAAAAAAAA5M/euvT-2Hmnjc/s400/IMG_2667.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/TCV1lXKodzI/AAAAAAAAA5E/z1k3WbXTlyU/s1600/IMG_2655.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486921005755037490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/TCV1lXKodzI/AAAAAAAAA5E/z1k3WbXTlyU/s400/IMG_2655.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/TCV1Ne4FWHI/AAAAAAAAA48/J5Xa7zERP3s/s1600/IMG_2652.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5486920595507861618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/TCV1Ne4FWHI/AAAAAAAAA48/J5Xa7zERP3s/s400/IMG_2652.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>"You are worried about seeing him spend his early years in doing nothing. What! Is it nothing to be happy? Nothing to skip, play, and run around all day long? Never in his life will he be so busy again."</strong></span></div><div><strong></strong> </div><div><strong>Jean-Jacques Rousseau</strong></div><div><em>Emile</em></div></div>Frankly Rondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214064414695951062noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472204946386631254.post-4680636607326804192010-06-18T20:43:00.004-05:002010-06-18T21:22:10.160-05:00Los Piojos for Oldest Son<strong>Well the adventure continues for Oldest Son. He has his first case of piojos ... lice.</strong><br /><br /><strong>Wednesday:</strong> The Nayarit schools announced that they will close school on Friday - 3 weeks earlier than planned! Husband checked with kids' Mexico school to see if Oldest Son and Youngest Son could attend for last two days. Yes.<br /><br /><strong>Thursday:</strong> Kids went to school and had a great day. Oldest Son was excited about high marks on a math test. Youngest Son brought home a great picture he had drawn about his summer: Oldest Son surfing, Youngest Son hanging on to Oldest Son, a flattering depiction of me wearing a bikini (which I never do!) and Husband colored in with a sunburn all over. Ummmm, there must be some kind of deeper meaning to these artistic choices by Youngest Son. Something to ponder.<br /><br /><strong>Friday (today):</strong> Parties all day long at school. Youngest Son came home covered in dirt from playing outside. Oldest Son came home with lice. Well, to be technically correct, we only found the eggs. We have treated Oldest Son's scalp and are hoping no hatchlings reveal themselves tomorrow. We have switched all the linens and quarantined the stuffed animals. Husband, Youngest Son and I are piojos free so far.<br /><br /><strong>Saturday:</strong> We will see ...Frankly Rondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214064414695951062noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472204946386631254.post-6801475115283438522010-06-14T21:05:00.010-05:002010-06-14T22:36:28.918-05:00Oldest Son Gets Stitches<div align="center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/TBbgbpoS8PI/AAAAAAAAA4k/huK_Kwvb2lk/s1600/IMG_2620.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482816362006114546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/TBbgbpoS8PI/AAAAAAAAA4k/huK_Kwvb2lk/s400/IMG_2620.JPG" border="0" /></a><strong><em>BEFORE</em> </strong></div><strong></strong><div align="left"><br />Oldest Son continues what appears to be a tradition of sorts. He has taken our family further into the Mexico Health Care Experience. (Remember <a href="http://movingkidstomexico.blogspot.com/2008/12/chanukah-6th-night-day-of-family-lore.html">http://movingkidstomexico.blogspot.com/2008/12/chanukah-6th-night-day-of-family-lore.html</a>)</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left">As you can see from the BEFORE picture above, Oldest Son fell and busted open his chin this afternoon.<br /><br />Husband and I began the very common parental decision discussion: does he need stitches or not? We decide he probably does.<br /><br />Husband and I then have the uncommon parental decision of how to handle in Mexico. While we have been to the Mexican doctors many times, we are a little more conscientious due mostly to the risk of infection and some to the cosmetic considerations. We call Other American Family to see if they have a doctor suggestion. We end up with 2 choices: (1) go to large tourist town hospital or (2) go to local small coastal village doctor who only speaks Spanish and seems reputable. We call local doctor. He is there and says he can handle it. Note it is 5:30pm.<br /><br />Husband, Oldest Son, Youngest Son and I walk to get Other American Family's car and head out.<br /><br />Doctor is ready for us when we arrive. He is very friendly and welcoming. His office is pretty much like other small Mexico village doctor offices: small, sparse and dark. Doctor is dressed plainly. Husband and Oldest Son translate Doctor's Spanish for me. Youngest Son is eager to watch the "show."<br /><br />Doctor lets us know after first examination that Oldest Son will probably need a couple stitches. Doctor indicates he will use a topical anesthetic. Hmmmm.<br /><br />Doctor starts cleansing. I am most concerned about infection so his aggressive attack on cleaning puts me at ease. His assistant is a young Mexican girl - sweet but definitely not a nurse. She opens package after package of sterile gauze for the doctor to use. There are several squirts of the topical anesthetic.<br /><br />Doctor then advises us that a just proper bandage will probably be enough and demonstrates (no stitches.) We decide that we want him to do the stitches so he gladly does as we request.<br /><br />Doctor starts but the topical is not enough anesthetic. Assistant is off to get the needle. Several injections later Doctor is ready again. Oldest Son's body language shows he is relieved that the stronger anesthetic is used. There seems to be a good bit of blood. Doctor puts in 2-3 stitches, has us look to see if we want another one in the middle. This time Husband and I agree with Doctor that the additional stitch is not necessary.<br /><br />Whew. Oldest Son was our usual stoic, brave soul. No complaints. No tears.<br /><br />Doctor writes down the antibiotic and something for pain. He instructs us to keep area dry for couple days, no ocean swimming and come back on Monday (no particular time.) Doctor also says to eat no fat or pork and drink no sodas. Hmmmm.<br /><br />Husband and I are comfortable that Doctor did a good job and Oldest Son will be alright. We think we made the right series of decisions.<br /><br />Doctor Cost: $650 pesos which included all the supplies he used (about $46 USD).</div><div align="left"></div><div align="center"><em><strong>AFTER</strong></em></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482816661635445714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/TBbgtF1fs9I/AAAAAAAAA4s/WtMNqQzx6LE/s400/IMG_2625.JPG" border="0" /></div>Frankly Rondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214064414695951062noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472204946386631254.post-12438403729112948352010-06-11T20:10:00.014-05:002010-06-11T21:21:44.544-05:00Shabbat ShalomI love that Reform Judaism is portable and tolerant. We embraced both of these attributes this Shabbat evening.<br />.<br />Our Shabbat preparations started with a bus ride. Husband, Oldest Son, Youngest Son and I caught the local bus on the nearby road. Our 30 pesos took all 4 of us on a 30 minute ride to Mega. We purchased items for our Shabbat dinner. We took a taxi back for 190 pesos in order to transport our 4 boxes of groceries and make a quick stop at our favorite bakery.<br />. <div><strong>It was time ...</strong><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481690655466517474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/TBLgm5-o8-I/AAAAAAAAA3k/_1yC1rJo-8U/s400/IMG_2512.JPG" border="0" />Oldest Son lit the candles. My Chanukah present this year was this clever Shabbat Candle Travel Holder. It folds to a ball (see the hinge) and then opens to hold the lights of Shabbat. There are scenes of Israel on the outside. </div><div>.<br /></div><div></div><div>We recited the <strong>Blessing Over the Candles:</strong></div><div>.</div><div><em>Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha'olam</em></div><div>Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe</div><div>.</div><div><em>asher kidishanu b'mitz'votav v'tzivanu</em></div><div>Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us</div><div>.<br /></div><div></div><div><em>l'had'lik neir shel Shabbat. (Amein)</em></div><div>to light the lights of Shabbat. (Amen)</div><div></div><div><strong>.</strong></div><div><strong>Then ...</strong><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/TBLiilhXypI/AAAAAAAAA3s/taJaPXkcFOU/s1600/IMG_2519.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481692780278827666" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/TBLiilhXypI/AAAAAAAAA3s/taJaPXkcFOU/s200/IMG_2519.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/TBLjNlXhRcI/AAAAAAAAA30/QcHhWT4HwrQ/s1600/IMG_2520.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481693518971880898" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/TBLjNlXhRcI/AAAAAAAAA30/QcHhWT4HwrQ/s200/IMG_2520.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/TBLjekzj-wI/AAAAAAAAA38/VY8mmUn09mA/s1600/IMG_2523.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481693810878839554" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/TBLjekzj-wI/AAAAAAAAA38/VY8mmUn09mA/s200/IMG_2523.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/TBLjvO_Mi3I/AAAAAAAAA4E/SL0j4EctXBA/s1600/IMG_2524.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481694097079831410" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/TBLjvO_Mi3I/AAAAAAAAA4E/SL0j4EctXBA/s200/IMG_2524.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Traditional:</strong></span> Kiddush is recited while holding then drinking fruit of the vine (a cup of wine or grape juice)</div><div>.</div><div><span style="color:#660000;"><strong>In Mexico:</strong></span> Well - we embrace the spirit that moves us and customs around us ...</div><div>.</div><div>We recited the <strong>Kiddush</strong>:</div><div><em>.</em></div><div><em>Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha-olam</em></div><div>Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe<br />.</div><div><em>borei p'ri hagafen (Amein)</em></div><div>Who creates the fruit of the vine (Amen)<br /></div>.<br /><div></div><div></div><div><strong>Finally ...</strong><br /></div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481695328258464226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/TBLk25fDmeI/AAAAAAAAA4M/72CZ1nw3biE/s400/IMG_2527.JPG" border="0" /><span style="color:#000000;"> <div></div><div></div><span style="color:#000066;"><strong>Traditional:</strong></span> We lift the Challah loaf and recite the <a name="Motzi">Ha-Motzi</a>. The challah is then ripped into pieces or sliced and passed around the table, so that each person may have a piece. The family meal may then begin.</span><br />.<br /><strong><span style="color:#660000;">In Mexico:</span></strong> Youngest Son lifts the Totopos ...<br />.<br />We sang the <a name="Motzi"><strong>Ha-Motzi</strong></a> <strong>Song</strong>:<span style="color:#000000;"></span><br />.<br /><span style="color:#000000;"><div>Hamotzi lechem min haaretz,</div><div>We give thanks to God for bread.</div><div>Our voices rise in song together as our joyful prayer is said,</div><div>“Baruch atah adonai, eloheinu melech haolam,</div><div>hamotzi lechem min haaretz. Amen.”<br /></div><div>.</div><div>(Blessed are You, Lord, our God, King of the Universe</div><div>who brings forth bread from the earth. Amen.)<br /></div><div></div>.<br /><div><strong>The Family Meal ...</strong><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481699114987196434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/TBLoTUJikBI/AAAAAAAAA4c/mxvZ15AmcVk/s400/IMG_2513.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div><strong><span style="color:#000066;">Traditional:</span></strong> Brisket or Chicken, Vegetable</div><div><br /><strong><span style="color:#660000;">In Mexico:</span></strong> We made Sopas - Muy Bien!</span></div>Frankly Rondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214064414695951062noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472204946386631254.post-60058673249682773632010-06-10T18:53:00.008-05:002010-06-11T21:18:15.506-05:00Guest Blogger: Oldest Son - Going Back to MX School<div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/TBF7oZ0z71I/AAAAAAAAA3M/Z6iM_E_41yk/s1600/IMG_2479.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481298155543981906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/TBF7oZ0z71I/AAAAAAAAA3M/Z6iM_E_41yk/s400/IMG_2479.JPG" border="0" /></a><em>Heading out from our Villa</em> </div><div align="center">.</div>Yesterday, I went to school at Colegio --- with my friend Other Oldest Son. I was nervous because I didn't know if my Mexican friends would remember me. But when I got there, everything was fine.<br />.<br />First I went to Spanish Class where we read a story called "La Fantasma de Canterville." Then, the Spanish Teacher had me write a reflection in Spanish (see below!). I enjoyed Spanish Class because we got to read an interesting story.<br />.<br />Afterwards, I went to English Class. In English Class, we had had a spelling competition but no one won. Each student said one letter of the word but it seemed like most kids had not studied. We had to translate from English to Spanish.<br />.<br />It was fun coming back to Colegio and seeing all my friends.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481302059688480738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/TBF_Lp5ZT-I/AAAAAAAAA3U/rABTqf6byis/s400/IMG_2481.JPG" border="0" /><br />My brother, Youngest Son, also went back yesterday. When he arrived, his friends happily chased him around the school singing a song that included his name!<br />.<br />He did this excellent work below. He also sold his Silly Bandz for pesos and used the pesos to buy Oreos, 2 Ice Creams, Pie and Bolita (frozen juice.) He ate all of it after school in 10 minutes except the Oreos!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481302417212042674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/TBF_gdxp7bI/AAAAAAAAA3c/jQCEuPqfaC4/s400/IMG_2498.JPG" border="0" />Frankly Rondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214064414695951062noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472204946386631254.post-80077663565979047822010-06-06T11:53:00.010-05:002010-06-06T16:02:36.003-05:00Busy First Few DaysWe have been very busy settling in the past few days. We have already done so much!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479707361429821954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/TAvUz_8eGgI/AAAAAAAAA20/FsFZ_WRTPNw/s400/IMG_2309.JPG" border="0" />On Thursday, Other American Family (Other Mom, Other Dad, 3 Boys) and our family picked up USA Friends (2 Dads and Son) from Cruise Ship. We caravanned to the Zip Lines. So fun. Above you can see Oldest Son jumping into river after we did all the Zip Lines. The 6 Boys had a great time swimming and playing on the large boulders.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/TAvVNlLXj2I/AAAAAAAAA28/hEBbmf-PO2I/s1600/IMG_2427.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479707800921149282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/TAvVNlLXj2I/AAAAAAAAA28/hEBbmf-PO2I/s400/IMG_2427.JPG" border="0" /></a> Then we went back into town. The 6 Boys then opted to swim in the ocean. You can see where 6 Boys have hastily abandoned shoes for the sand and surf.<br /><div><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/TAvTGXodOGI/AAAAAAAAA2s/OzHam1-Jvp8/s1600/IMG_2439.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479705478002718818" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/TAvTGXodOGI/AAAAAAAAA2s/OzHam1-Jvp8/s400/IMG_2439.JPG" border="0" /></a>On Friday, we finally were able to move into our small villa (2 bedroom w/ kitchen) in a "resorty kinda of place" for the month. The view above is from our balcony and shows the haze of the rainy season approaching. I was able to get a really, really reasonable deal for this low season month! Husband has been busy setting up Skype lines and computers and cables and internet so we can work remote this month. </div><div>.</div><div></div><div>We are right next door to where Other American Family lives. So on Saturday, Youngest Son spent 5 hours building sand fort with Other Youngest Son (age 6) and Other Middle Son (age 8) while Oldest Son alternated body surfing and pool play with Other Oldest Son (age 10.) Husband went to Mega to stock our kitchen - it was the usual spotty experience - some stuff there and some stuff not so much.</div><div></div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479708527638739826" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/TAvV34aV-3I/AAAAAAAAA3E/ICOgTEdmHIg/s400/IMG_2448.JPG" border="0" /></div></div><br /><p>And this Sunday morning, the crabs were moving about in multitudes as happens every year as the rainy season starts. Youngest Son carefully shows his morning catch. We do, of course, practice catch and release.</p><p>I have not written about our Friday night yet - quite the night - next post!</p>Frankly Rondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214064414695951062noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472204946386631254.post-9221556586412274962010-06-02T22:58:00.003-05:002010-06-02T23:07:54.094-05:00Back - June 1, 2010 to July 8, 2010<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">We</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">arrived</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">South</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">of</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">the</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Border</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">on</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">June</span> 1, 2010. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Husband</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Oldest</span> Son, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Youngest</span> Son <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">and</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">American</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Mommy</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">in</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Mexico</span> are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">back</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">but</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">only</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">for</span> a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">short</span> time. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">We</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">will</span> be <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">here</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">until</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">July</span> 8<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">th</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">We</span> are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">back</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">in</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">the</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">same</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Pacific</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Coast</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">area</span>.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Happy</span>.<br /><br />I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_36">will</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_37">work</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_38">remote</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_39">just</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_40">like</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_41">before</span> (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_42">when</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_43">we</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_44">lived</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_45">here</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_46">July</span> 2008 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_47">through</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_48">July</span> 2009) <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_49">but</span> no <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_50">commuting</span>. I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_51">worked</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_52">most</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_53">of</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54">today</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_55">However</span> as I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_56">sat</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_57">in</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_58">front</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_59">of</span> 3 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_60">computers</span>, I <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_61">had</span> a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_62">great</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_63">view</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_64">of</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_65">the</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_66">ocean</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_67">and</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_68">palm</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_69">trees</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_70">and</span> a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_71">lovely</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_72">coastal</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_73">breeze</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_74">Not</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_75">bad</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_76">work</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_77">conditions</span>. <br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_78">Happy</span>.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_79">Oldest</span> Son <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_80">and</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_81">Youngest</span> Son <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_82">took</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_83">sailing</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_84">lessons</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_85">in</span> local marina <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_86">today</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_87">They</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_88">were</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_89">able</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_90">to</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_91">man</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_92">their</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_93">own</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_94">boats</span>. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_95">Very</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_96">cool</span>.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_97">Happy</span>.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_98">We</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_99">had</span> tacos <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_100">and</span> flan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_101">and</span> cerveza <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_102">at</span> Tacos <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_103">on</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_104">the</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_105">Street</span>.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_106">Happy</span>.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_107">About</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_108">to</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_109">go</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_110">to</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_111">sleep</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_112">to</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_113">the</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_114">sound</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_115">of</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_116">rolling</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_117">waves</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_118">and</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_119">bats</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_120">chirping</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_121">and</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_122">geckos</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_123">singing</span>.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_124">Happy</span>.Frankly Rondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214064414695951062noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472204946386631254.post-10854924949523949032009-08-30T10:41:00.005-05:002009-08-30T12:45:28.923-05:00Re-entry<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/Spq6IqQ_dtI/AAAAAAAAAww/I2ruUlZTahs/s1600-h/IMG_9246.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375813763167385298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/Spq6IqQ_dtI/AAAAAAAAAww/I2ruUlZTahs/s400/IMG_9246.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div>It was August 1 when I last blogged. It is almost painful to bring up this blog now (I seriously have tears in my eyes). Mexico and this Blog have been our life and our adventure since March of 2008 when we decided life was to be embraced. And embrace we did!<br /><br />How is re-entry?<br /><br />Husband and I feel like we are on the "Truman" set - you know that movie with Jim Carey where everything is perfect. Mexico is raw, untidy, unstructured, messy, loose, unpredictable, tolerant, imperfect ... and the USA is the opposite of many of these things. The USA is an amazing country and it is easy to see why people want to live here. Everything just "seems" so perfect ... it is surreal ... like a movie set.<br /><br />Oldest Son and Youngest Son have re-entered their fancy private school. They are adjusting seamlessly. Youngest Son's exciting news is that he broke his arm but he will be fine. Interesting <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">side note</span> on Oldest Son is that we did private tutoring in August to catch him up in Hebrew - he successfully "did" a full year of Hebrew in 3 weeks - could this have been affected by the language skills he acquired last year? Maybe.<br /><br />Yesterday, we spent time with friends at their ranch. They lived last year in Spain with their 9 year old daughter. It was great to talk with another USA family that had made similar choices and ended up with similar conclusions. Not everyone here can understand who we were before and who we are now.<br /><br />And one topic of discussion with these friends of kindred spirit : Where will we go in 2 years?!! <strong>Moving Kids to ...</strong></div>Frankly Rondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214064414695951062noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472204946386631254.post-17911523453609061992009-08-01T08:43:00.003-05:002009-08-01T08:55:16.576-05:00So we are back ...It has been a very busy time since we arrived in USA. Here are quick updates:<br /><br /><strong>Final Leg of Trip</strong><br />It is ironic that our drive through Mexico was fine but getting across border and drive up through Texas was challenging. We sat on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Nuevo</span> Laredo Bridge for over 2 hours in over 100 degrees heat! Not fun. But we finally arrived at our destination at 11pm Monday night, 7/20.<br /><br /><strong>Oldest Son<br /></strong>Oldest Son had a GREAT time at Jewish Sleep Away Camp. He started Hebrew Tutoring last week to catch up on the year of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Hebrew</span> he missed. So far so good. I think, perhaps, those language <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">development</span> skills he acquired this year should help ... maybe ... who knows.<br /><br /><strong>Family Emergency</strong><br />My grandmother (age 78) went into ICU last weekend for Congestive Heart Failure. I actually landed in Atlanta airport and had to board a plane to head straight back. While still in the hospital, she is doing much better.<br /><br /><em>Before I discontinue this blog, I have some wrap up and transition kinds of posts I want to write about so more later ...</em>Frankly Rondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214064414695951062noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472204946386631254.post-68186417090868350702009-07-19T23:12:00.007-05:002009-07-19T23:57:08.940-05:00We made it to Saltillo!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SmPvvBNgrbI/AAAAAAAAAwg/jJOzM3X3I4Q/s1600-h/IMG_8865.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360391572559015346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SmPvvBNgrbI/AAAAAAAAAwg/jJOzM3X3I4Q/s400/IMG_8865.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">My view from front seat to back of SUV - every inch is full - good thing Youngest Son is small!</span></em><br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">.</span></em><br />We left at 7am (about an hour later than we had hoped) and arrived at the Hampton Inn in Saltillo at 9:40pm. Whew. Here are some highlights of today’s Road Trip.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Taco Stands – I Love Them!<br /></span></strong>We got our first tacos and tamales at 10:30 am from roadside stop off 15 outside of Tequila. Youngest Son and I had bean/steak small tacos and Husband had chicken tamales. I dressed mine with cabbage, salsa and pickled onions.<br /><br />Our next stop was late afternoon where Youngest Son ordered quesadillas and I got flautas dressed with cabbage, tomatillo sauce, salsa and crème fresh. Husband got a cheeseburger and it had a slice of ham on it which he quickly removed – pork creeps into everything in Mexico!<br /><br />The day's meals totaled about $11 USD.<br />.<br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Youngest Son Antics</span><br /></strong><br /><strong>Scene #1 – In car headed down Mexico highway.<br /><span style="color:#000099;">Youngest Son</span></strong> “I gotta poopie.”<br /><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Mommy</span></strong> “Can you wait a few minutes?”<br /><strong><span style="color:#000099;">Youngest Son</span></strong> “No, I gotta poopie.”<br /><strong><span style="color:#006600;">Mommy</span></strong> “Well, you are going to have to wait because we cannot stop here.” (no facilities in sight and no shoulder to pull off onto)<br /><span style="color:#000099;"><strong>Youngest Son</strong></span> “I went poopie.”<br /><br />The scene deteriorates from there with me quickly finding a Poopie Bowl and you do not want the rest of the details. Side note: Poopie Bowl now joins Vomit Bucket and PeePee Bottle for our Road Trips.<br /><br /><strong>Scene #2 - Federales Checkpoint # 3 of 4 (we were pulled out 2 of the 4 for search)<br /></strong>Federales ask to purchase our Roller Blades. Husband respectfully declines to sell.<br /><strong><span style="color:#000099;">Youngest Son</span></strong> “We can sell Oldest Son’s!”<br />Note: Oldest Son is not with us ...<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Quota is My New Favorite Spanish Word<br /></span></strong>We took a different route this time by going through Guadalajara to Quota 80 to Aguascalientes. It was a bit out of the way but we avoided the curvy, curvy curvy (but very, very, very beautiful) 54 route. Quota describes the toll roads in Mexico and they were worth every peso today.<br /><br />We almost made a Mexico Road Trip with no wrong turns which never, ever happens. We made it all the way to Saltillo with no major logistical issues. We arrived at Saltillo just as it got dark and there is tons of construction. So we had to back track a bit but all is well.<br /><br />We leave at day light tomorrow and cross the border at Nuevo Laredo.<br />.<br /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Below is pic from car window of view between Zacatecas and Saltillo. Those "trees" always make me think of Dr. Suess!</span></em><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360396247167052626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SmPz_He6q1I/AAAAAAAAAwo/_ClnY_ueexA/s400/IMG_8871.JPG" border="0" />Frankly Rondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214064414695951062noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472204946386631254.post-68263735226770244832009-07-19T05:04:00.017-05:002009-07-19T05:55:33.204-05:00Saturday, July 18, 2009 - Part 1Saturday was our final day in our Mexico Casa. How did it go?<br /><br /><strong>5:30 am drip, Drip, DRIP<br /></strong>Awaken by drip, Drip, DRIP. Husband, Youngest Son and I are sleeping in master bedroom with wall unit air conditioner. It is leaking allot. On the wood table. On my 2 computers! “Husband!” We spring into action with towels and pans to catch the water. Yes, we have done this before so know the drill. Computers seem fine since I caught it early.<br /><br />drip, Drip, DRIP. Husband cannot go back to sleep since it is like water torture.<br /><br /><p><strong>7:30am-1:00pm</strong> <strong>Packing</strong><br />Pack Pop-Up Camper and SUV. We have 1 majorly rude exchange which is good for us when getting ready for a trip. Husband is in shock that we actually got it all in the truck. We brought all in two trips but only going back in one. Husband is then stressed about the weight - good grief. </p><p>We gave 2 large loads of stuff to our housekeeper which helped. </p><p>We did have some trailer hitch drama which went something like this:<br />- Trailer hitch stolen several months ago off SUV<br />- Husband gets 2 new hitches when in USA in May<br />- 2 New Hitches do not work the greatest<br />- Husband orders another hitch<br />- I go out of my way to pick up while in USA on last trip<br />- I forget to bring them back to Mexico last week!<br />- We are going to make due with what we have and cross our fingers</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360111065635555186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SmLwnXfZB3I/AAAAAAAAAvQ/Ibuuls-11Ew/s400/IMG_8680.JPG" border="0" /><em><span style="font-size:85%;">One of 2 loads of stuff we are giving to our housekeeper.</span></em><br /><br /><strong>1:00 pm-2:30pm</strong> <strong>Mexican Landlord</strong><br />Mexican Landlord and Property Manager arrive for check out. All in good order. We discuss many repairs Mexican Landlord needs to make mostly around water leaks and talk for awhile. Mexican Landlord says is going to do a total re-do with new kitchen, plasma television – we will see – he definitely could since he made a sizeable sum from us this year having the villa rented in USDs for 13 months straight. </p><p>Housekeeper arrives. She cannot get a truck to our house to pick up stuff today. Our SUV is full now. We arrange for Property Manager to meet Housekeeper after we leave. We give her an extra couple weeks of pay – she has 5 ninos. </p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360113641954773010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SmLy9VBwiBI/AAAAAAAAAvY/9IFaYEwnyBU/s400/IMG_8682.JPG" border="0" /> </p><p><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Husband secures items on top of Pop</span></em> </p><p><strong>1:00pm-3:30 pm</strong> <strong>More Packing</strong><br />Complete securing items on top of Pop-Up Camper. Oh my gosh we can relax a bit. </p><p><strong>3:30pm-6:30 pm Relax </strong>Watch a movie, swim in pool and take showers. </p><p><strong>6:30pm-8:30 pm</strong> <strong>Walk and Dinner</strong><br />We walk to ocean village for tacos and cold cerveza. We enjoy our walk: <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SmL0T_h2riI/AAAAAAAAAvo/U9IMjmKgrRk/s1600-h/IMG_8691.JPG"></a></p><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SmL0T_h2riI/AAAAAAAAAvo/U9IMjmKgrRk/s1600-h/IMG_8691.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360115130832432674" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SmL0T_h2riI/AAAAAAAAAvo/U9IMjmKgrRk/s200/IMG_8691.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SmLzqbByMbI/AAAAAAAAAvg/JMYAqEwNiIU/s1600-h/IMG_8687.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360114416659607986" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SmLzqbByMbI/AAAAAAAAAvg/JMYAqEwNiIU/s200/IMG_8687.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SmL0T_h2riI/AAAAAAAAAvo/U9IMjmKgrRk/s1600-h/IMG_8691.JPG"></a></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SmL0T_h2riI/AAAAAAAAAvo/U9IMjmKgrRk/s1600-h/IMG_8691.JPG"></a></p><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SmL0T_h2riI/AAAAAAAAAvo/U9IMjmKgrRk/s1600-h/IMG_8691.JPG"></a></p><br /><p></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360121158307453106" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SmL5y1n4mLI/AAAAAAAAAwY/I-vx0VLPhoA/s400/IMG_8703.JPG" border="0" /> <p></p><p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SmLzqbByMbI/AAAAAAAAAvg/JMYAqEwNiIU/s1600-h/IMG_8687.JPG"></a></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><em>Walk through marina</em>.<br /><br /><p></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360116820401981618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SmL12VqoCLI/AAAAAAAAAv4/nAJD8EerXn4/s400/IMG_8706.JPG" border="0" /><em>One of our favorite taco stands in el centro that has been closed since April - I hope it re-opens in high season.</em></p><p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SmL2vsF7JoI/AAAAAAAAAwA/R7tOq9mzd-I/s1600-h/IMG_8709.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360117805674604162" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SmL2vsF7JoI/AAAAAAAAAwA/R7tOq9mzd-I/s200/IMG_8709.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SmL3i4r4xYI/AAAAAAAAAwI/Y5kDRrMhfDU/s1600-h/IMG_8722.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360118685228385666" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SmL3i4r4xYI/AAAAAAAAAwI/Y5kDRrMhfDU/s200/IMG_8722.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /></p><p></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><em></em></p><p><em>Walking through village to taco stand.</em></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5360119418180846658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SmL4NjJXxEI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/1yRUUEQWhEQ/s400/IMG_8718.JPG" border="0" /> </p><p><em>We check out the igaunas while waiting for our tacos.</em> </p><p></p><p><strong>I will "finish posting our walk later - gotta head out so we make it to Saltillo before dark! </strong></p>Frankly Rondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214064414695951062noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472204946386631254.post-63570758984157184452009-07-18T00:25:00.005-05:002009-07-18T01:50:03.300-05:00Shabbat Shalom & Shehecheyanu<div>Our candles are packed. So we improvised.<br /><br />The setting is in the pool beside the ocean at high tide. The roll of the waves is soothing. The sounds of a large Mexican family on holiday are pleasant.<br /><br />Husband, Youngest Son and I lit imaginary candles reciting the blessing, pretended our cerveza was wine singing kiddish and held up invisible Challah for the Hamotzi:<br /><div align="center"><br />Hamotzi lechem min ha'aretz<br />We give thanks to God for bread<br />Our voices join in song together<br />As our daily prayer is said: </div><div align="center"><br />Baruch atah adonai,<br />Elohaynu melech ha'olam<br />Hamotzi lechem min ha'aretz </div><br /><div align="center"><em>Blessed are You, Lord, our God, King of the Universe<br />who brings forth bread from the earth</em>. </div><br />I wish for Oldest Son a very special Shabbat tonight. His first Shabbat at Jewish Sleep Away Camp will be filled with song and tremendous fellowship. I think of the Shehecheyanu:<br /><br /><div align="center">Baruch ata adonai elohenu melech ha olam, shehecheyanu, v'kiyimanu, v'higiyanu laz'man hazeh.<br /><em>Blessed are You Adonai our God, Ruler of the Universe who has given us life, sustained us, and allowed us to reach this day</em>. </div><br />This joyous blessing is recited at the arrival of any long awaited occasion. Holidays come once a year, as does sinking your teeth into the first cherries of summer, and events such as b'nai mitzvah or the arrival of a new baby. All of these are occasions to say the Shehecheyanu. Any kind of a "first" ... <strong>First Shabbat at Jewish Sleep Away Camp and our Last Shabbat for this Move to Mexico.<br /></strong><br />Reciting this blessing enriches one's appreciation of the little things in life.</div><br /><div></div><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">A favorite photo of the boys earlier this year along our beach.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359688598187688402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SmFwYhmwQdI/AAAAAAAAAvI/kA1XjNvGiu0/s400/IMG_0345.JPG" border="0" /></span></em></div>Frankly Rondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214064414695951062noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472204946386631254.post-81210714806663866132009-07-17T16:32:00.007-05:002009-07-17T17:21:59.227-05:00Compulsion? Addiction? You Be the Judge<div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SmDu9sc1uQI/AAAAAAAAAu4/gOeD4rvLu6c/s1600-h/IMG_5691m.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359546300242442498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 282px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SmDu9sc1uQI/AAAAAAAAAu4/gOeD4rvLu6c/s400/IMG_5691m.jpg" border="0" /></a><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Oldest Son reading at bedtime.</span></em></div>
<br />We are packing up today. I think I have a healthy appreciation for books until I look at the numbers of kid books (just kids not even mine or Husband’s) I packed today then I wonder if it is more of an issue …
<br />
<br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">English Books</span></strong>
<br />48 Jewish
<br />12 Art
<br />12 Holiday (Thanksgiving, Kwanza, etc.)
<br />16 Eyewitness Non-fictions (World War I & II, Pirates, Cats, Dogs, Boats, Cowboys, Vietnam, etc.)
<br />60 Youngest Son Beginner Readers (mostly paperback)
<br />57 Oldest Son Books (5 Ancestors, Biographies, Classics, Artemis Fowl, Mysterious Benedict Society, etc.)
<br />5 Magic Tree house
<br />3 Flat Stanley
<br />5 Mini-books
<br />87 Paperbacks (Magic School Bus, Scooby-Doo, Curious George, etc.)
<br />26 A-Z Mysteries Paperbacks
<br />106 Hardback Picture as well as Non-fiction
<br />43 Paperbacks (Non-fiction Science, Nature, History, etc.)
<br />1 Complete Tales and Poems of Winnie the Pooh (I read to Youngest Son this year and cried at the end)
<br />
<br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Spanish Books</span></strong>
<br />49 Comics (Avengers, Spiderman, X-man, Secret Invasion, etc.)
<br />29 Spanish Books of various kinds
<br />
<br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">GRAND TOTAL: 547 Books! </span></strong>
<br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong>
<br /></span></strong>Before you judge me too harshly, here is what Oldest Son said to me last week when we were planning a trip to the local 2nd hand book store in USA – I swear he did!
<br />
<br /><strong><span style="color:#000099;">“Half-Price Books is my Heaven.”</span></strong>
<br />
<br />And I do not regret that I brought all our books but I am not sure I am going to have room to get them all in the truck ... update ya later ...
<br />
<br /><div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Husband reading at bedtime.</span></em></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359547040090807618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SmDvowmb3UI/AAAAAAAAAvA/CahfSuo4B-A/s400/IMG_5695.JPG" border="0" />
<br />Frankly Rondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214064414695951062noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472204946386631254.post-53222354794085585722009-07-17T01:35:00.005-05:002009-07-17T02:14:43.766-05:00Travel at a GlanceToday (Thursday 7/17) was my last flight into Mexico as part of our Move to Mexico. Fittingly, it had some unexpected excitement. After flying for about 20 minutes the plane did an abrupt 180 degree turn and headed back to airport. There was possibly a fire in the cargo area. I admit I had a moment of crash fright. We were met by fire engines on the tarmac. All was well though – false alarm. We left again 3 hours later.<br /><br /><p>While waiting, I calculated some travel statistics for the year:<br />- I spent 245 days in Mexico this year (out of 13 months.) The rest was in USA working.<br />- I had 25 round trip flights between Mexico and USA with 3 others within the USA.<br />- We did 2 round trips via car between USA and Mexico.</p>Frankly Rondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214064414695951062noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472204946386631254.post-2190863253636913332009-07-15T21:50:00.004-05:002009-07-15T22:02:39.727-05:00Reflections: More Lifestyle Surprises<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/Sl6XKqQ4OMI/AAAAAAAAAuw/UFTOtVpAdkY/s1600-h/IMG_5641.JPG"><span style="font-size:85%;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358886816017037506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/Sl6XKqQ4OMI/AAAAAAAAAuw/UFTOtVpAdkY/s400/IMG_5641.JPG" border="0" /></span></a> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Odest Son walking out our "backyard" with visitng buddies to search for sea life on the beach.</em></span></div><br /><div></div><div>I may be in stream of consciousness mode for the last of my Mexico posts as I reflect on the year … so more lifestyle surprises:</div><br /><div>15) <strong>Cash Basis</strong>: We have lived on a cash basis. No bank account. Just us and the ATM. We have paid cash for tuition, electricity, gas, groceries, everything.</div><div><br />16) <strong>Electricity Here It Is, Here It Is Not</strong>: During the rainy season, we can just expect the electricity to go out at some point when it rains but not always, of course. We really did not mind much. I just had to be flexible with work since all my work was via the internet and on the Vonage phone. </div><div><br />17) <strong>Books:</strong> Not much of a focus on books coming home from school or required reading. I guess it really did not technically affect our lifestyle that much because I had the casa stocked with lots and lots of kid books (wish me luck getting them all back to USA.)</div><div><br />18) <strong>Shots and Meds</strong>: We have been able to buy all our pharmaceutical needs right over the counter! And very inexpensively too! We have found when we do go to the doctor when sick that they give shots frequently along with several oral medications.</div><div><br />19) <strong>Medical Care Paid Out of Pocket</strong>: We never used our medical insurance in Mexico. We just paid directly to doctor which was always incredibly cheap.</div><div><br />20) <strong>Small Tiny Ants</strong>: Everywhere and on every crumb in minutes.</div><div><br />21) <strong>Commuting To Mexico</strong>: So one of my biggest surprises or miscalculations was how often I would travel back to USA for work. Grateful, grateful, grateful for the income. But, I missed my family very much and my personal experiences in Mexico were somewhat more limited than I had expected. Our family probably would have traveled a bit more within Mexico too. Husband took on all the heavy hitting childcare. However, I am not complaining just explaining. Husband and I would do it again in a heartbeat! The trade offs were well worth it. </div><br /><div>22) <strong>Commuting To USA</strong>: While in USA, I have stayed with my Super Special Friend and Friend’s Daughter (7 years old). Logistically, I was able to keep all my work clothes in her home along with toiletries so no schlepping luggage back and forth. Emotionally, what I have is more family now. Simple truth. Super Special Friend sharing her home has kept me sane and gave me something to look forward to when back in USA. The gifts abound from the Move to Mexico - even back in the USA.</div>Frankly Rondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214064414695951062noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472204946386631254.post-20312916717357849602009-07-14T22:21:00.003-05:002009-07-14T22:44:48.937-05:00Reflections: Ten Lifestyle Surprises<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/Sl1PR4DNthI/AAAAAAAAAuo/Om-n0uxyeUs/s1600-h/IMG_7243.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358526300162995730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/Sl1PR4DNthI/AAAAAAAAAuo/Om-n0uxyeUs/s400/IMG_7243.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;">Youngest Son "stopping to smell the roses" while on a visit to PV botanical gardens - not posed and symbolic for Youngest Son's approach to life. We have tried to follow his lead this year.</span> </div><br /><div></div><div>There are many things to reflect on from this past year. Here are some things that impacted our lifestyle:</div><br /><div>1) <strong>1 Car:</strong> Having 1 vehicle in Mexico has been completely fine for our family of 4 .</div><div><br />2) <strong>Weekends Free:</strong> With the complete elimination of extracurricular activities for the kids for the first 7 months and just a couple kid activities after school the last few months, we got our weekends back!! Actually, we got way more unscheduled time all the time.</div><div><br />3) <strong>Taco Stands:</strong> Eating at the taco stands through all of Mexico has been fun, cheap and yummy!</div><div><br />4) <strong>Lack of Punctuality:</strong> Getting where ever whenever is just the way it is – once you accept and embrace this cultural style – it is a major stress reducer. This includes no shows.</div><div><br />5) <strong>School Trust:</strong> We did not know in any level of great detail what was going on with the kids’ curriculum, what they ate for lunch, when tests may pop up, etc. We had to listen to our kids, pay attention to the little information we got and be observant. Then Let Go and Trust Our Instincts.</div><div><br />6) <strong>No Trophies for All:</strong> There are winners and they get rewarded. Deal with it.</div><div><br />7) <strong>Fiesta!</strong> The school celebrations, birthday parties and other events are joyous and uninhibited full of song, dance and sweets!</div><div><br />8) <strong>Topays:</strong> Speed bumps are everywhere and it is a full time occupation to watch for them as you drive!</div><div><br />9) <strong>Seasons:</strong> I have enjoyed living through a full year with 6 months of dry season and 6 months of rainy season. I reacted strongly in a positive way to this climate and its impact on the land, the ocean, the temperature, etc. </div><div><br />10) <strong>Adventure:</strong> Just the act of living in another country and culture created unexpected experiences constantly which I have loved.</div><div><br /><em>Timeline: I return to Mexico Thursday. Husband, Youngest Son and I have one more big road trip which we will begin on Sunday to return to USA.</em></div>Frankly Rondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214064414695951062noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472204946386631254.post-69797640312162729382009-07-14T00:14:00.011-05:002009-07-14T01:00:26.464-05:00Last Weekend - Snorkeling in the Mariettas<div align="left">Sunday (July 5th), we took an excursion (30% off!) to the Marietta Islands. It had snorkeling, kayaking, lunch, drinks ... the usual ... we had a great time. Our first adventure in the Mariettas was last Ocotber (<a href="http://movingkidstomexico.blogspot.com/2008/10/our-deserted-marietta-island-experience.html">http://movingkidstomexico.blogspot.com/2008/10/our-deserted-marietta-island-experience.html</a> ). This was our last Sunday for all 4 of us to be in Mexico wrapping up our Move to Mexico.<br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358181715279066562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SlwV4ZUztcI/AAAAAAAAAtw/DE6-injK3SI/s400/IMG_8531.JPG" border="0" /> </p><p align="center">Morning over the Sierra Madre mountains. I have become very fond of these mountains.</p><p align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358182112739240130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SlwWPh-sqMI/AAAAAAAAAt4/yGfHRsTpha4/s400/IMG_8556.JPG" border="0" /> Oldest Son ready to snorkel.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358182803901610770" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SlwW3wwpexI/AAAAAAAAAuA/jeAC8RVbtgI/s400/IMG_8573.JPG" border="0" /> Oldest Son and Husband in the kayak.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SlwXYEBib3I/AAAAAAAAAuI/V7gjCFUPE1c/s1600-h/IMG_8591.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358183358828539762" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SlwXYEBib3I/AAAAAAAAAuI/V7gjCFUPE1c/s200/IMG_8591.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SlwXv-pQveI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/y1X_86xtB1E/s1600-h/IMG_8595.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358183769701400034" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SlwXv-pQveI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/y1X_86xtB1E/s200/IMG_8595.JPG" border="0" /></a></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Somehow, Husband and I waited the entire year to drink our first beer and tomato juice and worcestershire and jugo maggi and tobasco and lime and salt - quite refreshing!<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358185788238895698" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SlwZleSGmlI/AAAAAAAAAug/7qDesvYi5iI/s400/IMG_8615.JPG" border="0" /><br />Ahhhh - brothers above ... and below Youngest Son crashed asleep in his shark towel.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358184813874964114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SlwYswfo5pI/AAAAAAAAAuY/dgdF7SSq6FQ/s400/IMG_8608.JPG" border="0" />Frankly Rondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214064414695951062noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472204946386631254.post-53378736163225610472009-07-12T18:52:00.005-05:002009-07-12T19:08:06.515-05:001st Family Member Back in USA<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/Slp3pEavg-I/AAAAAAAAAtg/oxVIXCiROTQ/s1600-h/IMG_8600.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357726254154875874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/Slp3pEavg-I/AAAAAAAAAtg/oxVIXCiROTQ/s400/IMG_8600.JPG" border="0" /></a> I brought Oldest Son back to USA this week. Today I dropped him off at Jewish Sleep Away Camp.<br /><br />I am soooooooo back in USA. This is how our first 2 hours in USA went. We landed. Got through immigration and customs. Took taxi and dropped off 200 lbs of luggage. Jumped in car immediately to take Oldest Son to swim party with his friends. Can you say thrust back into the “kid social whirlwind?”<br /><br />Oldest Son said as we rode in the taxi “I am luckier than most of my friends.” He was referring to being in Mexico for a year. At the same time, he was extremely excited to be home in USA and thrilled to be seeing his friends at the party. His emotions are very healthy. He appreciates our adventure while still loving his home. It is not one or the other.<br /><br />I will mostly have to adjust to the more focused, ubber parenting approach in USA. Today at Jewish Sleep Away Camp I decided it was time for me to leave the new parent (of camper) meeting when a parent asked “The Menu was not posted as of yesterday, when will it be up on website?” Since I have not known what my kids ate at lunch at school for the last year, this just did not seem like something I am overly concerned about …<br /><br />On the other hand, I was filled with bitter sweetness as I dropped off Oldest Son for 12 days! A parental threshold – my Oldest Son off on his own for the first time. Again, Oldest Son was extremely excited. He is a natural risk taker as shown by the picture taken on our last family outing in Mexico where he is diving off the second level of our excursion boat after we got special permission from the Captain.<br /><br />I go back to Mexico later in the week for Husband, Youngest Son and I to drive back to USA. Here is what Oldest Son will be doing in USA ... <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357729242866904978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/Slp6XCPN75I/AAAAAAAAAto/cymtMKjRPy0/s400/IMG_8670.JPG" border="0" />Frankly Rondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214064414695951062noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472204946386631254.post-46355885598830698672009-07-05T21:18:00.012-05:002009-07-05T22:14:10.021-05:00Youngest Son - Kinder 3<div align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355176128322251410" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SlFoUNZMqpI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/R-ruRt5aCDY/s400/IMG_8439.JPG" border="0" /> <div align="center"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Youngest Son</span></em></div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Kinder 3 Visitation Day</strong><br /></span>On June 25th, we attended a special parent breakfast and schoolroom presentations for Youngest Son in Kinder 3. Frankly, it was impressive.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355167016627019490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SlFgB1rxHuI/AAAAAAAAAsw/jTK2ruTZ7Lk/s400/IMG_8123.JPG" border="0" /> We first visited the English classroom where the Teacher had prepared a program with the children to demonstrate their English speaking skills. The children were so cute and their English was commendable. Youngest Son volunteered his Mommy to answer a question presented to me by each child in English and I was to respond in English (I was one of only a couple parents who could speak English). I happily answered their carefully worded questions: What is your favorite color? How old are you? On and on along these themes … when it was Youngest Son’s turn to ask me a question – he asked me “Te gusta chile, cebolla y ajo?” in SPANISH! The whole class cracked up and I, of course, could not answer him without an English translation of “Do you like chile, onions and garlic?”<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355169664955963298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SlFib_el16I/AAAAAAAAAs4/ZwSOydDC2YY/s400/IMG_8145.JPG" border="0" /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SlFkpUViUFI/AAAAAAAAAtA/sTlfUNeL6pg/s1600-h/IMG_8162.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355172092916682834" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SlFkpUViUFI/AAAAAAAAAtA/sTlfUNeL6pg/s200/IMG_8162.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SlFlvU7KI5I/AAAAAAAAAtI/nkxiSEjRj_I/s1600-h/IMG_8175_M.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355173295665324946" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 186px" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SlFlvU7KI5I/AAAAAAAAAtI/nkxiSEjRj_I/s200/IMG_8175_M.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />We then moved on to the Spanish classes. The first stop was a mini-class on mathematics. The kids “went shopping” and showed how they could count the pesos needed to “buy items.” The final Spanish stop was reading, writing and play acting a doctor's scene.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Graduation</strong> </span><br />July 3rd was Kinder 3 Graduation day. Youngest Son was a proud graduate and we were part of a large audience of proud parents. This was graduation for all the major transitions:<br />Kinder 3 – Preescolar – 35 graduates<br />6th Grade – Primaria – 24 graduates<br />9th Grade – Secundaria – 20 graduates<br />12th Grade – Bachillerato – 5 graduates<br /><br />It was held at a local hotel and the school did a very nice job including a slide show presentation with current pictures and baby pictures of every graduate.<br /><br />The Kinder 3 group then gathered at Peter Piper Pizza for an afternoon party. Think Chucky Cheese but not so obnoxious. The kids got a tour of the kitchen and played games. We finally headed home around 4pm. Fun was had by all.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">How has this year been?</span></strong><br />Kinder 3 is the ideal age to move a child into a 2nd language. There was very little stress with Youngest Son this year. He was learning to read and write in 2 languages just like his classmates. I know he did not understand everything at the beginning but in Kinder3 there is not allot of complicated issues. We did not hear any compliants from him, the teachers or the school ...<br /><br />Youngest Son finished his year with honors. Just like the upper grades, diplomas are awarded in Kinder 3. <strong><span style="color:#000066;">Youngest Son ended the year with 1st place diplomas in Spanish and English!</span></strong> Youngest Son naturally combines his intelligence with spirit and lives life to its utmost fullest. While the acquisition of his Spanish skills brought on a bit more playing and talking in class, it was never extreme or a major disturbance and demonstrated his great ease with Spanish (how is that for spin!)<br /><br />Youngest Son brings smiles, wit and laughter to this family every single day. Husband, Oldest Son and I love him with all our hearts. Youngest Son has the gift of making each day new and different.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355176930378796690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SlFpC5SYTpI/AAAAAAAAAtY/mmRGxOzYNBE/s400/IMG_8443.JPG" border="0" /> </div>Frankly Rondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214064414695951062noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472204946386631254.post-25577909388968713632009-07-02T16:24:00.006-05:002009-07-02T16:45:05.755-05:00Oldest Son – 3rd Grade<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/Sk0n8YGnaBI/AAAAAAAAAso/GFo-oCSTst4/s1600-h/IMG_8383.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353979450229221394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 382px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/Sk0n8YGnaBI/AAAAAAAAAso/GFo-oCSTst4/s400/IMG_8383.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div>Today was Oldest Son’s last day of 3rd Grade. Without exaggeration, this is a year that has changed his life. I truly believe his experiences will become part of his personal blue print.<br /></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Where We Began</strong><br /></span>We decided to Move to Mexico in late March 2008. Oldest Son had been in preschool and lower school with the same set of kids and families since 18 months of age. </div><br /><p>Oldest Son’s Spanish aptitude was shaped as follows: </p><p>(1) Twice a week Spanish classes at his school from PK-2nd Grade. He knew basic stuff like colors and counting. He could read Spanish phonetically and had knowledge of how Spanish alphabet is pronounced. But reading comprehension was very, very low i.e. not much of a Spanish vocabulary. His accent was pretty good.</p><p>(2) During April and May 2008, Oldest Son attended twice a week 1-on-1 tutoring.<br />(3) In June, Oldest Son did a 2 week Spanish immersion camp at local International School.<br />(4) Throughout April to August, Oldest Son used Rosetta Stone software on average 1-3 times per week.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>First Few Months of 3rd Grade</strong><br /></span>Oldest Son entered 3rd Grade with the day split between a Spanish Teacher and an English Teacher. Most of the kids are Mexican with Spanish as their 1st language. This school is a small Mexican private school with an English immersion program. It is NOT an Expat school.<br /><br />Hard. Hard. Hard. Oldest Son’s Spanish half of the day was completely in Spanish. His teacher only speaks Spanish. No translation available. Oldest Son did the best he could to track in class. Homework was tough. An assignment that should take 10-15 minutes would take over 2 hours. Husband and Oldest Son would laboriously translate the Spanish to complete his work. Oldest Son, Husband and I had a family meeting. We all agreed we needed more help. We worked with the school to get an after-school tutor twice per week.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>First Round of Spanish Exams</strong></span><br />In October we got our first dose of Spanish Exams. The 4 days of exams covered all subjects (math, science, grammar, history, etc.) and were completely in Spanish. It was stressful because the teachers were very direct in their expectations that the students study and do well. Oldest Son actually did okay on this first round. We were all pleased. I think this was when Oldest Son first started to realize that he was actually getting better at Spanish and that things were probably going to be alright.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Second Round of Spanish Exams</strong></span><br />As soon as October Exams were completed, there was another round in December! Oh my gosh. As you can guess, Oldest Son was less stressed since he knew what to expect. Oldest Son did better than October. Again we were very pleased. We then went on winter holiday.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>January through June</strong></span><br />January was the complete turning point. Spanish became a non-issue. Oldest Son was basically fluent. He could function in Spanish class as well as English class.<br /><br />The next round of Spanish Exams brought a 2nd place Spanish diploma and the round after that brought a 1st place Spanish place diploma. I think I am safe in stating that no gringo at this school has ever gotten a 1st place Spanish diploma. (The entire year he had received 1st place English diplomas.)<br /><br />He proceeded to gather various awards and accomplishments in Spelling Bees, Oratory, etc.<br /><br />There was the whole Expo situation in February with life lessons galore. See previous series of posts for the gory detail. (Feb 17 - 28)<br /><br />Mexican schools are big on competitive education – this one is anyway. They have a contest for everything and do not hesitate to publicly acknowledge the winners! Thankfully Oldest Son has been motivated by this paradigm. We are fortunate because I am not sure this approach is best for all kids.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Year End Accolades</strong></span><br />Today was the final school assembly for distributing diplomas and year end awards. Oldest Son received several awards including 1st place Spanish and English diplomas AND the <strong><span style="color:#000066;">Medal of Excellence</span></strong> for Entire 3rd Grade for total year recognition (see medal in pic)! Tears are in my eyes as I type this sentence.<br /><br />I am overwhelmed with admiration for my Oldest Son. He has shown bravery, perseverance and pride throughout the year. While we are certainly thrilled with Oldest Son’s academic success, there is so much more. I believe this journey has created strength of character and self-confidence that will shape his choices and decisions for all of Oldest Son’s life. Our parent-child relationship has grown stronger as we worked through the adversity together.<br /><br /><strong>For anyone considering time in another culture and in another language with their young kids, do it! Realize it is not easy but the rewards far out way the challenges.</strong></p>Frankly Rondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214064414695951062noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472204946386631254.post-69460553700664295912009-06-26T12:35:00.008-05:002009-07-02T16:45:42.908-05:00Red<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SkUIGfDmsKI/AAAAAAAAAsY/KtlGEPKWd7g/s1600-h/IMG_7916.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351692639708557474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SkUIGfDmsKI/AAAAAAAAAsY/KtlGEPKWd7g/s400/IMG_7916.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div>I took the picture above on the streets of San Pancho. Not sure what it is but the colors are lovely. Apparently, I was so impressed with the plant that I dropped my entire camera case here without noticing until 3 blocks later. Husband graciously backtracked to find it lying under this red beauty.</div><div></div><br /><div>And more red below along the sidewalks of San Pancho.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351695326814290178" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SkUKi5TiQQI/AAAAAAAAAsg/g9lt771qjGg/s400/IMG_7918.JPG" border="0" /> <div></div>Frankly Rondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214064414695951062noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5472204946386631254.post-77285408234102145392009-06-23T22:22:00.018-05:002009-06-24T13:55:45.300-05:00Road Trip To San Pancho<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SkGfihKT-BI/AAAAAAAAArQ/CbdRXeC6Yxg/s1600-h/IMG_7951.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350733247658850322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SkGfihKT-BI/AAAAAAAAArQ/CbdRXeC6Yxg/s400/IMG_7951.JPG" border="0" /></a>We have so enjoyed exploring various places in Mexico. San Pancho was no exception. It has its own unique qualities that we enjoyed. It is a small coastal village with lots of charm and an obvious prosperous element. There are many “2nd homes” to Canadians and Americans that influence the town. We were completely impressed with the sidewalks and street signs. Although the main drag was a total mess from construction.<br /><br /><div><div><div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350732625292095314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SkGe-Sqg71I/AAAAAAAAArI/zoFj8EMZe6c/s400/IMG_7956.JPG" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350734627688021442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SkGgy2K5_cI/AAAAAAAAArg/NroazZ57g6w/s400/IMG_8012.JPG" border="0" /> <div><strong>Costa Azul</strong><br />We stayed in an adventure resort on the beach called Costa Azul. We really liked it and enjoyed the luxury of air conditioning! It is not super fancy but just right for us ($99 per night.) The beach was gorgeous but no swimming due to the rip tide. The pool was really nice. And our favorite element? The Crabs!!! They were everywhere. (Just as you said they would be Steve: <a href="http://steveinmexico.blogspot.com/">http://steveinmexico.blogspot.com/</a>) Boys had a great time catching them, watching them and chasing them.</div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350738139685440034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SkGj_RYVyiI/AAAAAAAAAr4/8aOqGQYFWmM/s400/IMG_8058.JPG" border="0" /> <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350738892320086114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SkGkrFKbGGI/AAAAAAAAAsA/QkD5mlZ1548/s400/IMG_8068.JPG" border="0" /> <div><strong>Horse Ride</strong><br />The highlight of the trip was our horse ride on the cobblestone streets and through the jungle and up to the top of the mountain and down to the beach. Lots of wildlife including 2 snakes! And a Buddha statue put on side of dirt road on top of mountain - odd.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SkGiO6fuwQI/AAAAAAAAAro/mpk8dCCRHys/s1600-h/IMG_8042.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350736209397072130" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SkGiO6fuwQI/AAAAAAAAAro/mpk8dCCRHys/s200/IMG_8042.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SkGjI6mBxnI/AAAAAAAAArw/yjoZ6gSblK8/s1600-h/IMG_8044.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350737205855897202" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 134px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SkGjI6mBxnI/AAAAAAAAArw/yjoZ6gSblK8/s200/IMG_8044.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350739499339429938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SkGlOafHODI/AAAAAAAAAsI/ThMVmZfUDhs/s400/IMG_8078.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SkGdomMieQI/AAAAAAAAAq4/iWMgh92fAhs/s1600-h/IMG_7932.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350731153066326274" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SkGdomMieQI/AAAAAAAAAq4/iWMgh92fAhs/s200/IMG_7932.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SkGc1cE1YxI/AAAAAAAAAqw/tQL1jhm67xg/s1600-h/IMG_7928.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350730274176328466" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SkGc1cE1YxI/AAAAAAAAAqw/tQL1jhm67xg/s200/IMG_7928.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><strong></strong></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>Professor Noggin</strong><br />The boys love playing Professor Noggin games. We have many over various topics: American Revolution, Space, Civil War, Famous Explorers, Human Body, etc.. We took them to restaurants and played in hotel over entire weekend. We are a family of geeks. I admit it.</div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350740554925606082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SkGmL22eBMI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/qsjyHo9mCkA/s400/IMG_8114.JPG" border="0" /> <div><strong>Father’s Day</strong><br />We went to a great hotel restaurant in town for breakfast that had amazing food. Youngest Son presented gifts that he had cleverly transported as “extra toys in disguise.” He does have the biggest heart! Youngest Son enjoyed the courtyard mini-pool too! Oh and Husband also got a massage.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350731895141884114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 267px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SkGeTypI4NI/AAAAAAAAArA/xdCH3umQAdM/s400/IMG_7945.JPG" border="0" /> <div><strong>New Dessert</strong></div><div>Ever had chocolate covered strawberries on a stick dipped in sprinkles?</div><br /><div></div><strong>Polo Club</strong> </div><div>Yes. This town has a Polo Club and field! There was supposed to be a match Saturday night. We were pumped - I have never seen a Polo match and to see one in Mexico beach village … but we get there and it was postponed. Bummer.<br /><div><br /><strong>Rain & Fever</strong><br />Oldest Son turned up with another fever and we did get some rain. But I read a quote recently: "Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass...it's about learning how to dance in the rain." And we did.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350734002134523954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 267px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_E3qufYI0KYQ/SkGgObzVIDI/AAAAAAAAArY/k583ageIQOU/s400/IMG_7977.JPG" border="0" /></div></div></div></div>Frankly Rondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03214064414695951062noreply@blogger.com3