Campbellgates in Uruguay

We have been here for 3.5 months, and we get to come home in 2. We are done with quarter 1, and deep into quarter 2. It is good to remind one another that we have made it this far, and we can make it until December. We are all excited to see family and friends. I know that I am excited to see mountains! I was talking to a friend at home the other day, and she said "you sound like you are pretty acclimated." I thought about it, and I guess I am. What are my clues? 1. Dog barking doesn't keep me up at night. The sad lives of many guard dogs doesn't surprise me anymore, and the non stop day and night barking has become part of the hum of life. 2. I don't comment on the extreme security anymore. House gates are just part of the landscape, and I am more surprised if I see a house without one. The endless line of metal gates doesn't shock or irritate me anymore. I still wish I could admire all of the beautiful houses behind the gates and walls, but they are much mor...

The good news is that 3 Teritos are still wandering our campus, with a parent in defensive position at all times. The bad news is that means 1 Terito has gone to the Rainbow Bridge. I am a bit sad, but I had heard at least one would be lost. But, isn't that life? Something good, something bad, something normal? Life is growth, change and excitement but also routine and responsibility and doldrums. And this is where we are at right now. The excitement includes Marieka's 14th birthday, my outdoor cold water swim meet and Rob's bike adventures. The routine includes cooking, laundry, homework and alarm clocks. Sigh. The honeymoon is winding down...the drudgery of regular life is...real. Marieka turned 14 and we had a great day, starting with me filling her bathroom with balloons (and her alarm unhappily waking her up!). She got a trampoline, which is awesome and I have enjoyed bouncing on. We got it for fun, but also because, strangely enough, her gym doesn't have any tramp...