Four days under our belt at our friend's house in Puerto Rico. I'm very glad we planned this as our first stop. The kids have play mates and we all have some time to adjust to this massive life change.

The Garcias, our friends, have been AMAZING hosts and tour guides! They've opened up their house to us and we couldn't be more appreciative. It is so nice to have someone with us who knows the island and the language. They have driven us everywhere and have been incredibly accommodating. Our children have been playing well together....let's hope that continues. They still have a few days together so I'm hoping it all ends well and we don't encounter complete meltdowns.

This transition has also taught us some valuable traveling lessons. We have found that everyone needs to label their personal technology chargers and headphones. The constant, "Have you seen my..... [fill in the blank with ipad charger, ipod, phone, headphones]?" questions have become quite frustrating. We have labeled all of the items not only to keep track of them, but to avoid future arguments about another family member falsely claiming them.

We also have learned to be mindful of the impact of weather. The heat can quickly zap energy and alter moods (and we thought we just had to deal with changing hormones). Reapplying sunscreen and swim-shirts are necessities in tropical climates.

This has also been a time for my children to truly understand what is happening. This is not a 'vacation', although it certainly feels like it now. There will be many educational excursions and the balking has already started. I have to say I was pretty shocked. I thought we had prepped the kids well. We had so many family discussions about every aspect of this trip. How could they be questioning and resisting outings? Only four days in and I'm getting all riled up channeling the dude from Captain Phillips saying "I'm your captain now!" I mean they don't whine and talk back when your teacher begins a new topic or subject.....hmmm, perhaps they do.

But upon further analysis, it makes sense. This is a huge adjustment for them. I can't expect them to make this transition flawlessly. This isn't the first time our patience will be tested and it by no means will be the last. We all still have a lot to learn. On the bright side, I'm sure it will give me plenty of blog topics.

Maeve and Liam outside El Morro (the old fort guarding entrance to San Juan)