Together Activities

Sunday was Father's Day. Since we didn't have a vehicle, and we are all just exhausted and finding our groove, I decided that the best thing I could "muster" for JB was a day where he could do whatever he liked, with or without me and the kids (his choice), but not have to be "in charge." In other words, I'd change the diapers and make the food and monitor naps, unless he wanted to step in. In other words, he'd get to enjoy the kids without having to take care of the kids.

He could choose the activities and schedule for the day too. So he chose (a) individual time with each boy (b) some time to blog (c) dinner out and then (d) watching Portugal soccer (aka futbol) at home after the kids went to bed.

So that's exactly what he did.

The boys chose what activity they wanted to participate in. Technically, they were given the option to attend both, but it just worked out that they each chose something different. Elijah wanted to go to the rocks by our house and peruse the tide pools. Isaac wanted to go shopping with JB. So that's what they did.

JB just did another fantastic post on tidepooling with Elijah that those of you who are intimately connected with our family would probably really enjoy reading. (It's written on my intellectual level, unlike many of his posts that are way beyond me so don't panic before you give it a chance.)

My husband is in heaven here in the Azores. I didn't realize how much Turkey was cutting off his ability to "get in nature" until we came here. Every day, his favorite thing to do is go and look for sea creatures. He is anxiously awaiting the arrival of our household goods and his snorkeling equipment so that he can get in the water.

After his morning at the beach, he and Isaac went out looking for household items (like light bulbs) and when they came home, JB was grinning from ear to ear. JB has always wanted to raise bees, but he always thought it would have to wait until we got back to the States. But he had found a place that he can buy the bee equipment (which I sort of understand what that is only because I read The Secret Life of Bees a few months ago.) He anxiously started researching and is now just waiting to see whether or not he can get bees here as you can't have them shipped from the USA. When he expressed his excitement about the possibility of raising bees here, I said to him, "Why in the world would you want to raise bees JB?"

To which his reply was, "Why in the world would I not want to raise bees?"

Sometimes it is utterly beyond me how he and I get along so well. We are such different people! But I love him so much, even if he wants to raise an animal that stings you.

After that, we walked along the beautiful walking path that lines the water by our house. This walking path is popular with locals from other towns too. People drive to our town just to walk this path since most towns don't have sidewalks. It's perfect for me and the boys as they can ride their little three-wheelers safely. There are some also steep hills and ramps, which they love to zoom down (even though they have to get off their bikes to push them back up the hills.)

Following our walk, we went to the only restaurant in our town -- Buzios -- which just happens to be right around the corner. It is fantastic. They specialize in pasta and seafood, and are perfect for us having three little kids because they serve sausage pieces ("hot dogs") and a bread appetizer that keeps the kids happy in the beginning, and then they have ice cream cones for dessert (which allows us to enjoy the last few bites of our meals in peace.) JB asked the chef to "surprise him" with his best seafood dish, and he got a sampling of all the current specialties. He was in heaven.

The evening concluded with us watching Portugal win 2 to 1! What a wonderful day -- even for me having to be "in charge" on the weekend. Just great to spend quality time with my four favortist people.