A few "kid-bits"

I often worry that the kids aren't adjusting well or that they will never learn Spanish. I really am wasting my time. God has a great way of gifting children with resilience, and ours are no exception. Although there are many aspects of Bolivia they do not like, it's "not as bad" as they first thought. With every new friend, every successful communication, every sunny day to play, they really are establishing a home here. "We have two homes, right mom?" Canyon likes to ask. It's true. We are actually becoming a cross-cultural family. Here's a glimpse of their life in Bolivia:

Glacier loves excursions -- something that breaks up the routine. He looks for adventure like his dad and always is wondering what we are doing next. While our language classes don't allow us to take huge breaks at this point, we try to fit in small day-trips on the weekends to a park, a tourist site, or simply the market. When I ask the kids what they liked best about the outing, it's ironically not the spectacular view or the fun at the park. Glacier always recalls if Coca-Cola was part of the trip or not. If so, then it was a successful trip!

Canyon is feeling proud lately due to meeting some important milestones for a four-year-old. He's making great progress learning to swim and has recently removed the training wheels from his bike for good. He gets this trademark smirk on his face when he hears our cheers. But when visitors come, Canyon doesn't care to show them his new abilities...he'd rather show off the sirens on his bike which sound as if a police car is right outside your door. I'm sure our neighbors simply love this feature. ;)

Coral is probably the one experiencing the least cultural adjustment. She just continues on with life, picking up both English phrases and Spanish alike. "Mom, espina (pricker) in my foot," she'll say, or "Buenos Dias" to anyone who comes her way. Unfortunately, English and Spanish are not the only languages she's learning. Sibling influence is high in our house, and the boys find great amusement in creating their own words for Coral to repeat. Now Coral says "antmeal" instead of "oatmeal," "Happy doe-day" for "Happy Birthday," and "Hit-Boomie" if she falls down. Of course the boys find this all delightful and Coral loves their attention. I have tried to correct her, but the new vocab (along with giggling brothers) has stuck. The boys win this time.