back to the routine

We're getting settled back into our routine of out the door for school, out the door for school, pick up, pick up, homework, play, dinner...The kids were reluctant to go back, Heather because she had a different teacher and didn't want to read her journal out loud in class and Charlie because Heather was. Both had great first days back on Tuesday and seem to be at least agreeable to continuing with their education at their respective schools. We've had nice weather mixed in with the rain and the kids are enjoying time outside between the raindrops. Cameron likes to climb up the big climber and slide down the twirly slide face first. I have to catch him in the middle to make sure he doesn't twist upside down but otherwise he's really enjoying his new trick. Today was "men's friendship day" or some such day in the Azores--the men go out to eat and party on their own. Women's day is next week. Charlie's school celebrated by making canes and having a contest with the kids voting to see who's they liked best. We made a "cane" more like a walking stick twisted with ribbon in the colors of Portugal and with his male classmates names glitter penned on some of the ribbon. It was cute and Charlie won second place based on teh kids judging. The kids I believe judged the American kids first--the Portugese kids seem to love the 4 American kids that go to school there which is really sweet. Charlie also got a report card from school which indicated he was somewhat timid and shy, however he knows how to show his feelings and have "democratic values such as sharing, consoling others, and the spirit of helping each other". Cute!