2-10 and 1-7

So Jacob is 2y and 10m, and Timothy is 1y and 7m. How did that happen?!? In my very unbiased opinion, they get cuter and better by the day.

Here's the most recent picture of the 2 of them together. Bundled up overlooking a ridge in Quilotoa.

In case it isn't clear, we adore these two little people!!

Quilotoa

During the few weeks of dry weather we've had, we headed to a somewhat more remote region south of Quito, Quilotoa. We had read a lot about the beautiful Laguna Quilotoa, but rumor had it that you could only go when there was little rain. And in Ecuador...that doesn't leave a lot of opportunity.

The laguna was, as expected, gorgeous, and we enjoyed the time very much. We took a ton of pictures, so bear with us. You're only see a small fraction!

The drive, in and of itself, was worth the trip.

The population is mostly indigenous, and it was wonderful to see their beautiful ponchos and way of life.

We passed on market day, which is always a sight. Lots of folks driving their livestock back home after a day at the market.



Randomly on the way back, it snowed! The boys were delighted because snow, for them, is something that only exists in Bowie.

What a wonderful visit!

David and Kristin's visit

We were so delighted that David and Kristin Cummins, dear friends from DC, were able to spend a week with us. We toured around Quito, headed to Otavalo for a taste of nature and ingenous culture, spent a day in the thermal springs in Papallacta, and did lots of shopping. What fun it was to have them here!! Our boys are still talking about them.

David and Kristin in Plaza San Francisco de Quito

Everyone in La Ronda, Quito

In Otavalo, the cutest kid in the market and our cute kids in the market!!

Hiking at Laguna Mojanda

David, Santiago, and the boys trying their hand at local instruments

2/9 plus 18

Here are a few pictures of our little people around their "birthdays" of 2 years and 9 months, and 18 months. If I'm not mistaken, both will be turning 24 years later this year.

The boys in the bath....

Jacob "playing" the recorder

Timothy just being his cute self on the couch

Lima - The Capital not the Bean

Yes, it's been a while since I've posted something. I will get sufficiently admonished by my tech-savvy friends and family, so no need for anyone to feel particularly called to nag me.

Life in Quito is good. We've been busy with visitors, teaching, work, the boys, and life in general. We did find time to take a trip to Lima, Peru. Santiago had some work, so the boys and I tagged along. It was a beautiful city, but much, much larger than our little Quito. The boys loved the warm weather, pool in the hotel, and nearby parks. I loved the Peruvian food - some of the best cuisine in the world! (Yes, this will start a debate among my IR and traveling friends. We've already had many debates as to which are the top five culinary greats of the world. You're welcome to add a comment with your vote.)

Any who.... here are a few pictures from the trip.

Bono and his brother take the airport by storm.

The Sedacas in downtown Lima

Other glimpses of downtown Lima

The real reason we were there - Pisco Sour Weekend!!