And Lydia

 And....successfully putting everyone under her spell.

Bring It Summer!!

Successfully completed third grade, first grade and kindergarten.  

 

Merry and Bright 2010

 

It IS a wonderful life.

The Source

 

Uploading in the U.S.A. is an absolute dream. There were weeks at a time that I couldn't even get logged into our blog and then when I could, it would take a Rip Van Winkle to get anything to upload. Some frustrations/aspirations in life...are worth eliminating or at the very least putting on hold. So blogging gave way to living and playing on the island. And I'm glad for that.

So now I think I might just post our year last year for a whole 'nother year. After all, Eric will be glad to point out that we have about 15,000 or so photos. Really? I think he must be including his photos that he took of mosquitos landing on different colored pieces of fabric. Truly. It must include the thousands of those as well. Or not? No matter.

Volcano filtered water, anyone? Tasty.

Our Kentucky Home

 

All right boys. We will now sing hymns in English, French, Tahitian...and Bluegrass drawl. Look sharp.

"What? You don't want to wear flip flops and shorts to church anymore? Why not?"
"Dylan? Yes?"
"You love Tahiti. Me too. You like THAT house. You like PK 18 (beach). Of course."
"When will we go back?"
"That's a tough one. That's a tough one."
"Yep. Let's send Tati Annie, Tati Marie, Tatita and Tati Fifi and all our friends lots and lots of kisses."
"It's all right. Let's dry those tears. I'm sure they're thinking of you too."

Papeete Ukeleles

 

It's a good day when you make this discovery on the corner of town where you happen to be. And you happen to be there because while you were waiting at the bus stop, a woman stopped and offerd a ride to you and your toddler which you accepted surprised but glad. So instead of cramming into the faded, worn bus full of people, you get to talk to a Tahitian dance teacher and exchange stories in French about your children. And so when you get to town, this is where you say good-bye to your stranger good samaritan now friend. The chorus of voices and the strumming of ukeleles makes you stop and for many long moments, you know that all you need to do is just stand there and enjoy. Such happy sounds in a happy world.

 

When I say something like, “It’s totally crazy that our water comes into the house through an above ground hose that looks pretty much like a basic garden hose,” Eric will say, “Well you should see the system in Ecuador!”

When I say, “Wow. That bus I rode the other day. It was pretty trashed, noisy and dirty.”
“You should see the busses in Ecuador!”

“It sure would be nice to have a car here.”
“Well. You wouldn’t have one of those in Ecuador. Hardly anyone has a car.”

“There really are people living in those shanties under the coconut trees. Can you believe it?”
“You kidding me? The housing is great here compared to Ecuador.”

“It’s just awful that petty theft is such a problem.”
“Well, at least they’re not coming at you with a machete. Like in......(you guessed it) Ecuador.”

“It is so hot here? We are all drenched in sweat! An air conditioner would be nice.”
“I don’t think I even sweat this much in Ecuador.”

And so I am pretty convinced. I am glad we are living in Tahiti NOT Ecuador. Even with all the sweating.