Sunny Spain....Back in Mallorca

Stepping off the plane in Mallorca was like being wrapped up in a warm blanket after coming inside from a cold day outside.  I was definitely not dressed for the blanket wrap and desperately wanted to start stripping off the layers of winter weather clothing I was wearing.  Don't worry I restrained myself so as not to make everyone in the airport feel awkward although I am not sure anyone wold have noticed since they were all so self involved.  Oh yes let's talk for a minute about the fight from H-E double hockey sticks.  First off Ryanair is rubbish but cheap so you know you aren't going to get any frills but we at least thought they would accommodate my dad

Worth the flight for this view!

on crutches and let him use the lift. Nope...they made him limp down 3 flights of stairs and walk all the way across to the plane.  Once we got seated on the plane the madness began...there was the child sitting in front of us who was using the seat as a trampoline, the child in front of him who's speaking voice was more like screeching at the top of her lungs instead of talking, and then if that wasn't enough add on the 2 grandpas behind us with hearing issues so their conversation (which did not stop for the entire 3 hour flight) was just below the level of the screeching child.  Luckily I had my earphones and 3 episodes of Project Runway to

Family lunch...Spain family meets California family 

watch so I was ok.  My dad had his noise canceling head phones but poor mom just had a book and her ability to tune things out which was being tested on this flight.  By the time we arrived we all needed a drink for sure.  It was all worth it in the end though to get to this lovely island.  My parents took off to their villa and I went to my Mallorca home.  The next morning I was greeted by my little kiddos and Diana showed me the ropes for school time duties.  It took a couple of days to get into the routine and there were a couple of rocky moments but we got through it.  My parents also hit the ground running and started exploring the

Maxime...While posing said "You should take a photo"

island.  They saw more of the island in the few days they were here then I have done in the months I have been here.  Guess I have to catch up with them now.  We did meet up one afternoon and had a lovely lunch at one of our favorite beach spots.  I was so happy that my families got to meet each other.  It is such a blessing that they were able to come over and meet everyone and see where I have been spending so much time.  I didn't get to see too much of them while they were here because I was working but we squeezed in a few moments here and there.  They also came over to the house for a Sunday birthday celebration for the kids Grandma who was also visiting.  It was nice for them to get to come over and see where I am living and meet the kiddos.  Now while my parents were out driving all over the island I was hanging with some pretty cool kids.  I have never been here during school time so it is a bit different.  It is the daily routine of get up, eat, get dressed, head to school.  Like I said before the first day was a bit rough but now we have it down....The kids are amazing.  Every morning we are ready with time to spare and they are so proud of themselves for getting their "jobs" done in the morning so they can

Little Cheeky Monkey Luis

play a bit before they go to school.  There is a who rides in the front seat schedule so no more issues there and everyone is happy.  I am quite enjoying being back on a schedule and having responsibilities.  I am not loving getting up at half 6 to start my day but I will get used to that again too. The weather here has been beautiful.  So much sunshine.  Quite a change from what I was in.  It's back to sundresses and flip flops for a bit which is nice.  I have started playing padel again which is super fun.  I took my first lesson last week....it was all in spanish which I understood most of and what I didn't get they other lady in the class with me translated.  I definitely have a goal of learning Spanish.  I am doing well understanding a lot but that doesn't do too much good when you can't respond back.  I will get there but it is gonna take some time.  For now there is a lot of Spanglish that happens.
With school and all the kiddos activities the days really fly by.  The also have started taking tennis lessons which is fun.  I love tennis and can't wait to play with them.  Maxime is getting the hang of it quickly so we should be on the court together in no time.  Life is definitely good here and I am super

In case you forgot what I looked like Luis has drawn a portrait of me.

 happy to be back on the island.  I adore these children and quite enjoy my time with the family.  I must say though one of my favorite moments was walking up to Luis when he was concentrating very hard on some art work, looking over his shoulder and seeing that he was drawing a girl.  I asked him who it was and he said "Can you spell your name so I can put it by your picture"  Bless him....sweetest boy ever.  This drawing now has a permanent spot in my room.  I feel so lucky and blessed everyday!
I said good bye to my parents but this was not our final stop together. They were heading to Barcelona and I was going to take my two

Just another sunny day in Mallorca.

days off and follow them.  More exploring Spain in the next post....Barcelona!