Penguins in Paraguay?

PENGUINS IN PARAGUAY????

Since it is almost 'winter' here, we have found different ways of cooling off during those 'freezing' fall days....35 degrees....okay, okay, that's CELSIUS which is about 90 degrees F.  So  it's not feeling like winter, even though we begin the South American winter on June 21. 

A really great action shot!

My children discovered that our tiled back patio is VERY slippery when wet.  And, if you add SOAP to that water and slick tile....it's VERY, VERY slippery.  So Joey and Kate invented "Penguins."  

To participate in 'penguins' one must strip down to ones underwear, or nothing (if you're a 4-year old) and slide on your belly, back, or knees like a penguin.  This can provide HOURS of fun on a warm day.  

It also doubles as a shower because before they come in the house I pour a bucket of warm water over them to rinse off the

 suds and sludge.   

In this photo (right), a dog we dog sat, named "Ranger" is trying to get in on the fun.

Joey and Kate Begin Pre-School

 First Day of School....

First Day of School

 Nothing feels more settling to a young mom than getting ALL your kids into some form of school.  Joey and Kate have begun pre-school.  

SHE IS NOT EXCITED, AT ALL!
They attend 5 mornings a week from 8:00 - 12:00. 

Our motivation to get them into school, even though summer is fast-approaching (winter here) is to immerse them into the Spanish Language.  Even though the school they are going to (American School of Asuncion) will be English-driven, the language of play on the play-ground is Spanish.  Joey has assured me that he "does not want to learn Spanish because English is working fine."  There were a few times at his pre-school where the teachers were not sure if it was English he was speaking....sounds like speech therapy has paid off....

HOLDING THE TURTLES; "SHELLY" AND "SLOW-EY"
(Kate named them)

Kate got along quite well with everyone in her class and won over the teachers with her "si and gla-ci-as" constantly!   


I should have known 
We should have known that the pre-school would be a HUGE hit when we saw the 4 turtles walking around in the front yard.  Can you beat that? 

Turtles welcome you at the front door?  

The classes are all in Spanish, but there are several teachers who speak fluent English.  It's a relief to know that if there is a real need, 
Joey and Kate will be able to communicate.  

This is the School's Logo

The school is only 10 blocks away, so we have been able to walk, which is a nice bonus since our car has not arrived (it's in Argentina, so we could get our car in the next month).  We have 2 neighbors who are wonderful enough to carpool and allow us to mooch rides.  THANK YOU!

The front door!