Week 13 in PR

We had a busy week and had so many things happening all at once. As I was putting pictures together tonight I realized how much went on in just he last 7 days! Here’s a brief update on our life…

Desh, Beck and Keen all celebrated super hero day at school this week and got to wear their favorite superhero shirt. Deshs teacher is the best and always sends cute pics of the class and what’s happening at school. 

Along with super heroes, I also have crazy faces from my kids that show up on my phone somehow, the amazing growth of “D Papaya” and major bed head some mornings. What do you do? 

Beach day was a rainy soggy day and we ALMOST didn’t make it to the beach at all. Just as we were driving there it cleared up just enough for us to feel good about going and having fun anyway. We got drizzled on here and there but overall it was just a gorgeous night to be out. I know we said we’d go to a different beach every week, and we’ve really tried hard to do that.  It today we opted for a close one and Playa Azul never disappoints. It’s one of our fav close beaches and super easy to get to after school pick up. That’s where we spent the afternoon this week. The boys passed the time playing flies up in the water and us girls just basked in the sunlight and warm afternoon :) Love our beach days!

Josh has been searching all over the island for these certain plants called Heliconia. We’ve seen them here and there in yards and such but have not been able to find a place that we can buy them from. Finally Josh got fed up looking :) and jumped online and ordered a whole bunch from a place in Hawaii. The box of Heliconia arrived this week and he got to work getting them all planted in their own pots. He has become quite the horticulturist  since moving here and cares for every plant and tree in our yard as if they were his children. He’s constantly walking around the house in the early hours just checking on things and seeing how much a certain tree has grown or which plant needs a little more attention. He’s so great at making our yard look beautiful! 

We’ve been putting together a list of “one hour projects” that we can work on each day and try and knock a few things off our to do list a little at a time. This week our project was painting the garage. Although it did take more than one hour, we taped and covered and prepped the garage and then got the sprayer out and primed it one day and painted it bright white another day. The prepping is by far the hardest part but once it was done and sprayed it was a great job to have done! It looks so nice and clean and fresh. Loved having this project done and behind us!  

Other things happening around the Beutler house:

Grammie and Papa gave the girls their Christmas present early - an electric piano for the house here! They were so excited to get it! The reason for the early present is because the girls were both called as ward pianists in our branch and have needed a way to practice. So…grammie and papa to the rescue and merry early Christmas! 

Keen and his tutoring class were able to read aloud together to a visiting puppy in their class! 

Rhen LOVES her friends at school and had a great time on her field trip this week. She couldn’t tell me enough about how much fun it was riding the bus with everyone singing and laughing and having fun together. Love that she’s happy :)

Desh is getting long hair. Too long. Haircut time. 

We have pumpkins growing in the yard! Want to know how? Two weeks ago when we carved pumpkins for Halloween, some of the seeds fell and were washed down the driveway and out the front gate. Sure enough, we have pumpkin plants growing now!

Ring worm made it to our house. I’m not surprised but now we’re working hard to rid it from poor Rhen.  

And...the most exciting thing of all this week.  We got our pool started!!  Everyone is excited around here!  Henry with Caribbean Pools has been working with us to get all the details finalized and now we're all ready.  They came Thursday morning and started first thing digging the hole and taking down the wall behind that we're having replaced and rebuilt.  They worked all day and dug the whole thing and hauled the dirt up the hill behind us.  It was amazing to watch them work!  Then Friday morning a whole crew showed up bright and early and placed the rebar inside the whole pool area and prepped for cement.  I was sure that they were prepping it to have ready for another day, but nope.  That same day a cement truck showed up and they started the cement walls and floor for the pool and the footings for the new wall.  It was incredible how fast they worked!  They used the coolest method to put the cement it.  It was a big tube that blew the cement in and attached it to the pool walls and then someone came behind and smoothed it out by hand.  They worked hard and fast and got the whole pool done and the footings poored by Friday evening.  And just like that it was well on it's way!  They tell us that it will be about 5 weeks to get the whole thing done and already they are making such good progress.  It makes us so excited to see this happening.  We can't wait!

Friday night for date night, Josh and I went to the FIBA world cup qualifier basketball game at the Roberto Clemente arena in San Juan.  It's a game that we bought tickets to a couple months ago and we were excited to have it here!  Puerto Rico played Columbia and all these qualifier games give them points towards their entrance into the FIBA World Cup which will be next year.  It was SO FUN to be there and watch our team play. I loved being part of the crowd and watching live basketball.  And...we won! So that's even better!  Josh is a good sport for letting me drag him along to the game :) We had a great night.

Saturday was full of errands and yard work including a trip to Costco, the panaderia for fresh bread and a lunch date for Rease and Josh.  We were out of water almost the whole day which was a bummer, but late afternoon Saturday it came back on and life was back to normal.  Saturday night we had homemade pizza, watched Start Trek together and prepped for Uncle Greg to join us early Sunday morning.  The girls moved their things downstairs and very graciously opened up their room for our guest.  So excited to have him here!

The boys worked hard helping Josh put in a form for a platform for the garbage cans outside of our wall.  There is so much cement coming and going from our house in the next couple weeks that we're hoping we can get this little big poured as well while they're here.  The boys got that all ready just in case.  

Sunday morning we got Greg here early with lots of hugs to go around!  He had flown the redeye flight to get here and we couldn't be more excited to have him here for the week.  So great to see him again after so long! 

That's our week in a nutshell.  Such a good one.  

Week 12 in PR

Happy Halloween! We were so excited to celebrate Halloween Puerto Rican style this year and did so with our friends Carlos and Laura. They invited us to come to their house for dinner and trick or treating and we were happy to find a place that the kids could trick or treat. Halloween isn’t celebrated hugely down here and a lot of kids don’t even dress up or trick or treat at all. Carlos and Laura live in a gated community though and there were lots of kids out and everyone passed out TONS of candy! It was pretty cool cause everyone sits out on their porches and wait for kids to come trick or treating. So there was no door knocking but we loved seeing everyone out and about and LOVED the gorgeous night that it was. The boys ran up and down the streets gathering candy and we walked behind them watching and enjoying the evening. We ended up at the clubhouse in the community where there was an ice cream truck, nachos, popcorn and drinks. Such a fun night celebrating with our friends!!

Beach day this week was also spent with Laura, Carlos and her family. Laura was throwing a birthday party for her mom and invited us to join them. We went to Playa Carolina up near the airport and had a great day with some new friends :) We even saw some dolphins jumping in the water right where we were swimming! It was crazy because at first we thought it might be a shark fin that we were seeing, but glad it ended up being cute dolphins instead! 

We’ve been thinking of taking family pictures since we got here and weren’t quite sure where to take them or who could help us. Finally we decided to just head down to old San Juan near San Felipe del morro which is one of our favorites spots on the island. It’s such a great place with gorgeous views and a huge field to run around at. We ended up on a couple side streets with the colorful houses and also down by the fort. Aside from a small fall from the top of the wall (yikes Beck) the night didn’t turn out to be too bad. A couple good samaritans stopped and took a few of the pictures for us and some were taken with our trusty selfie stick. I think between them all we should be able to find one good family pic! I also snapped some individuals of the kids as their “school pictures” since they didn’t have any done at their schools this year. Sometimes when I see my kids individually like this I realize how much they’re growing up. It’s pretty crazy to see that happening right before my eyes. 

We had a cleaning day this weekend and everyone pitched in and did their jobs, including Alice and her tag along pals. 

This kids have all become little chefs, including Desh who learned how to make quesadillas and fried eggs this week. So proud that he can light the stove on his own and make something from start to finish. 

This weekend we had some wild weather pass over us and we got lots and lots of rain. A tropical depression was showing up on the national hurricane center website and alerted us about the rain headed our way. No wind to go along with it just buckets of rain! Super crazy.  That night we went to the Light the World concert in San Juan that was a collection of songs, dances and gathering of all 5 stakes here in Puerto Rico. It was awesome. So fun to see the traditional dancing and hear the songs that have been passed down from lots of generations. We loved it! As the concert got out we had to run through the rain to the car that Josh had brought close to the front door for us. He braved the storm and ran all the way to the parking lot (which was super far away) and got the car so we didn’t have to go so far in the rain. Even so, we were all soaked by the time we got in the van!

Today as we’re taking the day of rest very seriously, I’m grateful for the week we’ve had at the things we’ve been able to do together. The kids are doing great in school, the Spanish is coming along slowly but surely and we’ve been able to grow comfortable with our life here. We are grateful for the time we have to be together and grow in our struggles (which come frequently throughout the week). But we’re good and happy which is all we can ask for! 

Week 11 in PR

Another good week on the island! We love our Mondays that take us to a different beach each week and love getting to know all the things around us. This week the beach was Las Picuas just not too far from our house. It was a great spot to just hang - shallow water, grass to sit on and shade under the big palm trees. I couldn’t have asked for a better beach for the day. Liev got out his new fishing pole and tried it out for the first time. He didn’t catch anything but was glad to finally get it figured out. We laughed and played and read books and took a bunch of crazy pictures before we called it good for the day. Loved our beach day this week! 

Josh is traveling this week visiting his mission president in Arizona and then up to Denver for a conference. A few other things of note that happened while he was away:

- Desh’s class to a field trip to the ice cream shop 

- Tilly got her first Puerto Rican haircut and was mad at me for hours because of it

- I put up curtains in the kitchen and family room and hung out windchime that Kim made us 

- We finished the bathroom with the table that we found that happens to fit perfectly in the empty spot

So many good things. 

The boys spent some time with the girls and each got a “makeover” with hair parted down the middle and all. Crazy kids. 

We had a HUGE thunderstorm roll through on Thursday and Friday. I didn’t really realize it was headed our way until the rain started. By Friday we had so much rain coming down that the schools cancelled the rest of the school day and I made my way down the mountain through rivers of rainwater the whole way. The schools were getting water inside the classrooms from so much water pooling up and running through the schoolyards. It was a crazy minute trying to gather up all the kids with so much water everywhere. The storm lasted through Friday but by that evening it had pretty much passed by. We have a bit of clean up to do downstairs where water had come through. One of these days we’ll get it all fixed up so we don’t ever get flooded down there!

Friday night the girls had a stake Halloween party and we took them to dinner before we dropped them off. They were so cute and a little nervous to go but did great once they got there! 

Saturday we planted a few trees (we’re getting to be pros at planting these days) and then taped off the area where the pool is going to be. It supposed to be starting next week and we wanted to make sure we had the dimensions right. It’s so exciting to see it taped out! Can’t wait for that to be done!

All in all a great and routine week around here. The kids are doing great in school and just finished up the first quarter. The teachers all had good and positive things to say about each of the kids and I’m so grateful to be surrounded by such good people here. We love our Caribbean life here on the island. 

Week 10 in PR

Time is clipping along here on the island. I’m not sure how it happened but here we are mid October and the weather is just as pleasant as can be right now. It’s interesting to be here long enough for now to notice the difference but it is certainly cooler than it was when we first moved over. We’re glad to have it not quite so hot!!

Beach Day took us to Rio Grande beach just up the road from us about 10-15 minutes. It’s a spot where the Rio Grande Loiza river meets up with the ocean and it was a cool little spot to swim. The kids found some rope swing hanging from the tree and had fun hanging out on those for a long time. It was a beautiful night to be out of the house and out of school for a bit! Keen drew all his favorite holidays in the sand as we sat and talked about the snow that we know is headed to Utah this week and how different it is to be on an island instead! Oh how we love our beach days! 

The rest of the week flew by. Josh headed to Florida for a conference for most of the week and we just settled into our gym/school/dinner/bedtime routine. The kids are doing great in school and have just another week or so before the quarter ends. Deshs teacher keeps up updated on their activities for the week and usually sends us a couple pictures of what’s happening in the classroom. Such cute kiddos that they all get to be surrounded with all day! We got a fun package from Aunt Britt and the boys in the mail this week and just devoured the treats she sent. What a fun surprise! As usual, the daily mail check is always one of the most exciting things that happens all day. 

Rease started after school tutoring this week and has really loved the extra help she gets with her Spanish. She’s able to have almost two full hours of Spanish training with the teacher and only a handful of other kids in the class. It’s been a huge blessing to have after school tutoring for all the kids this year. We feel super lucky to be a part of that! As part of tutoring this week, Rease and the other students recognized breast cancer awareness and had a day that was in honor of all those with cancer. Kind of cool to see what they did. Desh took a field trip to the ice cream shop, Rhen broke a bottle of red nail polish and had fun cleaning it up, and Kim and Hector came over for dinner one night this weekend. Always a pleasure to be with them!

Saturday morning Josh got up early and planted a few bushes in the yard that have been waiting and needing a little love. Rease pulled on the pressure washer and between her and Beck they got the whole back patio washed off. It looks so much better!

And then right in the middle of working outside the rain started. And because everyone was already wet, why not water fight?! The kids had a great time splashing, squirting and throwing water at each other and no better way to get out of a little work right when you need it! 

We worked hard but also took some time to relax this weekend as well. Saturday we had our pizza and movie night and then Josh and I snuck away for a couple hours to a “married couples” party that was going on at the stake center. We didn’t know what we were getting into but we certainly didn’t expect to have as much fun as we did! There was dancing like you would never believe and there was no way around it, we caught the bug. All types of salsa and Latin dancing were happening and we just couldn’t stop watching everyone and wanting to be a part of it. We tried our best but also left there with a vow that we would take dance lessons of some sort while we’re here. We’ve got to get some rhythm and be able to join in on the next dance! Such a fun night to end another great week.  

Week 9 in PR

We had such a great week with Melissa and Jordan here! Sunday after church, the 4 of us took a drive up Guzman Abajo and past Rio Espirito Santo and beyond.  It was a gorgeous drive and an even better evening for that drive.  The weather was perfect and we got out and walked around a bit in certain places to check things out.  Such a fun time exploring our little corner of the island.  

Monday the kids had a break from school for Columbus Day so we went on a short hike on the Angelito Trail that ended up in the fun swimming hole.  We love climbing the rocks, jumping, hiking up the river, slipping, sliding and taking lots of pictures in this beautiful spot.  It was the funnest morning just hanging out in the fresh water and enjoying the warm sun!

The kids were brave and got up on this giant rock all together to get a picture and then jump off together.  One or two of them may or may not have hit the side of the rock on the jump but hey, at least we got the picture!

Beach day on Monday afternoon we ended up at La Pared in Luquillo.  It was fun and close and easy to get to and we loved being there until dark.  We have grown to love our beach days and so glad we've gotten to know the beaches close to us!



Tuesday we got back to business and the kids headed to school, Jordan left on a hike, Josh got back to work and Melissa and I went to Costco.  They were so fun to have because they just joined in on our day to day.  I loved catching up with my friend and having her back in my daily life!  

Wednesday morning we took the ferry out to Culebra and showed Melissa and Jordan our favorite Caribbean beach.  Flamenco Beach never disappoints and this week the water seemed especially clear and blue.  We had the best day sitting in the sun, playing in the water and taking in this gorgeous scenery around us.  It is a one of a kind place and we can never get enough.  Melissa and Jordan took hammocks and stayed overnight while the rest of us headed home on the evening ferry.  I admit I was glad to get back and sleep in our beds and get the kids ready for the next day of school.  

We celebrated Jordan's 50th birthday while they were here this week and we officially celebrated at a delicious spot at Seven Seas Beach in Fajardo called Costa Mia.  We had fresh fish, some local favorite appetizers and ended with tres leches and flan for dessert.  We feel so grateful to have spent Jordan's birthday with him in our new home!  It's crazy to think we're coming up on 10 years knowing the Hammers but also hard to believe that there was as time that we didn't have them part of our lives.  We just love them like family and know our lives will forever be intertwined.  Happy Birthday to our friend/brother Jordan!

Saturday we loaded into the cars and took a long drive across the island to Isabela where there was a pro surfing competition going on.  We didn't get there early enough to find a great spot to watch but we ended up on a ledge with a seat and a breeze that kept us cool for a bit while we watched.  It was such an interesting crowd and lots of locals there that you could tell were there for THE DAY.  Coolers, chairs, umbrellas, and lots of booze but also fun to see professional surfing going on just a couple hours away from us! It was a beautiful drive there and back and we felt like it was a good Saturday to end the week on.  

Early Sunday morning we said goodbye to Jordan and Melissa but only for a couple short months as they have tickets to come back with the whole family in January!  So instead of goodbye it was more of a see you later :)

The boys got Sunday haircuts after church and we took the rest of the day to just relax and get ready for another week ahead.  

Wow what a fun week we had with our friends here!  Loved every minute of it.  

Week 8 in PR

Mom and dad have been so fun to have this week! They are great project-ers so were excited to get right to work with anything we had ready for them to do. We started with our closet and installed some shelves and drawers instead of trying to do a dresser in the room. It turned out to be awesome and fairly easy to set up. We also put together a shelf unit for the girls room and bought some lights and fans to hang. A couple runs to IKEA and Home Depot and we were set for projects for a few days. 

For beach day we headed north to Playa del Capitolio to gather more sea glass. Grammie was on the hunt for it and we wanted to try this new place we had never been. It was so fun and we found lots of glass though it took a little more effort than last week in Patillas. We turned over rocks and looked in the water and came home with even more bags full of seaglass and shells. It was an absolutely gorgeous night and I cannot get enough of the sunsets on the island. 

We worked hard all week putting things together and we cooked hard for the missionaries on Tuesday night. It’s our tradition to let them choose what we eat on Tuesday nights and this week they wanted the traditional Sunday dinner - roast, mashed potatoes, rolls, delicious corn, the works. It was delicious and so fun to have our table full of people!

Wednesday was a day is girls have all been looking forward to! We had a shopping day with Grammie and left early and came home late and shopped all the day long. It was a blast and so much fun to get all the fun things on our list crossed off. We bought towels, benches, lamps, decorations, kitchen utensils, clothes, shoes and everything else that girls like to shop for.  We had lunch together and then shopped even more with Grammie spoiling us all along the way. We stuffed our van full to the max and couldn’t even think of fitting one more thing in there. The boys met us for an early dinner in the city and then we drove by the temple on the way home. We were pooped after our day but LOVED every second of it!

 Papa and Josh had fun shopping for trees and bushes one day and then worked hard getting them planted. Our yard is starting to get full of new trees and hopefully soon we’ll start seeing them all sprout ip big and tall! 

Rease came home from school Friday with an honor certificate for perfect attendance this quarter. So proud of this girl and how well she’s done in school and adjusting to something that is hard. She is so amazing.

We finished hanging lights and putting the kids rooms together with all the fun things we bought. They turned out sooo cute!

We got this sweetest message from Desh’s teacher on Friday. Apparently he has won over the kids in his class along with Señora García and I’m not surprised. He is so happy and excited about school most days and comes home with all sorts of stories from the day. We loved hearing that he’s also doing well in class and with his classmates! Such a sweet thing to get at the end of the week! 

Our kids have been writing notes and cards and letters like crazy to friends and family.  We've have a whole board in our house dedicated to showing off all the letters we get back in return.  The kids LOVE to check the mailbox and see if any letters have come for them!

We said goodbye to Grammie and papa Friday  morning and were sad that their visit ended so soon. It was a wonderful week with them and we can’t wait to get them back in a few months! 

We said goodbye to one set of loved ones and welcomed in another set the next day! Our friends the Hammers got here Saturday afternoon to spend the next 8 days with us! We are so excited to have them and show them all our favorite spots. But mostly just excited to be with them and catch up on life. It’s going to be a great week.