Tangier, Morocco.... with mom and the older two kiddos

One thing the kids have been waiting to do with grandma is make a trip to Morocco.
After my last trip to Tangier in May, I have been wanting to take the kids but have been telling them that we will wait to go with grandma.  Tangier is amazing.  It is a perfect place to travel (with kids) for a day or two to see a different culture, how people in a different country live, and the differences between us all.
Steve was not able to go (did not get authorized in time) so he stayed behind to watch after Liam all day and Mom, Aydin, Morgan and I left around 9am to make the 11am ferry to Tangier.  

Leaving Spain:

 Arriving in Morocco!!  We are in ANOTHER CONTINENT!!

Aziz was waiting for us at the ferry terminal and took us all around the outside of the city of Tangier.  We went all around the houses of the rich and famous, through the national park, and to the top of the continent where we could see both the Atlantic and Mediterranean Oceans.  

 Second but most important stop of the day: CAMELS!!!

Morgan was first to get on:

 Aydin really did not want to get on one today- too bad his mom is a beast and made him :)

 Mom swore she was NOT getting on the camels today- little did she know she was NOT getting a choice.  We were not making the trip all the way to Morocco and not getting her on one.... like I said- I am a beast and was NOT taking no for an answer.  

It only took 3 men to get her on.... they were pushing her towards the camel and before she knew it- she was on top of one holding on for her life.... and ready to kill me.

 And here they are!!  All on camels for the first time- in their 3rd continent together.  Riding a camel in Africa is a must!!

After the camel ride, we stopped in for a once in a life time (ok once a Muslim year) sheep market.  In the Muslim culture, they celebrate two major holidays: Ramadan and Sacrificing of sheep.

A few weeks before the actual sacrifice, they set up a market for people to buy their sheep.  In Tangier, they transformed a whole section of the town to house the sheep- in bars, grocery markets, cafes, and stores. It was awesome to be there for this time to see this take place.  Something we probably will never see again.  

How they transport their sheep once they buy them (well most people).

Of course they need to sell hay to feed the sheep.  I am not sure this is a safe way to transport the hay but then again I am sure they are not following the same laws we do.

Dont have a truck to take your sheep home??  

No worries..... hog tie him and throw him in the trunk of your car!!  

After the sheep market, we stopped for lunch and then headed straight to the Berber market.  Berbers are villagers who live outside of Tangier.  They come down into Tangier to sell their goods on Sundays.  

Next to the Berber market is the English Church- we went inside to look around before heading into the Berber market and Tangier market.  

Inside the English Church walls:

No modern technology for them....

Inside the Tangier market:

After the market- we walked around town and made our way to the Kasbah

 Anyone home?

 I loved this door and light- little did I know this lovely place belongs to AZIZ!!  I took my pictures, walked some more, and then ended back here- to Aziz's Bed and Breakfast!!  It was absolutely beautiful!!  

From the B&B roof

 We then began walking back into town/market.  

It was beautiful outside.... and Aziz said when it is a nice day- people like to air out their rugs.  These rugs were huge!

 Morgan running around.... having a good time.

We of course had to stop and buy cookies to take home... and the kids some cake.

Aziz then took us to a rug store (a different one than the one I went to before) and looked at many different types of rugs.

We then stopped at the local oven.  This was the second oven we stopped at today but the first guy was less than thrilled to have 'tourist' in his business.  This wonderful man is always so welcoming... he even stopped to take a few pictures.

Walking back to the car.... to head home.

The first US Embassy in Morocco was in Tangier... many years ago.  It was also the first country to recognize the US as its own country.  The Embassy has moved to the capitol of Morocco.  

The Embassy building:

On our way back to the ferry- we made one last stop.... for ice cream.  It was SO good!!

Although it was a very long day, it was perfect!!  The kids had a great time, Susan loved it, we brought home tagines, ate great food, and had once in a life time experiences.  

I am so grateful for the opportunities we continue to have while living in Spain and look forward to the new experiences that will comes next!!   

Morgan is back in dance.

After a few years off from dance lessons, Morgan started again.... not with ballet or tap like before but flamenco dancing.
Living in Spain has given all of us the opportunity to learn new things, try new foods, learn a new language, and so much more.  Adding to the growing list- at least for Morgan will be learning how to dance like all of the other little girls (and some boys) in Spain.  

I cannot wait until next year to watch her preform (of course the performance will not begin until 10pm).

Bike riding...

A few years ago- Aydin got a bike ramp for Christmas.  

He has never had a trick bike to really play around on it until now and has been waiting for a good day to take it outside.  

Javi came over after school today and the boys brought the ramp outside to play.  They had such a great time.... I can see this filling his time in the afternoons.

First Day of UNIFORMS!!!

Although I have cute kids.... from these pictures- it is questionable :)  When one was looking: the other two were not... it was impossible to get them all looking and somewhat happy at the same time this morning.  Either way- I LOVE their uniforms and think they all look too cute in them!

Grandma is here!!

Susan is back.... and staying!!  That is for the next 2 months at least.  She has recently retired from her job and is taking a vacation (if you can call it that when there are 2 crazy parents, 3 wild kids and 2 hyper dogs).  Although I do not have specific days or very many pictures I have managed to take a few pictures of a few things we have been doing over the first week and a half.

Pedicures:

 Saturday at the beach- I had my friend Millies kids the weekend after she arrived (Friday-Sunday morning) so we all walked down to the beach to play and to have lunch.

 Liam and Carly

 Emry and Morgan

 Aydin and Luke

 Lunch-

On the 17th- Liam wanted to swing.... so he went up to the patio above the garage, tied a rope around the top and opened up the garage door.  Grandma got the 'proof'

 Reading and playing outside gets HOT- and when it is this hot.... why not take a dip in the pool??

After school on Wednesday (25th) we got the play dough out..... grandma taught Liam how to punch a circle with the end of the rolling pin (open) and blow it out shooting it across the table.  It kept him busy for at least 20 minutes.  He could not stop laughing.

She has been spending her days going to the gym with me in the morning, walking the beach, and helping me get the kids to and from whatever they have going on (including homework), cooking, getting Halloween stuff together for decorations and the Halloween party we will be having in a few weeks and hanging out. 

We will be going on a few vacations while she is here one to Morocco and hopefully one to Rome.  No matter where we go- we are so happy to have her here and to have this time together.  

First day of school-

Today is the kids first day of school- ALL TOGETHER at the same school.  We have spent the past week gathering up all of their school supplies, buying uniforms and preparing for today!! 

  

Aydin is already in the 5th grade!!  Can you believe it? 

Morgan is in 3rd grade this year.

Liam started the 3 year old class- in Spain- kids begin school at the age of 3.  Liam was so happy to go to school today until he realized his new school was without Loli- his day care lady.  We all loved Loli so much- his new teacher has large shoes to follow!!






 Once we got to school- everyone was so happy to be together again.  I am so glad the kids have great friends and great teachers!!
Aydin and Javi

 Aydin, Jesus, Javi and (a new boy- I do not know his name)

 Morgans 2nd grade teacher Diego was so happy to see her.  He came right up to her and gave her a big hug.  He was a great teacher!!

Jaun Jesus, Leandro, Alvaro, Paula, Victoria and Morgan

 Morgan and her 3rd grade teacher- Marie Carmen

 I left the older kids to walk Liam up to his room with his class-

 When I came back down from Liams classroom, the school was having their first day of school ceremony with the anthem and the flag raising.  Morgan was picked this year to raise one of the flags... (on the end)