Jacob Turns Three!!

Our little man is a year older. Jacob turned three on May 11th and had a wonderful time celebrating his birthday. We celebrated at home and at his school, and were lucky to have my/Nicole's parents with us.

For the party at home, two clowns came to entertain the kids with games and puppets.

Timothy was right there with them…

We had lots of really super kids from our playgroup.




The clowns made balloon animals. What more could you ask for?


Well, you could ask for a soccer ball piñata and cake. They loved both, or better said they loved the candy and frosting. Lots of fun was had.

And of course a few gifts were opened!

At his school, the kids enjoyed a Cars cake with his friends...

...and a round of books.

Reading to 14 was a lot more challenging than just my two little ones, but oh so fun to hear their comments. (Erin – you would’ve been proud…I hope!!)

And even some grandparent dancing took place.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Mother’s Day was spent at top a scenic overlook in Quito. They boys enjoyed the food, lots of grandparent love, and opening Opa’s presents, while we enjoyed a gorgeous day and spectacular views.

We remembered all of the wonderful women – Sedacas, Gutierrezes, Bibbinses, Werdeckers, Harichs, Seatons, and so many more, that have been part of helping raise our family and us!

Visit from Oma and Opa....Opito, Apa, Opo

We had a wonderful visit from Oma and Opa (otherwise known as my/Nicole’s parents. Well they have real names too, but we've forgotten them. Oh, that's right. Their other names are Mom and Dad.) Opa’s name was quite the source of varied pronunciation – Opito (German meets Ecuadorian), Apa, and Opo.

Regardless of name, it was a great visit. There was a lot of just fun hanging out time…

We went to the faux equator line this time. Timothy loved it. He gave it a thumbs up. (OK – he hasn’t mastered the thumb yet. A pointer finger will do…)

We went walking along a beautiful train where Santiago trained for his marathon.


We went to fascinating Park Jerusalem (in Ecuador not Israel), which is the only dry forest in South America. Who knew? Lots of interesting foliage for us to see, and fun horseback riding for our little travelers.

We took the long cable car up to the top of the impressive mountain Pichincha to oversee all of Quito and beyond. We were so lucky to have a day in which we could see Cotopaxi, Antisana, and Cayambe, three mountains (and active volcanoes) that are part of the 22 mountain chain that runs down the middle of Ecuador.

This picture is my favorite. Our little Quiteno looking out over “his” mighty country.