Going everywhere

On the past 10 days we have been really busy. After returning from Yanapana, Pat and I had a date and went to watch Karate Kid the movie. It was a nice escape for us. Thanks to my mom who took care of Mateo. Then, Mateo was a bit sick for few days, later I discovered that he was teething. We also spent few days in my home town Puellaro. We really enjoyed spending time with my grandma and aunt. After that we had Nikki from Hidden Villa visiting us and we took her to Yanapana for couple days. We enjoyed nature a hike in the forest and a refreshing soak in the river. Finally today we went to Papallacta, to some hot springs one and a half hours from here. It was great to soak in hot water with Mateo. As usual he is so happy in the water.
Now I look forward to some weeks at home and get Mateo in some sort of routine.

Mateo and my grandma Anita

Hiking in the forest with Nikki

Happy with dada

Look at the sky

This week we went to Yanapana once more. This time we had a truck full of stuff needed for us to set a comfortable camp, specially at the kitchen, the place where goodies happen. Pat had fun cooking and made a new list of things needed to prepare the best meals. One night, I was reading in the cabin and preparing for bed when Pat says: " you should come out and look at the sky". I went out and I saw the most beautiful night sky ever! I don't think I can describe with words my feeling but it was amazing. The sky was full of stars, so many of them and so clear. I did not know this view was possible in our farm since it is usually cloudy or rainy at night. This day was special and I felt like driving to a higher point to have a better view or stay up all night or do something to not let this moment end. Hope to see the sky like that again soon...

Back in town, Mateo and I attended to my high school friend's birthday party. She is my best high school friend and since we both have children around the same age, we should see often. I am so happy! Today, we spend the day at my brother's cooking green banana soup with my sister in law. It was a good week again. 

Little town we go by in our way to Yanapana

Road to Yanapana 

Birthday Party

Mateo growing up fast and running 

A little bit of this and that

Last weekend we went to visit my brother's family. We had a nice meal and afterwards we went to let the cousins hang out and spend some time at a nearby mall. We found a cute toy car for $1.50 rent after no more than 15 minutes Mateo was done with the ride! Isaid was happy in his stroller. 

Mateo and Isaid 

Every Monday at 11 am there is an event in front of the presidents house (few blocks from our house). We were there on time and got to see a nice parade and we even saw Rafael Correa our president! Mateo was very interested on the huge horses that were part of the parade and ofcourse the band. 

Later that day, we went to pick up our pick up! We really like this truck and we hope it will take us safely to our property many times. We also hope to discover more of the beauty of Ecuador on it. I'll like to call it voyager. 

On Tuesday, we made our first trip on voyager to my home town Puellaro. My grandma still lives there and I wanted to spend a special day together. To celebrate we eat cuy, which is a traditional ecuadorian dish. Pat and Mateo preffer not to share that particular tradition with me :). 

To my surprise, my baby started to use the spoon on that day. Most of the food did not make it to his mouth but I was so excited to see him try. This kid is growing so fast!!

That is it for now. The rest of the week we hope to receive some office furniture we order, finally get our boxes and get ready for a family reunion on the weekend. 

Weekend with the family

Our first weekend in Ecuador had a little of everything. On Saturday we had our first adventure taking the bus from Quito to my brother’s house in the valley which took us a little more than an hour and cost us 0.80. Mateo was fascinated by all that goes on in a bus ride and the busy streets of the city. Then, we saw my grandmother who turned 88 years old this year and my brother’s 6 months old baby who we had not met. It was great to see them and be together again. Later, we went to a graduation party where we saw more family members, some who I have not seen in so many years. It was good to be back. After some good food and some dance with loud music (Ecuadorian style) we left for more peaceful grounds. We spent the night at my brother’s letting the cousins get to know each other. Today, Sunday, we had a B.B.Q and watched the final game of the soccer world cup. It did not have the same taste for me because I was watching Mateo and not the game most of the time, and because we did not have any South American team in the final game. At the end, we had a great time. It is good to be back and have the time to just be and do not feel like we are just visiting for a short time.
(It takes forever to add photos since I have a dial-up internet service, hope to have high speed conection soon)