Cape Horn

The infamously rough water around the Cape were smooth and peaceful. Words just cannot accurately describe the experience. The clouds hovered and the skies were grey, but we were grateful for the calm waters. I overheard a few passengers discussing their disappointment. They had hoped for adventure. I, on the other hand, felt blessed that we could be outside on the deck enjoying the view. I still can't believe that we actually rounded the Horn. Wow!

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.