Saying goodbyes

We spent our last afternoon in Puerto Rico visiting with América again—not to mention that Luka actually tried América's habichuelas, and liked them too!

Goodbyes are always so difficult. As I write this entry, I am by myself now on a plane back to Portland, having left Kristin and the kids in Charlotte for a week in North Carolina with her folks that I wasn't able to stay for. Wow, how I miss them!

Feeling mopy and empty, I've spent some time on the flight looking through all of the pictures  of the kids, from the birth through our trip this week to Puerto Rico. What a journey! And it's only the start.

And while these last pics of the goodbyes make me sad too, I cherish these pictures or Tati with the kids—it meant so much to her to meet them, and for us that Annika and Luka were able to meet her. 

They all really bonded too, and several generations of our family held court while the oldest member loved the newest, who showered her with love in turn.

América is a very special woman, and at 95 years old, it's hard not to think every time that we say goodbye that there's a very good chance that it will be the last. No more of that!

Instead, let us show the love:

Annika started talking up a storm and telling long yarns that kept us all laughing and entertained:

Here she is hamming it up with Abuela.

And showing us her infectious, coy joy.

Meanwhile...

Luka stirs our hearts with his bright eyes and smile!

Which, truth be told, was preceded by a small nap:

The afternoon ended with some time with Tati, 

and the twins playing together after gesturing to be brought together:

Saying our goodbyes:

And hoping they are see ya' laters!

"See ya later, Tía!"

Which actually happened twice, because, who can resist love?

"Goodbye, Tatti, you're the best! And stick around, because we forgot to let Annika try your habichuelas! Topi!, topi, topi!"

El Morro

On our last evening in San Juan, we took the kids to El Morro. The fortified fortress that once guarded what is now the old part of the city sits atop a bluff overlooking the Atlantic, now a wide space where people gather to enjoy the view, the open space and the sunshine.

It's also a great placed to get a piragua (shaved ice), and it is where André used to fly kites with his dad when he was a kid. It's a place we imagine bringing the kids back to over the years.

Our gnome shot by El Morro

Proud dad!

From there we walked down the path behind the governor's palace that takes you into Old San Juan and toward the old doors to the city that take you to the Paseo de la Princesa before winding our way back up to El Morro again amidst the old city's ballast brick lined streets and old balconies.

Gnome shot with balconies.

The kids seemed to like the new city views quite a bit. They really love all the strolls among places that will eventually be a part of their collective conscience and their historical, familial tradition too.

Hopefully by the time they are old enough to walk, the Bombonera will be open again, and we'll be able to take them there for a mayorca too!

In the meantime...

Morning naps

Just in case you were wondering...

It's true!

A long night followed by a long morning nap.

In Old San Juan - Paseo de la Princesa at Sunset

Yesterday evening after going to Tati's house we took the kids in to Old San Juan for a sunset walk at the Paseo de la Princesa. )The paseo is an old roadway that goes around the old part of the city on the outside of the old fort walls.)

Here is our indie album cover shot selfie (Luka and Annika really have the aloof, detached indie rocker look down- they are Portlanders after all!):

And the follow up album shot:

Here's Annika enjoying the views:

The paparazzi were out in full force for this celebrity sighting:

Notice how the entourage takes care of the drinking habits of one of the two stars  while the other one practices her distant stare.

Abuelo's always good for a laugh!

On the pier by the old door to the city.

Some perspectives on the walk:

And the view from above:

It's never to early to chew in Sofie the giraffe.

Proud mom.

Beautiful mom!

Nice smiles all around. It was a lovely walk for everyone!

Annika's Mornings with Idalia

Annika loves her lap time on the balcony with Tía Idalia, where she can talk up a storm and tell us all about the trees she is  watching move in the breeze.

Meanwhile, on the improvised playpen, Luka catches up on some rest after deciding he wanted to be back on Portland time last night at 4 AM...

It was a busy morning before dawn!

Lunch at Tía América's house

Lap time with Tati

Meeting Tato, Eilleen's dad, in Tati's kitchen, where all the magic—and the action—happens.

Now that's my kind of smile!

Saying hello to Tía after the beach adventure.

Annika, Kristin and Tati bonding as we arrive from the beach outing for lunch at Tati's house.

"Really, you did that?"

"Oh, yeah, you should have seen me, Tati, I was in all the way to my thighs!"

Perfect smiles...

I chose to open and close this entry with these beautiful images of Annika with Tati, with andré's mom Evelyn in the backdrop. Perfect moments, perfect smiles!

Early steps

A little more beach time...

 ...and  a second attempt at getting Luka used to the beach and water...

Like father like son, right?

Here we go!

Can we take these glasses off yet?

Whoa!

I'm not so sure about this.

Meanwhile...

Go, Luka! Go, Luka!

A few early steps towards the depths of life's riches, with a parent's help.