Back in the Saddle

For those of you still with us, Thank you for you patience and understanding! We are now back in Brasil and have gotten back into the groove of Brasilian life.
Tootsie survived our very long trip to Michigan and is in wonderful spirits now that we are home. She was jumping up and down and wagging her whole body when she saw us drive up!!! Simba, the cat, made it through the airports, airplanes and shuttle taxi's just fine. He went a little nuts on the airplane but it only lasted for just a couple of minutes. He didn't even meow very much at all. He and Tootsie are best friends once again, chasing each other through the house and sleeping together! Simba has even chosen one of the bedrooms as "his". He has gone outside and checked everything out, but prefers to stay near us. I can't blame him after 2 months on his own in Michigan.
Garrett is doing well with his school work. We have been focusing on multiplication tables, the first explorers, i.e. Columbus, Vasco de Gama, and the election. We all watched the last debate last week on CNN International. Like most of you, our family will be very glad when this election is over and done with.
Blake is back on site and happy to be there. Everybody else is very glad to have him back as well. The project is coming along. Many things have changed since we left. It no longer looks like a big pile of stuff, it looks like a factory! Go figure!
I am helping teach my neighbor how to speak English. She speaks about as much English as I speak Portuguese so it works out well.
We are all taking Portuguese lessons twice a week. Our teacher, Marcella, lives here in the Colina. Yes, she even gives us homework! Blake and Garrett are doing their best to figure it all out. I have no doubts they will pick it up very quickly!
Thanks for keeping up with our blog. Our internet connection has been off and on sporadically, but I will make sure I keep up on our posts. We'd love to hear from you, so just click on comment and I will respond asap. Tchau for now, Pam