50 Weeks

Pimp My Monkey Bread

Apple, nuts, AND raisins. 

It's in the oven, and Freddy and I are eagerly waiting to try it. 

A 5:45 wake-up means that by 8:00, I deserve a good caloric treat. 

We made it by rolling the dough into balls and coating them with cinnamon, sugar, nutmeg, and cloves. We sprinkled diced apple and raisins as we went along. 

We added Cashews, walnuts, and hazelnuts to a caramel sauce. 

Ready for the oven 

My pan is in an appalling state. Ignore that for now and focus on the delicious looking bread. 

Fresh out of the oven: 

Original monkey-bread post with more detailed instructions is here: 

http://lifeonhappystreet.blogspot.pt/2013/03/monkey-bread.html

Fresh From Boston

Pai brought back a few goodies for us from Boston. The most needed were these extra-wide boots for Seb. He looks adorable in them, but walks like he has metal braces on his legs and keeps looking at them, and then us, as if to say "why do you keep insisting on putting things on my feet?" 

Sorry Seb, shoes are a part of life, but I'm sure Freddy will head up a support group if you need it. 

Photo Dump

On the way to clarinet.

Freddy at his first cello lesson. I'm still on the hunt for a smaller cello, but he's not complaining; he loves it!

Before-school snap shot.

Sebby yesterday morning looking so cuddly and sweet.

Keeping busy at tennis in the equipment hut.

Sunrise on Happy Street

I didn't edit these in any way. Not only was the sky spectacular, but the sea was rough and wild. I called the kids up to the third floor and obliged them to stand and marvel at the sight. This is the view from a bedroom that was converted to a bathroom in the 90s, and I have been gently suggesting (read: talking non-stop) about turning it back into a bedroom. This view is too good to waste. 

Mutual Adoration

How could I narrow these down to one or two pictures? Each one is too precious to leave out.

Quick Snapshot Before School

 Some disgruntled employee at Blogger rotates these photos as a way of messing with people. I´m sure of it.

They all look so much alike to me. Mothers usually say they can't see the resemblance in their children, but boy do I see it!

I'm having a special girl's (plus Seb) afternoon with Zita today. She wants to shop for a good grammar guide, and get a few things for her 80s girl Halloween costume. She'll babysit Seb during cello today in exchange for Halloween costume money. This little barter economy we have going is pretty sweet for all parties.

We're gearing up for another rugby game tomorrow where Moojie's team plays the best team in the league. My heart hurts just thinking about it, but we'll be there to cheer the afternoon away.

Have a great weekend!

Scenes From Rugby

Having a BBQ in Portugal is serious business. Forget hot dogs and hamburgers; it's all about pigs. Roasting pigs turn a casual game into an all day event, and who doesn't love a good outdoor event?

I can see why Pai was all too happy to go to Moojie's first rugby games. They are the best! It wasn´t nearly as dangerous as I thought it would be, but I´m sure it helps that Moojie is one of the biggest despite being the youngest by two years.

The only tricky part of rugby spectating is keeping Mr. Seb from zooming onto the field.

Seb was fascinated with the climbing wall

and was also quite determined to get a taste of Pai's beer.

I watch rugby like I watch movies, which for anyone who has never watched a movie with me, that means asking questions throughout. We never learn if we don't ask, right?

It looks like these Rugby games will be a part of our weekends for the forseeable future. I can live with that.