Today I overheard Theo telling Jack that 'he was going to kill him' (for the record it was because Jack had peeled his string cheese wrapper back instead of letting Theo do it). I started to discipline Theo telling him that we don't kill people because they are made in God's image. At this point, my two-and-a-half year old piped up and said, 'David killed Goliath?' with a bit of hesitancy in his voice.
Are you kidding me? I already have a five year-old making these kind of comments, I had no idea that it starts younger with the second child. I am in for more I am sure!
Oh, and then three minutes later that lovely five year-old wanted to know when Satan was born. Let me assure you this was the first in a series of like 15 questions. After about question number 3, I wanted to yell, 'Wait until Dad comes home to ask these questions' but I tried my best to persevere with the right answer (I hope!) and patience.
Thursday, 17 March 2011
Monday, 14 March 2011
Boys and their jerseys
While I was in Lisbon, I purchased Jack and Theo both football (soccer) jerseys. To say they love them would be an understatement. They literally have worn them most days since I have returned. They often ask me to wash them each night. After they come out of the washing machine I hang them on the radiator to dry. The boys have become so accustom to this that they now go to the radiator to get their jersey when getting dressed each morning.
I got Jack the Lionel Messi Barcelona jersey and Theo the Ronaldo Portugal jersey. Since then we have found a YouTube clip that shows these two footballers competing against each other in different clips to see who is best. The boys love to watch it. Jack is pretty sure that he is the better player, but Theo likes to heckle back. It is also very common for them to 're-enact' many of the great moves they see on this YouTube clip. They usually do some type of bicycle kick which really is just an awkward fall on the ground. They don't stop there though. On no, they then get up and do it in slow motion calling it a 'replay'.
Here they are in their jerseys.
I got Jack the Lionel Messi Barcelona jersey and Theo the Ronaldo Portugal jersey. Since then we have found a YouTube clip that shows these two footballers competing against each other in different clips to see who is best. The boys love to watch it. Jack is pretty sure that he is the better player, but Theo likes to heckle back. It is also very common for them to 're-enact' many of the great moves they see on this YouTube clip. They usually do some type of bicycle kick which really is just an awkward fall on the ground. They don't stop there though. On no, they then get up and do it in slow motion calling it a 'replay'.
Here they are in their jerseys.
Tuesday, 8 March 2011
Fun in Lisbon - Part 4
So after we had our unexpected shopping excursion, the sun began to come out and we decided to go back to our hotel drop off all of our wet clothes and head to the castle. We were waiting to ride the famous tram 28 which is a city street car that is famous and winds through tight streets and takes you up the hill to the castle. We went down and caught the tram with no problems. We were told that the trams are a hot place for pickpocketers so we were on our guard. Even more, all the guide books say that tram 28 is the favourite of pickpocketers due to the large number of tourists riding it. One specific book even told us to pay specific attention when some 'scene' or 'commotion' happens as this is often set up to be a distraction so that pickpocketers can make their move. After knowing this our particular ride was really exciting because right when we got on some crazy guys (literally - I think they were most likely drunk and a lot of them didn't have any teeth) jumped on the back and started hanging on and yelling and screaming. Keri and I were very entertained by them but being savvy tourists also kept a good hold on our handbags. It was even more exciting when a cop car came up behind and turned on their siren and all the guys quickly jumped off. It was actually really funny and all the tourists on the tram were appreciative of the scene as it provided good laughs and memories.
Tram 28
Us on Tram 28
We got to the top of the hill, but we were clearly not at the castle. It then became apparent that the tram would normally go around the corner and back down the other side of the hill. Not this time. This time our driver started yelling back at everyone in Portuguese. We had no idea what he was saying but body language is indeed fairly universal so after lots of hand gesturing all of the tourists slowly made their way off the tram. There was another tram directly in front of the one we had just gotten off so we decided that maybe that is what we were suppose to do so we got on that one.
We then started down the hill which is what we wanted so we were quite happy with our navigating at this point. We made it about 200 yards when we looked down the hill and saw what appeared to be a riot. People were yelling and such - after a bit more looking we decided that it was not a riot but instead a peaceful demonstration or protest. There were tons of protesters though and there was definitely no way that our tram could make it through. This was pretty clear to us but became absolutely clear when our tram driver turned off the engine.
Knowing that our time to spend in the castle was expiring, we went to the front of the tram and asked the driver how long it would take to walk to the castle. He told us 5 minutes. That sounded like a good idea and was definitely going to get us there faster. I then proceeded to ask him how we should walk there to which he replied very matter of factly, 'just walk right through' as he gestured towards the swarms of people protesting in front of the tram. Keri and I looked at one another and reluctantly thought -- okay. So off the tram we went and this is where things started to get even more interesting...
As we tried to navigate our way down the hill to the castle and through the protesters we found ourselves basically walking side by side with all of the demonstrators. It was really funny. They were chanting and waving flags. Keri and I could not control our laughter and it got even funnier when a demonstrator handed me a flag to wave as well. I decided to apply some great travelling advice, 'When in Rome do as the Romans' so I joined right in. I even tried to chant at which point Keri abandoned me and decided to become the photographer (see our pictures below). She wasn't the only media frenzy people there - there were also news videos and cameras. It was absolutely hysterical.
We finally managed to make our way to the front of the crowd and then overtook them making a turn towards the castle and leaving them behind. I can honestly say that with all the castles I have seen in the past 7 years, none of them had a better prelude! [ed note: we found out back at our hotel that 'we' were protesting government cuts]
The protest
Erin 'protesting'
The castle itself was very pretty and offered great views of the city and bay. After the castle we went into a little gift shop. Keri was looking at some postcards while I wandered to the back to look at some other things. Neither of us made any purchases and left to wander back down the hill. We were not more than 200 yards outside the gift store when we heard yelling. We turned around to find out that the yelling was at us. The store manager was running after us and yelling. He then proceeded to ask Keri where she put the postcards. Keri, realising that he had thought she had stolen them, quickly went into apologetic mode. She quickly told him that she hadn't taken them and that she had put them back. She offered to go back and show him to which he realised that she was completely honest and guiltless so he told her he trusted her and we went on down the hill. Seriously though, so many funny things happened on this excursion!
Erin and Keri at top of the castle
The square that we stayed in
View of sea from castle
We then found a lovely place to eat dinner (and I would like to point out that we didn't even start dinner until 10:30 pm - not bad for an early-to-bed girl). After dinner we decided that we wanted ice cream and decided to wander to McDonalds for an ice cream cone. We stayed there until past midnight and it was hopping with people.
We got up the next morning and went to a local bakery before walking to the sea once last time for some beautiful pictures with sunshine - a big contrast to the pictures we got on Saturday morning. We then headed for the airport and home to England and Germany respectively.
Sunny Sunday
We had such a great time. I am so grateful for the friendship I have with Keri and am very thankful we had this opportunity- a friendship and memories that will last a lifetime. I am already looking forward to the next time we can travel together!
Tram 28
Us on Tram 28
We got to the top of the hill, but we were clearly not at the castle. It then became apparent that the tram would normally go around the corner and back down the other side of the hill. Not this time. This time our driver started yelling back at everyone in Portuguese. We had no idea what he was saying but body language is indeed fairly universal so after lots of hand gesturing all of the tourists slowly made their way off the tram. There was another tram directly in front of the one we had just gotten off so we decided that maybe that is what we were suppose to do so we got on that one.
We then started down the hill which is what we wanted so we were quite happy with our navigating at this point. We made it about 200 yards when we looked down the hill and saw what appeared to be a riot. People were yelling and such - after a bit more looking we decided that it was not a riot but instead a peaceful demonstration or protest. There were tons of protesters though and there was definitely no way that our tram could make it through. This was pretty clear to us but became absolutely clear when our tram driver turned off the engine.
Knowing that our time to spend in the castle was expiring, we went to the front of the tram and asked the driver how long it would take to walk to the castle. He told us 5 minutes. That sounded like a good idea and was definitely going to get us there faster. I then proceeded to ask him how we should walk there to which he replied very matter of factly, 'just walk right through' as he gestured towards the swarms of people protesting in front of the tram. Keri and I looked at one another and reluctantly thought -- okay. So off the tram we went and this is where things started to get even more interesting...
As we tried to navigate our way down the hill to the castle and through the protesters we found ourselves basically walking side by side with all of the demonstrators. It was really funny. They were chanting and waving flags. Keri and I could not control our laughter and it got even funnier when a demonstrator handed me a flag to wave as well. I decided to apply some great travelling advice, 'When in Rome do as the Romans' so I joined right in. I even tried to chant at which point Keri abandoned me and decided to become the photographer (see our pictures below). She wasn't the only media frenzy people there - there were also news videos and cameras. It was absolutely hysterical.
We finally managed to make our way to the front of the crowd and then overtook them making a turn towards the castle and leaving them behind. I can honestly say that with all the castles I have seen in the past 7 years, none of them had a better prelude! [ed note: we found out back at our hotel that 'we' were protesting government cuts]
The protest
Erin 'protesting'
The castle itself was very pretty and offered great views of the city and bay. After the castle we went into a little gift shop. Keri was looking at some postcards while I wandered to the back to look at some other things. Neither of us made any purchases and left to wander back down the hill. We were not more than 200 yards outside the gift store when we heard yelling. We turned around to find out that the yelling was at us. The store manager was running after us and yelling. He then proceeded to ask Keri where she put the postcards. Keri, realising that he had thought she had stolen them, quickly went into apologetic mode. She quickly told him that she hadn't taken them and that she had put them back. She offered to go back and show him to which he realised that she was completely honest and guiltless so he told her he trusted her and we went on down the hill. Seriously though, so many funny things happened on this excursion!
Erin and Keri at top of the castle
The square that we stayed in
View of sea from castle
We then found a lovely place to eat dinner (and I would like to point out that we didn't even start dinner until 10:30 pm - not bad for an early-to-bed girl). After dinner we decided that we wanted ice cream and decided to wander to McDonalds for an ice cream cone. We stayed there until past midnight and it was hopping with people.
We got up the next morning and went to a local bakery before walking to the sea once last time for some beautiful pictures with sunshine - a big contrast to the pictures we got on Saturday morning. We then headed for the airport and home to England and Germany respectively.
Sunny Sunday
We had such a great time. I am so grateful for the friendship I have with Keri and am very thankful we had this opportunity- a friendship and memories that will last a lifetime. I am already looking forward to the next time we can travel together!
Friday, 4 March 2011
Goliath's Sandals
Today before we began reading:
Jack: Mom, how can Goliath have sandals on?
Erin: What do you mean?
Jack: I thought sandals only came in kid sizes and adult sizes.
Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, has to do with sizes, measurements, times, etc. right now. And for a mother who likes 'rounding' Jack's exactness can be exasperating. I have to often remind myself that his inquisitive mind is a good thing...I think!
Jack: Mom, how can Goliath have sandals on?
Erin: What do you mean?
Jack: I thought sandals only came in kid sizes and adult sizes.
Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, has to do with sizes, measurements, times, etc. right now. And for a mother who likes 'rounding' Jack's exactness can be exasperating. I have to often remind myself that his inquisitive mind is a good thing...I think!
Wednesday, 2 March 2011
Fun in Lisbon - Part 3
We decided to give Saturday morning the prime tourist activity slot. In the morning we had planned to take the bus down to the seaside and see some of the most impressive attractions, most notably, the Belem tower, the Jeronimos Monastery, and the Monument to the Discoveries. There was also a pastry shop that every book and person raved about that we were determined to make it to, which served famous custard cakes. So we woke on Saturday morning ready to tackle the city. Then we heard pitter, patter, pitter, patter....
You have got to be kidding me! We had picked Lisbon because it was hailed as the sunniest European city. Keri and I were both thinking that escaping overcast, rainy, foggy London and Heidelberg in February would be great regardless of where we went, but even better if we escaped to sunshine. Hence our decision to go to Lisbon! We opened the blinds to see that it was indeed overcast, rainy, and foggy. Besides the architecture we could have been in London based on what we were seeing.
We picked up our jaw and our attitude and set off. Thankfully Charles had thrown the umbrella in for me at the last minute. We hadn't even boarded the train when I told Keri that I had to get some new shoes. I had only packed cute little red shoes that are super comfortable but not going to do the trick in the rain. It was actually a good downpour by now. I wanted to look for some cheap boots that I could tuck my jeans into so that they wouldn't drag and get wet. She agreed that would be good so we went in a few shoe shops there in the main square. After culturally be ignorant and not realising that there was a bucket that we were suppose to put umbrellas in at the front of the shop (don't worry we were quickly corrected by the only unfriendly Portuguese person the entire trip), we found a really cute pair of black boots for €10 which we thought was a steal. I am fortunate enough to have small enough feet that I was able to buy boots from the kid's section so I got them cheaper. They do say 'rock music' on the back but we decided to overlook that for the price and necessity of the moment!
We then caught the train, red shoes in plastic bag and boots on, and headed towards Belem. The train ride was uneventful. We managed to get off right in front of the little pastry shop and went in for a treat, hoping that maybe the rain would stop while we were in there. These little pastries were super yummy. We then decided that the rain was not going to stop so we decided to venture out anyway. We walked to all of the monuments in a complete downpour. The sights were pretty but we were absolutely drenched. We were laughing at the beginning but at the end we were downright miserable and cold. We decided that we would catch the train back to city centre and look for some cheap clothes to buy, since we had both packed so lightly that we didn't have any spare options. (Ed Note: At 5:30 the night before leaving we found out that Jack had lice, which after inspecting everyone turned into Theo having lice too! - therefore, I spent the entire night shampooing all five of us (yes Addie's bald head too!) and doing loads, and I mean loads of laundry. We were up to 4 am doing laundry so my packing was a little haphazard.)
We then spent about two hours shopping in Lisbon. This was not part of the itinerary but we had so much fun. We found great bargains and realised that Lisbon was a very affordable European city. Keri ended up buying a new winter coat for €10 since here other one was absolutely soaked and I found new jeans (since I had only packed one pair - although the bottoms were dry from my new boots!) for €10. We then were carrying loads of plastic bags with our original clothes in them. We decided that we would head back to our hotel and try to hangout our wet clothes to dry before venturing off to the castle. Oh, and I should let you know that it is now about two o'clock and SUNNY! If we had only reversed our itinerary, oh well! Live and Learn. We have loads of memories and some fun clothes to show for it!
Erin just starting to get wet (cute boots though!)
Discovery Monument
Keri and a very useful umbrella
Belem Tower (A World Heritage Site)
Evidence of our wetness
And a video show the lovely weather
Keri and her new coat:
You have got to be kidding me! We had picked Lisbon because it was hailed as the sunniest European city. Keri and I were both thinking that escaping overcast, rainy, foggy London and Heidelberg in February would be great regardless of where we went, but even better if we escaped to sunshine. Hence our decision to go to Lisbon! We opened the blinds to see that it was indeed overcast, rainy, and foggy. Besides the architecture we could have been in London based on what we were seeing.
We picked up our jaw and our attitude and set off. Thankfully Charles had thrown the umbrella in for me at the last minute. We hadn't even boarded the train when I told Keri that I had to get some new shoes. I had only packed cute little red shoes that are super comfortable but not going to do the trick in the rain. It was actually a good downpour by now. I wanted to look for some cheap boots that I could tuck my jeans into so that they wouldn't drag and get wet. She agreed that would be good so we went in a few shoe shops there in the main square. After culturally be ignorant and not realising that there was a bucket that we were suppose to put umbrellas in at the front of the shop (don't worry we were quickly corrected by the only unfriendly Portuguese person the entire trip), we found a really cute pair of black boots for €10 which we thought was a steal. I am fortunate enough to have small enough feet that I was able to buy boots from the kid's section so I got them cheaper. They do say 'rock music' on the back but we decided to overlook that for the price and necessity of the moment!
We then caught the train, red shoes in plastic bag and boots on, and headed towards Belem. The train ride was uneventful. We managed to get off right in front of the little pastry shop and went in for a treat, hoping that maybe the rain would stop while we were in there. These little pastries were super yummy. We then decided that the rain was not going to stop so we decided to venture out anyway. We walked to all of the monuments in a complete downpour. The sights were pretty but we were absolutely drenched. We were laughing at the beginning but at the end we were downright miserable and cold. We decided that we would catch the train back to city centre and look for some cheap clothes to buy, since we had both packed so lightly that we didn't have any spare options. (Ed Note: At 5:30 the night before leaving we found out that Jack had lice, which after inspecting everyone turned into Theo having lice too! - therefore, I spent the entire night shampooing all five of us (yes Addie's bald head too!) and doing loads, and I mean loads of laundry. We were up to 4 am doing laundry so my packing was a little haphazard.)
We then spent about two hours shopping in Lisbon. This was not part of the itinerary but we had so much fun. We found great bargains and realised that Lisbon was a very affordable European city. Keri ended up buying a new winter coat for €10 since here other one was absolutely soaked and I found new jeans (since I had only packed one pair - although the bottoms were dry from my new boots!) for €10. We then were carrying loads of plastic bags with our original clothes in them. We decided that we would head back to our hotel and try to hangout our wet clothes to dry before venturing off to the castle. Oh, and I should let you know that it is now about two o'clock and SUNNY! If we had only reversed our itinerary, oh well! Live and Learn. We have loads of memories and some fun clothes to show for it!
Erin just starting to get wet (cute boots though!)
Discovery Monument
Keri and a very useful umbrella
Belem Tower (A World Heritage Site)
Evidence of our wetness
And a video show the lovely weather
Keri and her new coat:
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