First Day of Preschool is Full of Mixed Emotions

Today was Olivia's first day of preschool. I've been prepping her for this day for quite some time. When we were visiting family last month, she would proclaim that she was going to school in September. She was so excited.

When the big day came around, however, Olivia, Lila and I were each filled with mixed emotions (Daddy's traveling around Europe again with "The Boss"). Olivia hasn't been to any sort of formal care since we lived in Fort Wainwright. She's been home with me nearly every day since we arrived here. So, it came as no surprise to me, this morning, when she was hesitant to enter the classroom. As her teacher rushed her into the room, towards the other children and away from me, I became nervous and a bit sad. She looked so alone! And, boy did her blonde hair stand out among all the dark haired Portuguese children!

Lila started to cry for "Iia" as we walked to the car. She hugged Olivia's bear all the way home! She cheered up when got home and found our housekeeper cleaning. She made herself useful right away and followed Louisa around while I baked some bread for lunch. The house was so quiet without Olivia, I had to put some music on because I couldn't stand the silence.

When I picked her up right before lunch, she had seen me coming through the window and started to cry. She rushed out of the classroom and quickly handed over her uniform to her teacher (it's called a "bibe" and all the students wear them. They are long-sleeved and hang down to their knees. They are quite nice because I don't have to worry about her shirts or nice dresses getting stained from dirt, paint, etc). In the car, she asked why I didn't stay with her all morning and then, in the next sentance, asked why she wasn't staying for lunch. I know she'll get used to it, however, I hate to see her so confused.

Her teacher told me that she understands Portuguese very well. I'm not sure if Olivia was pretending to undersand (nodding yes to any and all questions) or if her twice a week swimming lessons, for the past six months, have helped. Time will tell.

This year's theme at her preschool is: "All About the Outdoors." Trees, flowers, gardening, etc. I think Olivia will really end up having a great time, once she gets used to it and really starts to grasp the language.

Olivia has the option of staying all-day (it is one price whether she stays half a day or full-day). However, she'll probably go in the mornings four days a week. Next month, on Fridays, if she's adjusting well, she may stay all day, in order to enjoy lunch with the other children and take a ballet class after naps.

If you're wondering why she isn't going to an English speaking school, we have a good reason. All the English speaking preschools are about $1,000/mo. for half-day programs. We don't feel that any preschool is worth that much money and we feel that the long-term benefits of a pricey preschool, no matter how great the program, would be minimal to none (however, that is only our opinion-not based on any studies). Olivia will have one year in an American preschool, in Kansas, next year. There, we believe, she will catch up on anything she is missing out on by not attending an American/English school. If I'm coming across defensive as to our decision, I'm not trying to be. We're happy with our decision and are excited to see how Olivia grows in a different cultural environment!

Festas do Mar

On Sunday, Matt and I took the train down into Cascais (10-min train ride) to enjoy the last day of Festas do Mar. I was finally able to try a dish of the mini-snails (the name of the dish escapes me) that I often see the locals eating. I think these would have been especially yummy had I washed them down with a Super Bock (beer). My glass of water didn't really wash down the slightly bitter taste they had. However, they were, actually, quite tasty. The broth they were cooked in made the dish. I liked them, however, I don't think I'll be spending money on that dish again. After eating half of the plate, I opted to make a switch to something chocolate!

We met up with some friends and walked around the festival. Mostly make-shift restaurants set up on a strip next to the small boat harbor. They sold fresh grilled fish, cheap beer, sausage sandwiches and more.

Scouts of Portugal Beer Booth

Matt thought it very amusing when we passed a booth run by the Scouts of Portugal (same as Boyscouts of America except that Scouts in all, but America and a few other countries - Iraq, for instance - are co-ed) and realized that the teenagers working the booth were selling beer. He then noted, with further amusement, that one of the girls was wearing her scout scarf with only a tanktop, in which her breasts were just a tad bit exposed. Matt, an Eagle Scout, just couldn't get over how lax the Scout rules are here.

We finished up the evening by walking half way home, by the sea, with our friends, bellies full of great food and a few good laughs.

Friends Through All These Years

Matt and Al Posing with Olivia and Alyssa

I was a little bit sad as I stepped onto the plane in Lisbon, last month, to head home on vacation. Knowing I had less than a year left in this country, I didn't want to miss a day. What pushed the saddness aside, was the knowledge that I was going home to see great friends (and family, of course). Time-tested and true friends. You just can't pass up an opportunity like that.

The day after we arrived in NY, we were able to see the Renna's. Al and Matt met during Scout camp as young teenagers. Many years later, they ran into each other at Suny Albany. It wasn't too long before they became college roommates. Al and his wife, Michelle, started dating during Scout camp. Matt, Al and Michelle, obviously, go way back. I enjoy listening to them talk about the "good ole days" when we all get together. Al and his family (their daugther isn't too much older than Olivia, and their son is a bit older than Lila) drove up from Scraton, PA just so they could spend a few hours with us. The next night, Matt and Al, Al having business in the area, were able to spend some time together catching up. We're hoping Al and his wife are able to make it out to Portugal before we leave.

Amie and Natalie - Friends from Infancy

Amie and I go way way back. In fact, our mothers grew up as neighbors. Years later, they found themselves neighbors once again - raising a family just doors down from each other. Amie and I have known each other from birth. We've shared many summer days, sleep-overs, baking sessions with her mom, walks and bike rides around the block.

When we were seven (me) and six-years-old, our mothers' took us to see Oliver at the Flynn Theater in Burlington, VT. Each year after that, twice a year, we embarked on a night out at the theatre with our moms. The oldest daughters in each family. We carried on this tradation for nearly two decades. I'm quite certain that Amie has tickets of those memorable evenings scrapbooked away somewhere (not me - I'm way too disorganized for that!).

We've stuck by each other through bad boyfriends and the inevidable broken hearts they leave behind. From time to time, we've lost touch. But, always, when we reconnect, anyone listening in on our conversations could be inclined to think we were sisters.

Olivia was the flower girl in her wedding last month. We wouldn't have missed it for the world! We're a little bit sad that we won't be able to carry on the tradition of raising our children together. We will, however, continue to carry wonderful memories in our hearts and, for sure, we will continue to make more memories when opportunites present themselves (and they always do). Next year, for instance,the Army will move us a bit closer to each other...

Laura and I at Chaddsford Winery in Pennsylvania

Of course, I can't forget Laura! She and I spent out high school years swapping babysitting nightmare stories. We shared a few classes and, of course boyfriend problems (does any teenager not have boyfriend problems). Our long conversations on the phone were often interrupted by a certain sister of mine unplugging the phone. When she moved to Pennsylvania, we stayed in touch. She's made many trips back up to Vermont and I've made a few trips to visit her. She and her husband, Lee, came up to Alaska and spent a week with us. Recently, she and her husband paid us a visit here in Portugal. As always, we had a lovely time together! Lee and Laura were very impressed with Portugal and hope to get back someday. Like many Americans, they had no idea Portugal is such a great vacation destination!

When my mother-in-law agreed to watch the girls overnight last month, I hopped on the chance to drive to PA to visit. We shared an evening of shopping, good food, good wine and good conversation. In the morning, we drove to Chaddsford winery and tasted some local wines before ending our day with a fantastic lunch before I had to head back my girls. I hated saying goodbye, as always!

I also have to give a special shout out to the Silverstrim Family. It's through them that I met my husband (Martin, in particular) and now live this rich, ever changing-life! Once again , they opened up their home for us doing our stay in Vermont. Bill, especially, helped me get the kids to bed each night. We enjoyed dinners out and quiet evenings watching the Olympics together. Thanks again, guys. Martin, we better see you here soon!

Great friends, great times!

Where Does the Greatest Olympian Ever Vacation?

The 14-time Olympic gold medalist chose the Algarve, Portugal (approximately three-hour drive from the Lisbon area, where we live) to relax after making history at the Bejing Olympics.

Phelps flew into Lisbon and then drove down to Vilamoura. The Portugal News writes: "...he chose Portugal as it is a relaxing place with friendly and open people, and he promised to return in the near future."

More articles can be found here and here.

If you're on the fence about where to vacation next, and my blog and pictures haven't convinced you enough, maybe Micheal Phelps will help you get off the fence and do like he does:

Visit Portugal!