Update

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We have some exciting news to report today. As the attached photos show, Tommy and Ryan have decided to leave school and enlist in the Spanish foreign legion. While Angie and I tried hard to dissuade them, believing that they might be a bit young for this, the arguments that they made were actually fairly convincing:

* This trip has made them realize how much they love travel, and what better way to see the world than to join the foreign legion.

* They were not learning Spanish as quickly as we had liked in school because too many of their classmates spoke English and were paying them to do their homework for them. On the other hand, none of the drill sergeants in the foreign legion speaks English, as far as we can tell, and we’re pretty sure they won’t pay them to do anything. We also understand that their vocabularies will be greatly enhanced during basic training.

* Once they make it through basic training, which the Spanish call “El tiempo de la inferna”, they will get their own suit of armor, sword, and a real-live squire like Sancho Panza. (This is, of course, a reference to that great Spanish novel, Don Quixote).

* While the prospect of returning to Minnesota this summer and being the best soccer players in Minneapolis was alluring, the chance to slay dragons and infidels is even more so.

Needless to say, Keenan, Angie and I are saddened by the boys' decision, although Keenan’s disappointment is softened by the fact that she thinks they look great in their silver suits of armor. Angie, on the other hand, worries that they will be hot this summer. . . .

The boys begin training in sword play, maiden rescuing, dragon slaying, castle storming and other useful military arts later this week. We'll keep you updated on their progress.

I just hope this doesn't mean that they will lose their U.S. citizenship!

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Photos

Ryan the warrior
The enlistment process went much more smoothly as a result of Ryan's recent buzzcut.

Training
Here the boys undergo training in the ancient art of keeping that plastic thing balanced on the string. I understand it is a useful skill to have in dealing with fire-breathing dragons.

Keenan
I tried to console Keenan, who was distraught over her brothers' decision, by taking her for a bike ride to the fountain in the Plaza Espana.

Comments

[Tom Zavoral]

Great Idea
I think the Spanish Foreign Legion is a great idea... it will toughen them up for hockey season!!! Can't wait to see you all this Summer... Uncle T

[Bobby Gorman]

Loving the Blog
Thanks for the birthday wishes. We are vicariously enjoying our three-month leave by pretending we are the Conleys. Sounds like the trip of a lifetime. Love from the Gormans.

[Kathey T.]

hello Conleys
Well, now that we have made our travel plans ( with some awesome hotels!), we are very saddened to find that we have 2 fewer travellers. Be sure that we will miss you Tommy and Ryan, but we are hoping that Keenan will take up the slack in eating gelato and pasta in the Eternal City! We are going to see you in one month! Cannot believe it! That of course means that you only have 1 month left and I am sure you don't believe that either. Angie, let's plan the Venice and Rome itineraries and we are so looking forward to you translating all the Italian for us! Love to you and kisses, Kath, Dave and crew