We are very much NOT at the bottom of the Atlantic

Sorry for the delay in posting.  The kids did exceptionally well on the flight but, as no surprise, the first day in Madrid was a challenge.

First off, we did manage to fit 6 people and ALL the luggage into our long term car rental.  This should be a testamonial to our long term European car rental, given this:

Fit into this stylish 2015 Peugeot 5008 with a panoramic glass ceiling, all wheel drive, and a stylish interior designed for both comfort and practicality (please note, I have not been reimbursed by Peugeot for this).

http://www.configurator.peugeot.co.uk/configure-your-peugeot/5008/mpv/#

We would have posted photos taken in the loading and unloading process, but we picked the car up in a dark underground garage and ended up in am equally dark, tiny European garage that put the automatic collision sensors in overdrive trying to fit the car into the tiniest of spots without scraping its new paint.

One picture did come through which is Sydney who was crammed in the third row with the four suitcases as well as some other items to ensure we did not have to leave anyone behind:

Fortunately it was a relatively quick drive to the apartment we are renting for our nearly three weeks in Madrid and Sydney dealt with this cramped situation like a champ.

The following day in Madrid was rough as everyone was tired.  Sammy cried approximately 5,000 times due to his exhaustion.  We did take a stroll through Retiro Park and enjoyed a relatively early dinner.

The kids went to bed around 9pm but were bursting with energy at 1am!  All three played enthusiastically (but as quietly as possible) between 1am and 3am and the bedtime process was repeated successfully.

Alisa powered through and went to ETSI where she will be working.  She got there at 10am while the rest of us were completely passed out.

Lanna got up around 11:15.  Joey around 12:15.  Sammy around 12:30 with some prompting (he's the toughest to wake up). 

The second day was much better!  We enjoyed a gorgeous sunny day at Retiro Park.  Lanna and Sydney walked around while the boys and I went rowing in the lake.

 

Alisa reported having an excellent day at ETSI and then we went to a market for supplies.  Then we had an afternoon fruit and cheese tasting on the terrace.

Later, we went to a fantastic restaurant that was behind a thriving tapas bar.  We walked through with the stroller and three kids in tow.  The dinner was excellent and the kids tried each item (although the octopus was not such a big hit).  If you go to Madrid, you should check out La Castela.

http://restaurantelacastela.com/historia/

At the end of the night we felt very European, taking our three kids home at 11pm.  They were pretty happy with some ice cream and are now currently sleeping peacefully.

We hope they won't be up at 2am tonight to play for a few more hours.

Aside from the jet lag, it has been a great start!