The Distinguished Man

He's done! He made it! He's home again! My distinguished man is a distinguished graduate of the leadership academy he was attending in Germany these past six weeks. It was a lot of hard work but he had nothing but great things to say about his instructors and fellow students. Congratulations honey and, as always, job well done!

Monte do Brasil Courtesy of Ethan

This time the pictures are ALL Ethan's! His class took a field trip to Mt. Brasil and he convinced me to let him take the camera. I warned him that we would both be in trouble with Dad if anything happened to the camera but he proved himself to be very responsible- nice job Ethan! He told us all about the fort, nature walks and a park with a zip line, I think this will be our next family destination.

Eggs and Vinegar

It's not a science experiment (ever made a rubber egg?), it's the smell of my house- unfortunately. Must be egg decorating day! I made sure to grab up some white eggs from the store just for dying and half of them blew up in the boiling water- not sure what that means- so we did some of our brown ones too. We got some interesting shades and the boys had fun- what more can you ask for!?

Serreta Revisited

A couple weeks ago we finally got the kids out to Serreta- the park Kevin and I found a while back. We packed up some snacks and spent a few hours walking around, exploring and playing at the park. One little boy played on the teeter-totter with us for quite a while- he spoke some English but his favorite phrase was "oh my God!" which he kept yelling as we hopped up and down. It takes a good 45 minutes to get there, surprising considering the size of the island, so next time we go I think we'll make it for the whole day!

Evolution of the 'Stache

March was fun but also hairy! I don't know why the the coming spring makes men want to grow facial hair for fun but that's just what our goofy guys in uniform were up to. Because of the fuzz I was eager to welcome April. Kevin had to tease, of course, that he was thinking of keeping his facial accessory but I was ready to take matters into my own hands (in the middle of the night) if needed. He's back to his smooth, handsome self which makes it more fun to look back at the pictures, laugh and share them with everyone in the online world. And for all of his taunters who weren't impressed with his 'stache - he grows an outstanding goatee!

Hens In the House

Ever since we arrived in Portugal I've been eager to get some chickens. Day to day there's usually lots to do around the house and lately I haven't given more than a wishful thought to the whole idea. Well my husband, who never settles for me telling him I don't want anything, went out and got me some chickens for my birthday! I was so surprised and excited- we spent the day making some old pens in the back into a coop area. They have the whole yard to roam during the day and a safe, dry place to be penned up for the nights. Their nesting boxes are in what many years ago would have been a bathroom! They don't seem to mind, they're already down to the business of egg laying. Thank you to my sweet husband- I love them!

The Winner Is....