Friends Only

[father_peter]

Well! Today was a wonderful day! My sister proposed to Emma. She said yes, of course. They're off 'celebrating'. And David's getting married on Tuesday! Such excellent and happy news. We took a day off from touristing too and so I spent all afternoon watching Thomas do this:


He's chasing Caleb and Anna around. They are convienently NOT in the picture because they were hiding behind Aunt Rosalia who threatened horrible things if I took a picture of her!


See! There's part of her. Shh, don't tell!


He's looking to see if I'm watching. Which is just adorable.


And this is the look he gives you when you tell him to come in for lunch. And then he stands up and says "Noooooo! Nonono!" because he wants to stay in the ocean.


This was Thomas telling Aly to look out behind her because Brian was coming. Unfortunately Thomas wasn't looking out behind HIM. See. Wave brewing...


And this is where he yelled "AaahhhhGLUG" and I took a picture of it because I am helpful.


But see! Thomas always okay!


And then dear Hope came up to me and showed me her sand...(and then proceeded to pretend to eat it)


Isn't she darling?


And then she was so pretty I took more pictures. Please note, she didn't get the sand in her hair there, she had already gotten that off her hands...


Aly took this one upstairs this morning. It's so sunny here!

Today, Lydia and I talked and she's so grown up it scares me a little! She wants to get her ears pierced. And considering everything she's come through, I think she deserves to make that decision. She's excited because she gets to go shopping with Hope and Tasha and Zoe and Isabella. Meanwhile Daddy sits home and has a minor flipout that she'll come back with a mohawk or something. But she's proven that she's mature beyond her years and she deserves to have fun. And considering that all of her siblings are younger with the exception of Tasha, she also deserves to spend some time with older people who aren't parental units. I'm so proud of her.

And David. And Emma. And Liz. And I love Aly so very much.

Miguel, however, keeps trying to give me tequila. "For celebrate!" He is very nice and everything, but I currently do not love Miguel. And I wish I had some tequila. But wouldn't that just ruin a perfectly wonderful holiday. (I'll just keep reminding myself of that every 20 seconds).

Comments

[in-spectre-mors.livejournal.com]

Ah, exactly what I wanted to see! Thomas looking divine, manly, and best of all, happy! I wish I could have been there. Perhaps next time I'll be able to join you. Or you could schedule a trip to coincide with my inevitable Spanish tour!

The picture of Thomas and Rosalia is quite frightening, really. It looks like he wants to chase her and just... no. He makes wonderful disgruntled faces, though. Especially when he's being wiped out by waves!

As for Hope, she's positively beautiful. Those are some wonderful pictures. Though as far as culinary concerns go, I think I'll leave the sand to her...

I'm very proud of you for avoiding the tequila, Peter. You're doing a very good and selfless thing for your family. And I'm proud of both you and Lydia for the way your relationship is developing. The transition from child to adolescent and behind can be incredibly trying, but I know it will be a lot easier for her with you by her side.

[father-peter.livejournal.com]

He's just absolutely incredible. He's so joyful, it's hard to feel any other way, really!

Well, he's actually looking at Caleb there, and growling. See he was a tiger and Caleb and Anna were...well...not tigers. And Rosalia was a shield. Not entirely voluntarily! And yes, the waves got the better of him and he just laughed.

Yes, I think I'll leave the sand to her as well!

Well, this is my brain right now "Must have must have must have". It's one of the reasons I'm hiding on the internet! Everyone's toasting and I do not trust my self restraint if I'm out there. Thank you for saying that about me though! It helps!

[in-spectre-mors.livejournal.com]

Thomas does indeed inspire joy!

I can see the logic there! I wouldn't want to be made an involuntary tiger-shield, either! Well, unless the tiger was Thomas, in which case... well, it would certainly be a different story, anyway!

I'm glad to help, Peter. After all the help you've given me, it's only fair play. You can hide here as long as you like, and I know there will be people here to talk to you and support you, myself among them of course. I'm talking to Jax as well though, so if I take a little while about things, I'm not ignoring you, just being good company!

[father-peter.livejournal.com]

Oh the mental images that brings about. Oh dear.

As if I'd ever tell you to drop everyone else and only pay attention to me! I'm glad you have company as well. And I do hope that next time we come here, you can come too!

[in-spectre-mors.livejournal.com]

Oh dear indeed! I happen to think they're quite pleasant images!

[father-peter.livejournal.com]

Well...that's....

You're going to get me in trouble!

[in-spectre-mors.livejournal.com]

Never!

[father-peter.livejournal.com]

I'll be a tiger!

[in-spectre-mors.livejournal.com]

Rawr, tiger.

[father-peter.livejournal.com]

Hee, I'm all shivery now!

[in-spectre-mors.livejournal.com]

Mmm, shivery in the Spanish heat, I must be doing something right!

Shiver me timbers, Cap'n Thomas.

[father-peter.livejournal.com]

You always do.

I would, but I'm all far away! I'll have to shiver my own timbers. Alas.

[in-spectre-mors.livejournal.com]

Woe! But we do what we must. You know I'll be thinking of you.

[father-peter.livejournal.com]

I'll be doing the same.

[father-peter.livejournal.com]

Right.

Why don't you two just borrow my mobile and have out with it?

[father-peter.livejournal.com]

Whaaaat?

[father-peter.livejournal.com]

...

Phonesex, Thomas...

[father-peter.livejournal.com]

Oh!

Yes, I so didn't get that one.

[angels-facade.livejournal.com]

Peter's like your sex guru!!

[father-peter.livejournal.com]

Spectre's going to teach me toys!

[angels-facade.livejournal.com]

Ooh toys! Exciting!

[in-spectre-mors.livejournal.com]

Because it's more fun right here!

[father-peter.livejournal.com]

Why?!

[in-spectre-mors.livejournal.com]

Well, that expression for one thing!

[father-peter.livejournal.com]

Ah, I see.

[father-peter.livejournal.com]

Okay, maybe I should call you. You know, once you're back home and everything.

[in-spectre-mors.livejournal.com]

Absolutely, Thomas. I'll let you know.

[seminalsemiotic.livejournal.com]

Such darling pictures! At last, we get to see the Thomas frolicking! He looks like he's having such a magnificent time. It's wonderful to see. Even getting swallowed up by a wave! I'm sure he was thrilled. It was an "AaahhhhGLUG" of delight *winks* And he just looks so adorable chasing the children! He's so wonderful with them.

Hope looks absolutely gorgeous. Though I do have to ask, why was she eating the sand? She's very strange. But very darling *smiles*

Peter, everyone knows that while you might have a minor panic attack should Lydia come home with a mohawk, five minutes later you would realise how much it suits her and beg her never to change it. I know you! I'm so glad she and Tasha are building such a rapport. I have no doubt it's very good for the both of them.

Peter, I'm proud of you. I always am. And not just for the tequila, though I am proud of you for abstaining, because I know it's not easy. I'm proud of you for always doing everything you can to take care of your family and make them happy. You give them, us, so much. I love you. And it warms my heart so much to hear of your happiness *smiles*

[father-peter.livejournal.com]

He's a magnificent frolicker! And he gives many AaahhhGLUGs of delight! He is wonderful with the children too. Absolutely.

She was eating the sand to make me giggle. Which I did, so mission accomplished!

A mohawk! Noooo! I love her the way she is! Mohawkless! But she's getting holes in her ears. I worry because she says she doesn't feel pretty. She says she wishes she was pretty like Aly and I told her she is, but I think she knows Dads are biased. I hope it isn't going to be an issue. She's gorgeous! And yes, I love the way Tasha and Lydia interact. It makes me happy.

I love you too! And thank you, Renee. I do try.

[seminalsemiotic.livejournal.com]

Thomas is just magnificent in all respects *smiles*

Ah, I see Hope's logic! Very cunning *grins*

You're right, I do hope it doesn't become an issue. There doesn't seem any overt reason why it should presently, but I suppose the past could give reason. And sometimes there doesn't need to be a reason at all. I know what it's like to not feel pretty or desirable. If there's anything I can do to help, know that I shall, unquestioningly. And I know Tasha and Hope will do the same. I'll mention it to Dylan, too. He'll know exactly what to do to make her feel happy and loved.

You try, and you succeed, darling *smiles*

[father-peter.livejournal.com]

Yes!

Cunning and cute!

Dylan is very good at that, as are all of you. Thank you, Renee. It means a lot to me that you'd be there for her.

Glad to hear it.

[seminalsemiotic.livejournal.com]

I always will be, Peter *smiles*

[twilightrobe.livejournal.com]

ha! that's awesome. i gotta get me down to the beach again, i've got a cravin' for it now. just seein' thomas lookin' so content and in his element there, it's awesome. really powerful photos. well, maybe not so much the getting dunked one. that one's just powerfully funny!

hope's lookin' gorgeous as always. i'll bet tasha's gonna grab twenty copies of each of those pics. and so she should.

lydia's a great kid. she's smart, she knows what she feels and wants, and she relates to people really well. i think it's great that she's goin' out with her older mates and experiencing "growing up stuff" in a way that's safe and fun. it's good that she's learnin' she can stay safe without bein' restricted. she's gonna be just fine, peter. i reckon she's gonna keep makin' you real proud.

good for you for leavin' off the tequila, man. it's a big thing, and i know peer pressure's a bitch. but i know you can stay strong, too. do it for us, and just as important, do it for yourself. you'll respect yourself for it in the morning.

[father-peter.livejournal.com]

He loves it! And I'm afraid of it! I don't want to get dunked!

I have no doubt of that! Hope is gorgeous.

Thank you, Tamm. That's good to hear. I don't want to restrict her just because I wish she'd stay a child forever. I know she's not going to, and I have to grow the same as she does. Lydia always makes me proud.

I'll be glad when I don't spend half the day vomiting, yes. I'm supposed to go to the museum with my children tomorrow. They're excited and if I'm stupid then that will disappoint them. And that's just not going to happen.

[twilightrobe.livejournal.com]

aww, you'd have a blast, man. gettin' dunked's half the fun!

that's a good way to look at it, man, the both of you growin'. i think that'll work really well, 'specially if you can both learn from each other. i reckon that's gotta be the best way to be.

damn right you won't disappoint them, peter. we all know you well enough to be sure of that. you're gonna have a great time tomorrow.

[father-peter.livejournal.com]

Nooo then you get all wet and icky and sand gets in places...

I learn a lot from her everyday. I hope she feels the same way!

Thank you, Tamm.

[twilightrobe.livejournal.com]

well yeah, sand in the bathers is one of the less stellar experiences, but if you're in deep enough you can just whip 'em off to clean out, and get 'em back on again before anyone's the wiser...

[father-peter.livejournal.com]

...naked in the ocean with all the evil that lurks under the waters?! You are insane!

[twilightrobe.livejournal.com]

ha! well, fair enough!

[father-peter.livejournal.com]

It's me!! Hah, that wave was fun. Even if I am a moppet for not seeing it. I loved playing with Anna and Caleb too! They're brilliant!

Your daughter is a wonderful and thoughtful girl and she'll grow up to be a wonderful and thoughtful woman. Especially with you there to guide her. You're a great father, Peter. Really. The first time I saw you with your kids, it wasn't even odd or shocking. It just fit so perfectly.

Miguel has been put back in his box, so you don't have to worry about 'for celebrate' anymore. And I'm proud of you for saying no so many damn times in the first place.

[father-peter.livejournal.com]

Good to know you like being knocked over...and my kids love it when you play with them!

Thank you, Thomas. Very much.

Heh. It wasn't easy. Thank you for that too.

[father-peter.livejournal.com]

You're welcome, Peter. And I know it wasn't easy. That's why I'm proud. You did it anyway.

[eligible-boy.livejournal.com]

Hahaha, Thomas on the beach is priceless! That is the same face I make when someone tells me to come out of the water! Unless there is food, then usually I am happy to ;) It is great seeing Thomas play with your kids, because I know he will be wonderful with Matthew too. It makes me very happy to know that Matthew will have such a good friend :)

Hope is so very gorgeous! It is great to see her so happy. She has been wonderful for Tasha, and for all of us. I love to see her smile so brightly! And I love to hear that you are doing the same. You do not need the tequila for that, and as you have said, if you do not drink tonight, you will still be smiling tomorrow! Your kids will be smiling too, you have been doing amazing things for them. You are an inspiration to me, Peter. I love and admire you, and it makes me very happy to hear of days like this!

[father-peter.livejournal.com]

There was food, but he didn't want it! He wanted to stay in the water! And Thomas is excellent with children because he took care of his little sisters. Matthew certainly will have a good friend in him. And me!

Hope just bounced and yelled "Hello, I didn't eat the sand!" which...is good news...

No, I don't need it. I'm gradually learning that. I don't even want the stupid tequila, except that I do. It's hard to explain. But seeing my kids smile and making them happy is always far more important. For which I am very glad. I would hate it if I lost sight of that. I love and admire you too, Pierre.

[eligible-boy.livejournal.com]

Yes indeed, Matthew will have a fantastic friend in you! I am sure you will teach him many valuable things, just as you teach me! I am so lucky to be surrounded by people who will be a good role model for my son :)

Hello, Hope! I am very glad she didn't eat the sand, that probably wouldn't be so pleasant at the other end. Good news indeed!

I understand what you mean, Peter. But it is very good to see the strength you have in this situation. It doesn't matter if the learning is gradual, as long as it is learning. To go forward in this life is what is needed, and we must all step at our own pace :) That is what my Sensei has taught me. Thank you for your kind words, they mean a lot and help me when I feel troubled!

[father-peter.livejournal.com]

I can lend you the 'Everybody Poos' book...

...Speaking of! I don't think it would be pleasent at any end.

Well I am certainly learning, so good for me, I suppose. I'm glad I help you when you're troubled.

[eligible-boy.livejournal.com]

Haha, fair enough, I'm sure he will enjoy that ;) Much more enjoyable that sand.

Good for both of us :)

[relinquite-spes.livejournal.com]

MY MUMS ARE GETTING MARRYED!!!

[father-peter.livejournal.com]

Yes they are! And I can't wait! It will be wonderful.