Preparing for the Day of Costumes

So we don't celebrate Halloween here, but we do celebrate Costume Day. So Timothy, Jacob and I have been busy preparing for that.

First, we have been focused on testing various "guaguas de pan". Guagua is the word for child in the predominant indigenous language. These treats are large pieces of bread - sweet or salty - that are shaped and decorated like a child. (Basically an Ecuadorian gingerbread man, minus the ginger and with yeast.) Jacob got creative on how to eat this big baked good; simply rest it on the counter for extra support. And who said he's not a genius in the making? As for Timmer, it was mostly about the frosting.

We tried on the various costumes that I got - matador, cow, bunny, etc. I have no idea what they will decide to wear tomorrow. Last year's costumes - a dog and Tweety - seem to be the favorites as of now. The lion for Jacob has gotten poor review. Itchy, mama, itchy. Stay tuned.

Los Tios!

We were so delighted to be able to host Tia Alicia and Tio Ruben last week. They were complete troopers to put up with Quito's crazy weather outside and our crazy ninos inside.

We went to the equator - both the large tourist monument and the smaller "we believe we're the real equator" museum. Both were lots of fun!

We headed to Mindo for 2 very wet but very fun days of checking out the cloud forest. If there was any doubt that it was a cloud forest, that doubt was wiped away. We got up at 430 in the morning to see the famous cock-of-the-rock, which was amazing. (The first picture is us hiking up the hill. Yes, it was pitch black.)

We did a couple other hikes, and as luck (not any birding skills) would have it, we saw the ever-elusive quetzal and several types of toucans. For me, who is easily impressed by the color of the birds, it was really amazing!! Yes, my boots are the envy of all fashionistas! Other than that, we had a little extra cozy time inside with coffee.

We are so pleased they made the trip!