cloud watching

We had some lovely weather on Christmas, so I took a few snapshots of the clear blue skies.

first christmas in ecuador

We had most of the family together this year, as Ryan was able to come for a 10-day visit (only missing Christina!). It's a different sort of Christmas, being in the southern hemisphere it's summer now, so it was a warm day with sunny blue skies (until the rain came in the late afternoon, that is, as usual!). I'm actually jealous of friends back in the States having all that snow! We got a Christmas surprise from Christina via a Skype call in the morning - she's pregnant! As long as she's happy and healthy, I'm happy for her!  So Susan and Dad spent all day getting used to the idea (I think it's still weird, actually - my little sister is going to be a mom?!). So between Chris and my bestie, Nichole, I'll be an "Auntie" times two next year! Need to get working on those baby blankets...

Our stockings - after emptying, Susan got the pink pair, and I got the purple pair!

pase del nino

Christmas Eve in Cuenca means the Pase del Nino (the children's parade), where hundreds of kids of all ages (and their families) dress in costumes, hop on decorated floats, and walk a 10-hour route through town starting around 9 in the morning. Due to much interest in the parade, we opened up the cafe (which turned out really well for us!) and I had a chance (before my camera died) to take a handful of photos.

family adventures

My brother, Ryan arrived here, for a visit, on Tuesday (he'll be here until the 28th)! Yesterday, Dad, Susan, and I took Ryan to Pumapungo Park. I tried to take photos of things I'd missed the past couple of trips there, but it's hard to remember what I've shot before!

a blue-sky day

The other day was really pretty out, so of course I took a ton of photos. Dad & Susan have been working on a vertical garden, and fixing up the patio, and the cats really enjoy the garden. I had a little succulent plant for a short time, but Abby would chew on it, so it died, and Susan bought me a new one. Hope I can keep this one thriving!

cookie exchange

Saturday, we had quite a gathering at Moca for a cookie exchange. Everyone was told to bring a few dozen cookies to share, and could sit and chat for a couple of hours. So many delicious cookies!

garden party

Dad and Susan finished the garden last week, and we had a get-together with Bill and his brotehr Tommy to celebrate. The cats already love laying in the grass and gnawing on the plants!

in the country

This afternoon, Trish took us out to see some land she recently bought. It was up the mountain some, and had some really pretty views, as well as many different kinds of plants, and a few animals around, too.