Au Revoir Paris, Hola Madrid

Au Revoir Paris, France

Hola Madrid, Spain

On Father's Day, we said goodbye to Paris and hello to Madrid.  Even though it was a cool 65 degrees in Paris, my kids pretended they were in Saint-Tropez ... and went topless.  I was bracing myself for 90 degree Texas heat in Madrid, but our first days here were rather pleasant.  I know the heat is coming in a week or so, but am glad Madrid is giving us a chance to get acclimated.

We are in Madrid to scout out the possible future home for the Phanbergs and put the kids in summer school so they can play with Spanish speaking kids and hopefully, be encouraged (or forced) to speak Spanish.  Peanut has been in a Spanish school for about 4 years and his teachers tell us he understands it very well, but we've never heard him say more than a couple of words.  Fingers crossed that the little plan J and I hatched works!

J found a summer school in Madrid a couple of months ago and we got to visit them in person today.  The teachers and head of the school were incredibly warm and welcoming.  I am always anxious when leaving the kids at a new place be it school, summer camp, dance class, etc., so I was filled with anticipation to see them at the end of the day and hear about their experience.  Peanut and Rocky have never failed to reassure me that they're flexible and resilient kids.  They had a good time, so, in my mind, it's a done deal.  Sign us up!  The kids have their special activities and J and I have free time to explore the city.  It's a win-win!