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!