We took Gonzalo to show him where Shane works at Hill Air Force base, we started out at the museum, which my kiddos haven't been to for ages, and had a great time. He really like all the planes but I think was confused thinking that Shane drove them. We hopefully cleared that up that he fixes the machinery that builds the planes. Does not build, does not fly, but still really cool.
We took Gonzalo fishing at East Canyon. When he left he said this was his favorite thing that he did while he was in America. He caught 11 fish and 17 total on his boat. He loved reeling each one in as you can see by his face. He even got the chance to drive Grandpa Brent's boat.
We had to take him to our two favorite restaurants--Pizza Pie Cafe and Bella's. We told the waitress at Bella's to sing to him, so he got to wear the hat and have ice cream. Pizza Pie Cafe is a buffet, which he LOVED because that boy can eat!!! He ate 9 pieces of pizza and a bowl of pasta.
Corn dogs. The boy loved corn dogs. He ate them almost daily, sometimes 4 at one setting, but he preferred 3. He was quite hungry.
Finished product! We took a family vote and decided to cancel the vacation this year and buy a pool. A 24 ft round 52 inch above ground pool. We love it!
Shane slaved for weeks digging, leveling, putting up, filling with water, digging and placing rocks, and finally the pool is finished. We started setting it up on a Saturday and the wind came up and we almost lost it, literally it almost flew away. We had to scream for the neighbors to come hold it down while we rolled it up--it was scary, but made for a memorable experience. Now Shane has a pain in his elbow that wont go away, I think caused from all the digging.
We have had soooo much fun this summer in it now. The whole neighborhood swims almost every day. Our boys go out and then the kiddos just keep coming. It has room for a lot, but we had 20 the other day and I was informed that was too many. I suppose there is a limit to the fun.
Gonzi under the water.
Cody and Braxton playing chicken with Gonzalo and Shane.
His hair grew so long while he was here, but he would not let us cut it he said he liked it that way.
We had a going away party for Gonzi in our pool. We had quite the crowd. Everyone from both families came who live nearby, and also Jake and Alayna and boys. We had all grown quite close to Gonzalo and there were a few tears shed, even by him. He was excited to go home, but sad to leave us. I really feel like he loved how much family we have. He has a very small family with very few children. We were always partying, visiting family, having BBQ's, being with cousins, and I think he became accustomed to having lots of children around all the time. One big 5 week party.
Last breakfast--toast with olive oil everyday.
The airport with the Wade's. They hosted Gonzalo's brother, Pablo. They didn't seem nearly as sad as our boys, many tears. Our boys walked away and wouldn't even give him a hug, he had to coax them over to say goodbye. It was sad. He feels like part of our family now, and we miss him. I do not miss how hyper my house was with the 4 boys, but just miss him. He was very even tempered, kind, thoughtful, and happy little boy. He did not ever get mad or upset at all. It was good to have him around. Shane and I were much more patient parents and our boys got away with things they never would otherwise, but it was good to have a summer like that, just as a reminder of how fun Utah is and how happy a family can be when we all just get along.
These are some Photoshop pictures Shane created to send home with Gonzalo. As a parting gift we printed all the pictures we had taken over the summer and put them into a photo book. He loved it, and when we got to the airport he immediately took it out of his bag to show his brother. One other gift Shane's cousin Jake gave to Gonzalo was a Book of Mormon in Spanish. I was so sad that I had not thought of that, but very grateful to Jake that he had. Gonzi was a bit taken back wondering why we gave him a Mormon book, because he HATED church while her was here. He said "3 hours Impossible". I told him that someday he might want to read it, it was the same thing we read as a family every night before bed. I think he appreciated it. If he never reads it, I am so happy to know that we at least gave him the opportunity. I was constantly praying that we were doing the right things to give him a good impression of what Utah is and Mormons. I hope we were kind, and did the things we should be doing.
He was very impressed with Shane and kept asking me "I just don't understand, how does Shane never get mad?" I am not sure what Dad's are like in Spain, but Shane sure made an impression with his calm, loving, countenance. I teased that he got mad but I just had to be the enforcer, but I think he was right to be impressed by Shane being so chill, it is a wonderful attribute to have.
