The boys came later for youth group at Upland Community Church. They were invited to swim in another host family's pool and roast marshmallows after.
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| Gabriel learns to make a s'more |
Monday was a commemorative day in several ways:
--Argentina's 202 birthday--9 de julio, Día de la Independencia
--Four years ago, on that special day, in the hospital after Mike's surgery, we watched Argentina defeat the Netherlands qualifying them for the Finals in the World Cup.
--More importantly, 45 years ago, Leah joined our family!
We celebrated her adopted birthday in several ways throughout the week.
First, at Stephan and Karen's Monday Night Dinner, along with Sam's family and our Basque boys.
After the wonderful meal--perfectly prepared venison, various vegetables and Karen's wonderful Apfelkuchen (a German apple cake for the German-born daughter!), we enjoyed a variety of activities.
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| Leah enjoying the farm and some special gifts! |
Kids everywhere spend every spare moment on their devices.
Tuesday, Leah got what she desperately wanted--a hair cut!
Wednesday, the Basque kids spent a day at Kentucky Kingdom (amusement and water park). Michael was the brave adult who drove the people mover, and Elijah the lone non-Basque speaking youth.
Meanwhile I took the day to visit my mother. I could not find her in her room. A tiny beautifully written note on the calendar read, "Play Bingo at the fair." I soon learned that they had transported all who wanted to the county fair for Senior Day. I found her there and we enjoyed special music by The Chain Gang Barbershop Quartet.
Mother is grappling with the losses that come with aging. Her voice has not returned. She mouths or rasps the words, "I can't walk and I can't talk." We will soon celebrate her 97th birthday.
Thursday, was a shopping trip for the Basque group to the Fort Wayne mall. Was it more fun for the girls than the guys?
A week-long focus for Michael was to research, learn about pools, and work with Stephan to get theirs in working order to hopefully provide many fun times for family and friends.
It seemed that every spare moment the boys were home, the dining room table was converted for ping pong. When they got bored of using regular paddles they reverted to other implements such as dust pans, hands, until frustrated they'd had enough!
Friday and Saturday was the Indiana Robotics Invitational, an event that gathers the best teams in the world.
Our Team 1720 was privileged to be invited having been an alternate on an alliance in the finals at Worlds, and especially fortunate that this high level competition is so close, in Indianapolis!
Michael left very early each morning taking some members of the drive team.
This was also an opportunity to train the new drive team. Those that went to Worlds were all seniors in their very last season. Only John, the tall one, stayed on as coach.
The Basque kids got an introduction to the FIRST program and experienced the Friday morning qualifying matches.
Elijah went home after that and Jon slept for hours that afternoon, again after the evening meal. Saturday morning, after ascertaining that he was indeed alive, I asked him to teach me how to make tortilla de patatas, Spanish potato omelet. He was happy and proud to do so. I was impressed with his performance, the process, and the result!
1. Peel and cube 6 potatoes
2. Fry them in 1" deep oil until crusty on outside and soft inside.
3. Beat eggs, 2 or 3 more than number of potatoes.
4. Add potatoes and 2 tsp of salt.
5. Dump all into small amount of hot new oil (olive) in larger fry pan (preferably a Spanish omelette pan).
6. Turn when bottom cooked and golden.
He barely had enough time to eat a wedge of his tortilla on a slice of bread (pintxo--typical sandwich in Basque country) before it was time to leave with the group on another adventure, Kokomo Beach and concerts in the park.
I love Leah's new hair - it looks great on her! I'm glad she was well celebrated. And that potato omelet looks fabulous!
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