Portugal went well.  Weather was great - only in the low 60's but blue skies and it was warm enough for me to walk around in shorts during the day.  And for the kids to play in the sand in a protected part of the beach for an hour or two, only in bathing suits and even running into the water occasionally.  Much to the amazement of the watching Portuguese.  I went in as well, and into the unheated swimming pool at the house.  But came out very quickly!

It was lovely to see the Brazilians again.  Jo and Juarez are the same.  Maury is growing up into a lovely young man, bright, kind and capable. albeit still very innocent and child-like, especially compared to 13 yr olds here or in England.  Samuel is 4yrs old now and a nice wee kid.  He and Izzy got on really well together, playing v nicely despite not speaking each other's languages.  Izzy can still understand some Portuguese but will not really speak it anymore.  She did attach herself very closely to Jo and the two of them slept together every night.  Both of the sobbed their eyes out when it was time to leave.

Joey and Maury got on well together, as always.  Joey was generally in good form but, and I hate it when the 'but' comes in, still does not know how to react in certain circumstances, or how to behave.  Take football.  First day, the four lads played together - Juleffs v Aurajos.  Joey not good - little tantrums when he made a mistake, walking off the pitch, not being very sporting etc.  Before the next game the following day, I had some words with him and he was brilliant, at his best.  No tantrums, lots of 'well dones' etc, tried his best and really enjoyed it, as did we.  Next day, back to the bad behaviour, crowned with me accidentally kicking the ball in his face and him running off screaming.

We are not sure why he does this.  He wants to be happy.  He can be a great kid.  Funny, affectionate, smart, energetic, imaginative and a good playmate.  But there seems to be this deep insecurity and unhappiness at times, allied to a lack of sensitivity and social skills, and immaturity.  Things are generally getting better, the diet has helped but there is still a way to go.