hasta luego & see you soon!

There have been moments or gatherings in which I have fully appreciated and practiced what is known as the Irish goodbye. The idea that you can slip out unnoticed is sometimes necessary and also appropriate. It also indulges my introverted tendencies. I don't want a fuss, I don't want or need any platitudes, I just want to go home without anyone making a big deal about it. But really, an Irish goodbye in many cases, in my opinion, is a cop-out. Lazy even. The truth is, saying a "good" goodbye is work, it takes effort. It shows you and whoever you are saying adios to matters.

While part of me wishes we could quietly pack up our load of stuff, get on the plane, and like a mirage find ourselves in Iowa without anyone the wiser, it would diminish the memories and connections we have made over the past 10 months. So, instead, we have fully embraced the importance of getting together and ending our time here well. Besides, if we have learned anything while here, it is that any excuse to have a gathering and sit for hours to chat about whatever comes up is a practice well-worth bringing back home.

As a result we had a couple special despedidas (going away parties) last week. One with friends from the kids' school and the other with Ryan's UADY colleagues. It was fun to eat delicious tortas (sandwiches) and tacos and indulge in lots of sweets and snacks.

In the midst of goodbye gatherings, we have all caught a virus that has kept us on our toes or rather, lying in bed with the AC on full blast. Because of the rising temperatures, people are spending more time inside where there is air conditioning, thus, more germs go around. It was only a matter of time before it dominated the Dehners. We are on the upswing now, but it was a good reminder of what really matters as we try to maintain the fragile balance of plans and expectations, while we pack up our belongings.

We look forward to sharing in the next post some of "our favorites" from Mexico and what we are excited about as we re-enter the US next week. In the meantime, as always we appreciate these little reunions with you. Thank you for reading. Lots of love.

Such kindness and love organized by school parents.

No gathering is complete without botanas (snacks).

I hope to remember this scene of the patio swimming forever. Madeline is in the middle!

Salud and cheers from the Dads at the party.

All the Moms sitting and chatting while the kids swim.

So yummy.

Click here to see us come home from school!

Yeah...it really is this hot.

Planning our hydration is essential.

Zumba! Yes, I am the youngest in attendance.

Ryan & UADY faculty.

The blue teeth crack me up.

Not pictured: the sugar detox afterward.

A long sleeve shirt that has never been worn while here and now no longer fits!

Reid making drawings for his classmates.

Ryan and his Mayan teacher, Maria.

Walking to school. They're pretty cute.