We had a very memorable 15 days and took too many photos to recount our journey. The seas around Cape Horn were calm and tranquil, which are two adjectives rarely used by sailors who know these waters. The kids are already asking if we will put another "card in the tree with a map for another cruise." We shared the boat with 4 other American families whom we adore. We really had a great time.
We came home to an very overgrown yard, and too many suitcases to unpack, but my parents arrive in the morning and there is little time to prepare.
I can't wait to share photos which I am sure will end up on Facebook before I have time to retell the tale.
Wish you had been with us!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Sunday, December 27, 2009
The Family Gift
Our family gift (in lieu of toys and other presents to each other) was nestled in the branches of our tree:
And this was what was inside:
We are pleasantly surprised by the excitement from Abe and Peyton. Their inquisitive minds want to know all there is to know about where we are going and what it is like to sleep on a boat. I am nervous about 14 days in 192 sq ft of living space, but we are excited to share this as a family! The anticipation of the kids already has me ready to leave, but unfortunately the laundry and the suitcases don't offer the same hope. :) One week and counting...
And this was what was inside:
We are pleasantly surprised by the excitement from Abe and Peyton. Their inquisitive minds want to know all there is to know about where we are going and what it is like to sleep on a boat. I am nervous about 14 days in 192 sq ft of living space, but we are excited to share this as a family! The anticipation of the kids already has me ready to leave, but unfortunately the laundry and the suitcases don't offer the same hope. :) One week and counting...
Friday, December 25, 2009
A few things I have learned this week...
... I can cook an entire turkey dinner from scratch including stuffing, mashed potatoes, yams, asparagus, rolls, banana bread and pumpkin pie by myself
... and serve it warm
... English toffee really is as easy I have been told
... Peppermint Bark is even easier
... and really makes it feel like Christmas
... All treats look better delivered in Christmas boxes
... All homemade eggnog recipes are not created equal - even if they contain the exact same ingredients
... The smallest of gifts, usually end up the greatest
... The rechargeable Mosquito Zap Racket really does work and is worth every penny - even if just for the laugh.
... although it does not kill cockroaches, only stuns them
... Few things are sweeter than a babbling 1 year old who thinks that they are making sense
... If you can't drink hot cocoa on Christmas, swimming in the pool is a close second
... Skype has really revolutionized holidays
... American dolls are worth all of the hype and span the ages
... and serve it warm
... English toffee really is as easy I have been told
... Peppermint Bark is even easier
... and really makes it feel like Christmas
... All treats look better delivered in Christmas boxes
... All homemade eggnog recipes are not created equal - even if they contain the exact same ingredients
... The smallest of gifts, usually end up the greatest
... The rechargeable Mosquito Zap Racket really does work and is worth every penny - even if just for the laugh.
... although it does not kill cockroaches, only stuns them
... Few things are sweeter than a babbling 1 year old who thinks that they are making sense
... If you can't drink hot cocoa on Christmas, swimming in the pool is a close second
... Skype has really revolutionized holidays
... American dolls are worth all of the hype and span the ages
... I can think of 364 better day to light Fireworks than a night I would prefer to me calm, silent and holy.
... especially not until 3am when children will be looking for Santa at 6.
... The Norad Santa Tracker can really keep a 6 year old occupied
... You can do ALL of your holiday shopping without leaving the house
... although tall sizes are still as difficult to find
... A 6 year old really can grasp the idea of a trip in lieu of gifts and be REALLY excited about it
... no matter how hard I try to keep any type of gun out of our home, few toys can really excite a 6 year old boy like one
... A 6 year old really can grasp the idea of a trip in lieu of gifts and be REALLY excited about it
... no matter how hard I try to keep any type of gun out of our home, few toys can really excite a 6 year old boy like one
... All the celebrations can really tucker out a toddler
... Sometimes you have to accept the blessing and stop trying to rationalize it
What I already knew...
... Sleep in NOT overrated
... Christmas is my favorite time of year
... because we celebrate the birth of Christ
... Christ was born to be our Savior
... and died so that we can have eternal life
... Heavenly Father hears us and answers our prayers
... He knows each one of us individually
... He has a great sense of humor
... Our trials have purpose
... Nothing in life is as special without sharing the experience
... especially with children
... Sometimes you have to accept the blessing and stop trying to rationalize it
What I already knew...
... Sleep in NOT overrated
... Christmas is my favorite time of year
... because we celebrate the birth of Christ
... Christ was born to be our Savior
... and died so that we can have eternal life
... Heavenly Father hears us and answers our prayers
... He knows each one of us individually
... He has a great sense of humor
... Our trials have purpose
... Nothing in life is as special without sharing the experience
... especially with children
... Legos really do help improve fine motor skills
... I am blessed beyond words
... Mario Kart is WAY more fun to play when connected with family across the world!
... My family ROCKS!
... I am blessed beyond words
... Mario Kart is WAY more fun to play when connected with family across the world!
... My family ROCKS!
Monday, December 21, 2009
Happy 6th Birthday Abe
For Abe's birthday, we shared the party with a friend and rented a birthday play center. The day was super hot and humid all day until moments before school pickup, where were had arranged a carpool to bring everyone after school. It began to pour like I have never seen in rain. You couldn't see more than a few feet in front of the car as we drove. The icing on the cake began to melt the moment it left the air conditioning and my hair didn't stand a chance, but it was a great party and the kids had a great time. It sure is a lot less stressful to plan the party somewhere else.
I had suggested that we have the party at home and do something original, but Abe insisted that we have his party at Big Party, where many of the other children had thrown parties throughout the year. Juan's birthday is just two days before Abe's, so we were able to combine the party.
Lego Star Wars Cake
Birthday Boys
Abe had been asking for this Hot Wheels set since June.
Happy 4th Birthday Peyton
With each birthday, it seems harder to believe how fast they are growing. Their birthdays came in a whirlwind. The were birthday festivities 6 out of 7 days in November because of actual days and school parties and classroom celebrations. Latins are known for their birthday parties and Argentina is no exception. I didn't want to overdo it, but in the end, the only ones who would lose out would be my children. They had expectations set by 24 other Argentine classmates. Everything went well and we pulled it off. Here are a few of my favorite photos.
My mom sent this look-alike American doll whom Peyton has named Isabella. The name of the horse regular changes.
Photos of Lidia are rare. Actually there are quite a few of her, but she is a bit embarrassed by the camera so they never turn out. She has become like family. She really loves my children and it is very obvious. Here she is watching Peyton do this:
The first to arrive.
Church BBQ
On Saturday, we spent the day with the High Priests. Inflatable gladiator arena, meat, and soccer. What a day! I wish I had more photos, but sadly it started raining and I was chasing Sophia. The only photos of her lately are on the move.
On the grass outside of the building, they were grilling meat about a foot off the ground. We all bring our own utensils and drinks to share. To accompany the meat, there was a large lettuce and tomato salad tossed in oil and vinegar. So Argentine. I will miss the steak.
Check out the soccer goal. It is a basketball hoop with a soccer goal for the base. Ingenious. Sophia wanted to play with the big kids too.
On the grass outside of the building, they were grilling meat about a foot off the ground. We all bring our own utensils and drinks to share. To accompany the meat, there was a large lettuce and tomato salad tossed in oil and vinegar. So Argentine. I will miss the steak.
Check out the soccer goal. It is a basketball hoop with a soccer goal for the base. Ingenious. Sophia wanted to play with the big kids too.
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