A street musician.

Some nice people and cars.

Happy 7th B-day Jillian! Zorionak!

Roller blades from Simon

Simon loves wrapping gifts! Jillian has been using his roller blades so Simon gave them to her for her B-day. She has been rolling around every day since.

Apple pie instead of Birthday Cake!

Jillian asked Jenni to make Apple pie for her B-day. Jillian loved it, but her friend Nirea was not so sure...

Miriam and her friend Christina at school.

Miriam is happy it is her last day of school!

All Dressed Up, And No Place To Go

Fun Fair

Periodically, they set up these cool little kid's fair type things. This weekend, in our neighborhood, the put up a little Txiki Tren and a trampoline. The kids had great fun.

Out And About

Bikes are the best way to travel here!

Us And Our City

The Beginning of My Demise

Yes. This is McDonalds. Yes, my children are eating ice cream here. And, I must confess further...there is only one drive-thru of any sort in this whole country, and tonight, we drove-through it. And my children ate it. And I have no one to blame but myself. And culture-shock.

One Day...

He's gonna need therapy! This is what Simon enjoys doing to his "guys."

A Silent Protest

Every week in the old part of the city there is a silent march of people from the Basque Country. They carry a picture of someone that is imprisoned. From what I understand, many are falsely accused, and are innocent. People hold the pictures as a reminder of these loved ones and walk around the city following a car which is blaring out a sad, eery song. I am sure the song is significant. I don't know what it is, but it makes me want to cry-it is lovely and lonely.

We got caught up in the protest unexpectantly. You can see Gerald in his striped sweatshirt holding Miriam (just think: "Where's Waldo.")

The Benefits

Well, it took us nearly 10 months to discover it, but we have made up for lost time. Chocolate con churros, or Chocolate a la taza. It is like chocolate pudding, only way better. It is becoming a daily need for me. Like drinking water is a need.

Undecided

I wasn't sure what to title this blog entry. I had two ideas: Things I May Never Get Used To or for the second, simply titled: Why?!! You can decide for yourself.

1. Naked, old, men RUNNING on the beach. (things I may never get used to OR why?!!!)
2. The smell of the supermarket. It smells strongly of fish and laundry detergent mixed together. It is not a pleasant smell (things I may never get used to OR why?!!!)
3. The parks are used for public restrooms (and I do mean public) by both children and adults alike. Oh, the stories I could tell! (things I may never get used to OR why?!!!)

An Education In Citizenship

Mom (reading a question from Simon's Brain Quest Cards): Simon, what do you call a citizen of Canada?
Simon: A Cannibal.
Mom: Hmm, not quite.

Just Plain Cute

Tadpole Hunter

Next to our flat is a very beautiful and rustic park. There is a pond with little critters of all types swimming and hopping around. We decided to let Simon catch a tadpole and keep it in his room for 24 hours. He named his tadpole "Jenny." I am not sure if I should take it as a compliment, though. After 24 hours of living in Simon's cave...well...let's just say the little critter was meant to stay in that pond. But, it the end, it was a fun experiment for us all (except Jenny.)

For My Boy

I love the lyrics and music of singer Sara Groves. Many times her songs have been like a healing salve. Her song "A Song to My Sons" is no exception. It has become my prayer for my own son:

This is a song for my son(s) for when you understand it
You know how life is full you know we couldn't plan it
Your dad and I prayed for strength and understanding
For things we couldn't see or comprehend

This is a song for you to carry in your pocket
Take all our love with you in all the paths you walk in
I can't always say your life will always go like it should
But I can say that God is always good

And when the cold wind blows like I know it will
And when you feel alone like I know you will
And when the cold wind blows like we know it will

Don't let your love grow, Don't let your love grow, Don't let your love grow cold

*This is a song from my heart a small refrain to hold you
For times when we are apart and I can not console you
Be honest with yourself and don't forget to pray and read your Bible every day