Matt's heading on a two week, three country trip, with the Navy today. So, this weekend, we took the girls to tour the Navy ship that Matt will be traveling on. It's a communication ship and holds about 1000 civilian and military personnel. Olivia was quite impressed with the ship in general. On board, we got to see a library, internet cafe and several rooms with computer work stations. She really enjoyed climbing on the above helicopter that travels with the ship, a relative of a Blackhawk, and taking a seat with Lila.
Lila was mostly interested in getting out of the Ergo and running around. About 12-days ago, she was still taking up to 15 hesitant steps at a time. Last weekend, she started offically walking and gave up crawling altogether. This weekend, she started running. Matt is quite impressed. We both have laughed together that she is walking so well, so quickly, that she must have known how to walk for several months now, but refused for reasons unknown for us.
She's also doing a lot of other things that gets Matt laughing. Matt missed this stage of Olivia growing and maturing. Lila is growing into a really fun stage and she pulls at Matt's heart-strings often. He's just amazed at her rapidly growing vocabulary. She's leaving babyhood behind and growing into a toddler quickly. It's not uncommon for her to throw herself on the ground and throw a tantrum or grab a toy away from Olivia and hit her when Olivia tries to take it away. Of course, giving the dog her food and throwing food on the floor is new and very upsetting to Matt. Olivia was past that stage by the time he got home from Iraq.
In other weekend news, Matt and I went to the Obidos International Chocolate Festival. Matt and I try to get away without the girls one night and one afternoon each month. We take the girls with us almost everywhere. However, it is essential, for us, to have some time away from the girls a few hours once or twice a month. We are firm believers that one key to a happy marriage includes date night or date afternoon on a regular basis! Most often, we go out to dinner after they are in bed. We've been able to do this since Lila was about eight-weeks-old and began to nurse every three-four hours instead of every one or two hours (of course, at that age, we didn't stay away for much more than two hours). This weekend, we escaped to the festival as the girls were going down for an afternoon nap.
We were disappointed with the festival. We really like Obidos. There are local artisans in shops making pottery or painting tiles. The famous Ginja liqueur is sold and available for sample in little chocolate cups. But, for the most part, in my humble opinion, Portuguese don't know how to make good chocolate truffles and desserts. While it was advertised as an international festival, I think most of the chocolate bakers were Portuguese. For example, there was a huge line for chocolate chip cookies and just when I was about to get in line to purchase some, I noticed that the cookies were hard and burnt looking. I like a chewy cookie. That's, pretty much, how the festival went. Bad chocolate treats, poor demonstrations and chocolate art work. I don't think we'll go back next year unless we have visitors during that time. Okay, we did get some nice ceremic mugs of hot coco. Caldas da Rainha, a mile or so away from Obidos, is known for one type of Portuguese pottery (among the many types throughout Portugal) and the mugs we recieved are from that region. While this type of pottery is a little too funky for me, I did like the mugs.
As we drove home, I started to feel achy and by the time we got home (an hour drive), I had the chills and felt like I'd been hit by a bus. I'd been fighting a sore throat with Zicam and Echinacea tea for a couple of days. So, it came as no surprise that I was really starting to get sick. Matt helped me feed the girls dinner and put them to bed. He tucked me into bed and cranked up the heat as I was shaking uncontrollaby and freezing. Of course, he's leaving today for two weeks. It's the pefect time to get sick. I woke up this morning with a fever. Popped some Motrin, made myself more tea, dosed up on Zicam and a wonderful throat spray they sell here (and not in the US) and am feeling well enough to take care of the girls. We actually did a couple of shape projects and a puzzle this morning. I think it's quickly passing. But, we skipped out on play group this morning and we'll, most likely, spend the day in PJ's and watch a little too much TV. Hopefully, the girls won't get this. However, I'm prepared. I'm relieved I got it first so I know what to expect when they get it. I noticed Matt was coughing as he walked out the door this morning. Cold and flu season has finally welcomed itself into our home!
Have I told you how much I love living here? I, still, after several months, cannot believe that Matt was fortunate enough to get stationed here. He didn't even pull any strings! It was given to him - practically out the blue. Really, I am not joking. His Navy friends here think he must be lying because they practically brawl to get a job here (it's very competitive for Navy officers to get jobs here). This will probably be the most kick butt assignment we ever get. The only downside is that it is not in close proximity to many other countries. Aside from that, we aren't missing a thing. What an adventure. 
Why am I so excited? Well, while our families are enduring snowy, wet weather in the NE, we are soaking up warm sun and breezes! Even during the rainy season, such as now, we still have long stretches of warm sun. We can eat outside, leave the sliding door to the back porch open and roam in and out freely. We can sit on the balcony, enjoy a coffee and a good book while watching neighbors pass by and catching glimpses of the sea. A well-deserved reprieve after a few years in Alaska! 
So to all of our close friends and family who have mentioned a possible visit to Portugal, mull no longer. Just get here. Really, you ARE missing out. Portugal may not be that well known to many of you, but, it's a gem of country. I would almost dare to say that it's one of Europe's, "best kept secrets." Though, some of you world travelers may disagree. Who knows. Who cares. Just come. Our home is waiting for you! 
Since I'm feeling better, today, after Olivia's three-year-old check-up (All is good. Still on the small side, of course.), we ventured to the "new" park I promised to bring her to. It sits next to a cafe. The ocean breeze sends the rich, dark European coffee from the cafe into the air as you walk up to the park. We had a yummy lunch there after playing. The pictures are of our park visit.
