I am writing this on the plane to Germany. We have a 4-day weekend (always a holiday here it seems!) so we are flying to Munich and driving south to Bavaria. Ashley and I have been to Germany multiple times (and I go back in 2 weeks for the KC Chiefs game!), but the kids have never been. We thought a quick (under 2-hour flight) 4-day weekend was just what they needed to get some fantastic views, hikes, pretzels, hear a new language, and get away for a bit. PROST!!! Since last writing, we had visitors and have been ‘busy’ (I hate that word) for our days and weeks, so I’ll just say ‘life is full!’ and I’m grateful for it. I’ll write on the Germany trip next time!
Quick Hits -
The weather has continued to be excellent. We are in shorts and t-shirts (shifting to light sweaters this week though) but the nights are cool. We have been enjoying (as able with commitments) long lazy family dinners on our terrace with the kids. We had one of Hayes's friends over the other night and his father (a German family) came to get him and he sat with us, ate a bit, and drank some amazing (American) wine. He commented, ‘what is the special night being out here and eating this meal and having amazing wine?’ and I replied, ‘Oh, it’s just Tuesay after the kids played padel!’ - it’s incredible to have the terrace space we have…and the weather to match! I just need a heatilator for the winter months, I think!
We just finished Fiesta Major Sarria. This is our ‘towns’ week-long celebration. Constant fireworks, parades, drums, closed streets, and yes - COREFOCS. If you don’t know it - see here: CORREFOC The week ended with a soapbox race that Hayes says he wants to participate in next year… All this was either on our street or 20 feet away. Our location in Sarria is just inspiring….we had a lively gathering of 15 friends and 15 kids on the final night!
We are trying to get many dinners with friends on the books. Some we haven’t seen or spent much time with since before the summer. We were recently at a house party and trying to coordinate a dinner with them - we were to mid-December before we said ‘shit, let’s go back and try a lunch’ - and still we ended up in December. TONS coming up for Team Appino on top of the kid’s weekly schedules (Volleyball/Football/Basketball for Ellory and Padel, Football, and a shitload of biking for Hayes). I feel so blessed there are so many people here to spend time (and that want to spend time with us) and that people have the desire and want (and time) to get together just for fun…we had dinner out with friends less than 6-7 times per year I think when we lived in KC (but we had amazing house parties!) - here in Barcelona I do 12-18 per month, I bet….I read about the loneliness epidemic in the US and the Surgeon General’s recent publications and warnings over this - I read people are ‘connected more than ever (with technology and social media) yet personally lonely. I feel this is one of the BIG reasons that Europe and Spain, in general, have less stress and are seemingly healthier….I’ve written before on my take on their health (Last Blog HERE)
We had visitors again - Ashley’s Dad, stepmother, brother, and Luzpi came over. It was her brother Ryan’s second trip - everyone else's first. We did the traditional beach day, relaxing around our hood, and then Ashley took them to Italy for 3 days - just Rome as there wasn’t enough time to bounce around too much but hopefully, they will be back to see more of Europe! (I’m 100% sure Ryan and Luzpi will for sure!). We LOVE having visitors and especially FAMILY - so….when is your next trip Linda? Eric? I know my pops and Vicki are coming 20 November to 19 December - CAN’T WAIT!
We have ski gear already! Rented for the entire season for the kids (I had boots made and rented skis) - I think renting for the year, we paid the same (with an early bird discount) that I paid for one 4-day trip last year - so not only cheaper by FAR but will save us HOURS of getting gear on our trips (I hope to have 5-6 ski trips this year). Assuming slopes open December 7 or 8th or so and we have ski trip one planned for December 14th (with Dad and Vickie!)…
Trains are just amazing. I know I have written before on this - 2 minute security - get to the platform 3 minutes before the train - always on time - never needing to hear the security ‘sit down and put your shit away, and buckle your seatbelt - here is how to buckle and get the oxygen mask’ talk - just sit down and go. No rules - walk around anytime - go get a beer or snack in the bar cart - etc. I recently went to Girona for a 3-day work retreat and showed up at the station 13 minutes before the train was to take off and was on the platform waiting for 6 minutes….. Oh, and Cheap a f!
Hayes and Bikes
So, Hayes is in love with being on two wheels and I think I wrote last time about his enrollment in DH School (Down Hill). He is in class Thursdays 5-730p and every other Saturday 830a-2p or so. It’s a big commitment for him and me (almost 30 hours a month, including drive time). I figured my job as a father is to provide them a ton of experiences and let them find something they are passionate about - then pour gasoline all over it and invest time/money in it. It was special to teach him how to change a tire (I remember my father teaching me! Love ya Pops…) and watch him develop a skillset. I had a fantastic bike (Orbea - ‘Made in Spain’!!) built for him with great specs from my friends here (there are a ton of former pro-cyclists/bikers here) and he is in love with his new ride. In DH, they train to go down the mountains fast as hell - over rocks, curves, jumps, etc. It is dangerous, so they ride Saturday full armor (Thursdays are technical working and coaching days). He has fallen and will continue to as he learns - but he is good with ‘learning’ biking no matter how painful it may be from time to time! I am jazzed (and a bit jealous) of him for sure….his bike is nicer than mine and he will be a better mountain biker than I in no time! We have a private-tour father/son trip to mountain ride for three days in the Pyrenees next weekend!
Ellory - Reading, beaches, SPORTS
Ellory is just doing her thing - been hitting a beach with her friend and is just addicted to reading. She WANTS to read - which is very cool. She has always been a hard worker but the funny thing is she sucks at math. Can’t do it for shit and she is so competitive in everything she gets frustrated when she doesn’t know and can’t figure it out …. of course, at 8 …. she just needs to have good habits - which I think she is forming. She is really responsible with her Apple watch and is feeling GROWN up from time to time! We even hit the coffee shop for a little computer shopping for Halloween Costume!
Next writing, I’ll mention Halloween here, Hayes truly becoming a MAN, GERMANY, and how I am starting to reflect on the coming-fast two-year anniversary here…how I am different, what differences I see in the kids as well…I can’t speak for Ashley but of course, we are all different.
We off to CRUSH Bavaria!!!