So Malaren got a music lesson from Jacobo of Portugal -- no, the
famous Jacobo, but the one dating my next door neighbor, Elizabeth
(a.k.a. Grandma Miller). Malaren was enchanted, as you can see.

Yes, Malaren brought over the ivy for his crown. His reward was the Portuguese mysteries of the E flat.
No one seemed to think he looked like Rufus Sewell.

Below is a bottle of Amerguinha, or as we would say, Maraschino, a sweet liquor that tastes just like it's called. Ym!
No, Malaren did not have any.

Elizabeth with her laurel.

Two new buddies for Malaren, Sarah and Josh, children of Trish, a new dear friend in the circle. Trish brought kites
for all the kids, Sarah, Josh, John (Tom's kid) and Mal.

Trish, the expert.

We all drove to the Explorium in Mobile, a museum for kids. There were lots of interactive stuff, but the girls liked
the fish market best of all.

Some private beach time...

These next shots of the setting sun all happened in 1 minute.

At home, Sweeps tried her hand at washing dishes! Not bad for a kid who was up 1 hour passed bedtime!