Stanley, Falkland Islands

When deciding whether or not to book the trip, this was one of the deciding factor. How else would be ever see the Falkland Islands or Las Islas Malvinas as they are known in Argentina? They have been under British rule since the late 1800's, but Argentina has laid claim to them because they are on Argentina's continental shelf. The two countries actually went to war over the islands in 1982. The Argentine President asks the U.K. to return the islands every time that she makes a national address. As of late, the plot thickens because there has been an oil discovery and the Brits are going to begin drilling.



We sailed into the South Atlantic Ocean and were greeted by the cold. It was cold, windy and grey. I mean GREY. I was curious what the people and the architecture would look like. The people were in fact British. I still am not sure why this surprised me. The grocery store was full of British goods and the streets were lined in SUVs.






This is the southern most Anglican Cathedral in the world and the whalebone arch.

Peyton and Caleb. Caleb's dad said, "Peyton you better not be gettin' too sweet on my little boy." Peyton laughed.

Governor's Home

The kids had so much fun together!

War Memorial
The sign in the window says:

To the Argentine Nation and Its People

You will be welcome in our country

when you drop the sovereignty claim

and recognize our right to self determination.

Last week I took this photo at Plaza de Mayo in Buenos Aires. This is just in front of their version of the white house. The sign says "Las Malvinas son Argentinas" (The Falklands are Argentine).

The conflict is long from over.

Puerto Madryn

After a full day at sea, we made our way back to Puerto Madryn. You might remember that we had just been there to see the the Southern Right Whales and Magellanic Penguins in November. So this time we rented a large van and headed out to Puerto Rawson with great friends, where we took a small boat out to find las toninas, a small black and white dolphin.





On the way home, we talked the driver into a detour through Gaiman, a Welch village about 30 minutes from Puerto Madryn. We stopped at Te Caerdydd just a bit too early for tea and cakes, so we walked the grounds. In true Welch fashion, Gaiman is filled with an abundance of beautiful flowers.

Montevideo

Our first stop was Montevideo. This was not our first time in the this sleepy city, so when we awoke to pouring rain, we decided to stay on the boat and wait it out. Once the rain stopped we journeyed into the city on foot for a couple of hours.


We visited the Port Market filled with open-air grills.


managed to find a cannon,


and see the mausoleum of Jose Artigas.



When we returned to the boat, our sheets were blissfully turned down and we were greeted by this little guy. We were onto our next stop and I didn't even have to pack us up to get there.

Our Journey to the End of the World... and Back

This really was a trip of a lifetime! We boarded a 2000 passenger vessel prepared for 14 days of quality family time sleeping in 192 sq ft. I was pleasantly surprised. We were creative with our sleeping arrangements and it worked out much better than anticipated. More importantly, this was not a trip about the ship itself (the ship was actually really great), rather, the ship acted as a means of transportation to incredible places that we could not have otherwise seen.

And all the better, we sailed with 4 other American families with children and it made even more memorable!

We're Home!

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!

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 the kids. 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...

Our Little Boo

I think that the nickname might stick!



What do you think?

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

... 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

... 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

... 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!

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.

Christmas Sunday

It is a shame that we could not get little Sophie to sit still for 2 seconds because she looked so adorable in her black velvet and cream dress. Christmas with a tan is not as traditional as some might like, but I will take summer any time that I can get it. :)

My Heartbreakers

These two melt my heart... especially when they are playing nice.

Pesebre de El Bolson

I have begun to acquire quite a few Nativities since we moved to Argentina, but this is one of my favorites. I found it at an Artisan Fair in El Bolson on Thanksgiving. So simple.

Peninsula Valdes and Punta Tombo Videos

These videos files are too large to upload here and YouTube will mute the tunes, so here are a couple of links to our recent trip. Pictures are coming too...

Peninsula Valdes - Whales

Punta Tombo - Penguins

Reality Check

This week has been a true reality check. Sometimes living as an expats is like living in an "alternate universe" as a friend calls it. You aren't in the States which we know and understand with conveniences not offered throughout the rest of the world and we aren't locals. Living as an expat is also not like living as a missionary, but this needs to be a post of its own. We are afforded benefits overseas and a standard of living that we would not otherwise be able to afford. This is a direct result of free housing and less expensive services.

I often grumble about the difficulties of living overseas (the list can go on and on) and try to absolve the myth that the intrigue of travel and seeing the world is a life of bliss and ease. We have a great life and we are abundantly blessed, but it comes at a cost.

This week I have had a good does of reality and I feel all the more blessed in so many ways. And as strange as this may sound, I realize that I have really matured as a mother since I brought home tiny little Abe 6 years ago. The change of pace has been eye-opening and good for all of us.

Today's Fruit and Veggies

Today I bought this:


plus 2-3 lbs of potatoes and about 1-2 pounds of strawberries

for $82 or $US 21.57.

Not bad.

Photos..

from our 10-day, 3300 mile trip through Patagonia, Argentina are coming. Soon.

It's Birthday Week

I am preparing for the birthday week! 2 parties, 50 kids, 40 moms, 3 cakes, 30 cupcakes, 2 carpools, 1 magician, 3 guinea pigs, 2 inflatables and a whole lot of laughter! Can't wait!

Nan Scott Design Studio

Nan Scott Design Studio is a project that was launched last Thursday after three years of development. Nan Scott, a professional graphic designer and long time personal friend, created a wonderful and simple way to display and preserve your photos with the opportunity to fuse them with blogs and social networking site like Facebook. The video on the front page is a great way to learn more.


Check it out at nanscottdesignstudio.com!