Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Tough few days

Me and Camila at the park

Camila and Isabel
Best Friends

Camila in action

We spent some good quality time at the park on Sunday night. The evenings cool off nicely here.  The kids had a great time. I added to the blog, but the internet seized up and it got lost.  We moved into our apartment on Monday, which is clean and spacious enough, but somewhat spartan compared to what everyone is used to.  Ali is having a tough time getting adjusted to living here.  Sevilla is not exactly living up to what she had anticipated. The biggest issue seems to be the kids having trouble settling into a stable rhythm.  This weighs quite heavily on her.  

I have convinced her not to fly home tomorrow(insert nervous laugh) as the girls are set to start their Spanish preschool.  Hopefully getting them into a more regular routine will help.  The school is nice and both girls seem genuinely interested, so I am hoping for the best.  We shall see how it goes.  

Hope everyone is well and had a good weekend. 
-Dave




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10 comments:

  1. mvcarverSeptember 21, 2011 at 4:10 PM

    a similar story with a happy ending (http://northstateparent.com/2011/08/living-abroad-with-young-children-one-family%E2%80%99s-pilgrimage-to-spain/).

    Stress only complicates. Yoga and wine will make everything better! ¡Salud!

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  2. Mama TSeptember 21, 2011 at 4:23 PM

    Love the new pics at the park. Thinking of you guys and please give Ali a BUG hug for me! xoxo

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  3. Mama TSeptember 21, 2011 at 4:23 PM

    I mean *BIG* hug :) Not sure what a bug hug is - but it sounds interesting :)

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  4. A HarropSeptember 21, 2011 at 5:10 PM

    Moving to a new city is tough....moving to a new country is going to take some adjusting! I bet in another month you and Ali will be laughing over this little bump in the road.

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  5. The PettigrewsSeptember 21, 2011 at 5:21 PM

    Thanks for the encouragement!!

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  6. Matt CSeptember 21, 2011 at 5:22 PM

    Dave! This blog is awesome and the pics are great. Sounds like things are falling into place! Once you guys get the kids in School, you'll get some much needed rest and time to reflect together. Take some Vacation-like adventures and do some exploring that you can't do with the kids. Don’t forget to enjoy the time there! It will all be over before you know it and you'll miss the smell and feel of your time there in Spain.(the good and the bad). Lastly, don't forget to find a good local watering hole to make your mark on,(don't forget all your training!) I expect some intelligent and equally impressive new wine and liquor recommendations as you retake you role as the local sommelier on our future regular culinary adventures. Wish we were there and look forward to the next blog!!!! Give Ali and the kids my Love!

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  7. btollbergSeptember 21, 2011 at 6:42 PM

    Yes, Dave, the first few weeks are going to be the hardest. Natalie and I took several days to figure out the lay of the land and that was not having to worry about getting an apartment, dealing with school, kids, etc. Once you get into a routine (like Matt said), you will truly be able to enjoy and appreciate Spain. Natalie and I miss a lot of what we did there, including the tapas, wine, sights, and just their zest for life. If you get to Barcelona anytime soon, let me know. There was an ice cream place on the waterfront that will change your life...for real. Give Ali and the girls a hug for me and I will talk to you guys soon!
    Brian

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  8. T babySeptember 21, 2011 at 6:57 PM

    Once the girls get into the swing of things and the routine of school, it will all be worth it. Have some faith and remember how lucky you guys are to have this opportunity. It will just take some adjusting. Yoga, wine, and patience :)
    Xoxo!
    Love, Kiley

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  9. BrookeSeptember 21, 2011 at 10:36 PM

    The nuggets will adjust- and you will be so grateful that you and Dave gave them such an incredible experience at a young age. We miss you! xoxoxo
    Brookiey and Craiggy

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  10. Jen DeSousaSeptember 28, 2011 at 1:42 AM

    Hi Ali, Dave and family!! I'm so sorry it's taken me this long to figure out how to blog, I've never done this before and not computer savvy! Thank you so much for letting me be a part of your journey. I was shocked when I got your email and so excited for you guys! How brave you are and what stories you and your children will have because of this experience! I cannot imagine how difficult it must be to adjust, but you sound like you are doing a superb job! So wonderful to hear that you found some friends from the states, yeh!! Your girls are beautiful and I'm so happy for you all as a family. What an amazing opportunity and experience. I can't wait to hear your next blog...hang in there, you guys are tough! xo

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