MAKE NEW FRIENDS
/After 8 consecutive weeks of having only his sister to play with, Owen finally decided that it's time to make some friends. He told us, for instance, that while he liked the idea of going to Finding Dory at the English theater, he'd prefer to wait until he's started school and can bring his new friends. (What 4-year-old postpones popcorn and candy?) And while precious, there are few things that tug harder at your maternal heartstrings than watching your kid bring a baseball and glove to the park and disclose that he "didn't bring this to play with you, Daddy; it's so I can play with a new friend." (Ughhh. So sweet...but wrong sport.)
Owen seems to have picked up on what we're all thinking: the thing that will ultimately make Barcelona feel like home and not like another stop on our Grand Adventure is having a little community of people. Luckily, we scored a few playdates over the last 2 weeks — both for children and adults — with colleagues who've taken pity on us and lovely expats who uniquely understand where (in every sense) our family is right now. Aaron and I used the opportunities to ask rapid-fire questions about pressing topics like which pediatrician to use, where to mail a letter, and how LaLiga soccer (perdóname, fútbol) standings work. The kids relished in the chance to socialize with non-sibling playmates. (And much to Owen's delight, our most recent playdate included 5 little girls — none of whom spoke English, but all of whom effectively communicated their desire for him to chase them around the yard.)
