More Pictures at the Port

More Photos By Miriam and Simon-On the Port

Pictures Near Itziar

Beautiful Basque Country

Introducing...Txerra!

Gerald has a new name. This past year he has answered to many different versions of his name-the most popular one being: YERAL. I personally love this one. It makes me laugh. But today, he and Joseba were at the surfboard repair shop to fix a ding on a board (ooh, don't I sound so surf savvy?!). The guy was writing down their names to call them when their boards are repaired. He heard Joseba say Gerald's name and this is what he wrote down: TXERRA. Pronounced: Ch-err-ah. And then confirmed it by addressing Yeral, I mean-Gerald, as "Txerra."
Gerald is quite pleased with the new Basque version of his name. I will miss the old Yeral, but am welcoming in Txerra.

Hey Good-Looking!

Simon has had a rough year. School proved more difficult than we thought. He has struggled with the language and with adapting here. We are figuring out a few different ways in which to lessen his struggle and to adapt with more ease. One thing we are focusing on is helping him to feel competant. He has mastered a few household chores that he takes great delight in. For instance, I no longer have to do any laundry. Simon loves sorting and keeping the laundry clean! He is also quite a coffee making expert. He enjoys grinding the beans and mixing just the right amount of coffee and water. We especially are appreciating this new talent Simon has!
We have also given him the job of "milk guy." When we run out of milk we send him two blocks down our street to a little shop to buy milk. He has the system down to exact change. The women who work in the store seem to have taken a real liking to this blonde headed american boy who buys milk for his family. Sometimes he comes home with freshmade desserts they give to him. The other day Simon came home smiling. He told us he got the store laughing. When he went in, one of the ladies greeted him with: "Hola Guapo!" and not missing a beat, Simon returned the greeting with this: "Hola Guapa!" Apparently, it was a real hit!

Photos By Miriam

More Pictures Miriam Took

Giving your three year old a camera makes for a unique perspective.

Pictures Miriam Took

You Are Not Sisters...

After playing at the park, Jillian came to me with a disturbed look. She explained that a girl told her that Miriam and her could not be sisters because they were not wearing the same clothes. It is true, most siblings (even brother-sister) wear matching outfits, especially on Sundays. So now, my girls-to validate their "sisterness" will wear matching outfits. Simon has opted out of this one.