Sunday, September 30, 2012

Happy Sunday

Strange environmental phenomenon continue to occur here in Nicaragua. We had another good morning earthquake this week on Friday morning either 2.6 or 4.2 depending on who you talk to (the Nicaraguan monitoring or US monitoring -- it did not feel like 2.6). Luckily we were all home (and already dressed) to run outside. It was strong (I could hear it shake the house as well as feel it) but over in about 10 seconds.

We also had the amazing phenomenon of the Iridescent Clouds (I'd never seen or heard of these before -- if you also have not I've already wiki'd it for you here). Amazing. A man on the street walking by as we stopped the car to open mouth gawk at the sky (along with everyone else) was totally non plussed and chalked this up to 2012 and the Maya's end of the world prediction. But it seemed like a lovely reminder after the earthquakes (and a lot of recent work stress) that everything is ok ... in fact amazing if we just take a moment to see it. Check it out .. my cellphone camera doesnt do it justice but maybe you can get the idea:



I also have my sweet munchkins to remind me :-)
Playing together in the couch fort

Hanging out outside on the patio

After Gustavo ran a 1K, got a medal and apparently got crowned king as well...

Enjoying the sunshine

At the El Salvadorian Embassy

Playing in the Doctor's waiting room

Happy Sunday morning! Doesn't the world look better with blue colored goggles? :-)

Reading together
The kids dancing at the El Salvadorian Embassy to Adentro Cojutepeque (a song about where Rafael is from).

Finnula will turn one in just a couple of weeks -- October 19th! Cannot believe it is so soon! And Gustavo turns three the month after -- November 14th. Savoring the last couple weeks of having two under three... :-)

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Earthquakes and Volcanos

It has been an exciting week in Nicaragua!

First an earthquake of 7.5 with an epicenter in Costa Rica. Then erupting volcanoes and evacuations in the north of the country.

We are all fine and there is not damage we know of in Nicaragua, but it was a little scary.

I had just arrived at one of the orphanages and the car kept rolling even after I pulled the hand brake. As we got out of the car everyone was already outside I felt dizzy and felt as if I was standing on a boat then I realized that it was an earthquake. It lasted about 30 seconds. I tried to call Rafa who was dropping Gustavo off at school and Finnula was at home with the babysitter. Unfortunately all of the cell phone service was out for a couple of hours. Gustavo was fine at school and got to play outside all morning. Finnula was outside as well for her morning walk. Rafa made it home with both kids and got in touch with me.

The volcanoes in the north have since calmed down and the alerts have been lifted.

Just in time for a nice quiet Sunday at home!


Sunday, August 26, 2012

Amazing views

We had an amazing visit with Auntie Sush who came to see us and took the opportunity to check off one of our Nicaragua bucket list items -- hiking Vulcan Mombacho. It was amazing. Words fail and the pictures dont come close.

The beginning of our hike

Amazing view of Lake Nicaragua

Part of the path through two rock faces

While Gustavo was still awake


Indiana Joneses

Mama's turn to carry Gustavo


Vulcano Momotombo


Lake Nicaragua & Granada below




Thankfully for this part it was acceptable for it to be Papa's turn

And he's out...








Reward: Amazing home cooked Indian food... three days in a row... the same meal per our request!

Everyone had fun with Auntie Sush

In Granada

At Laguna de Apoyo

Laguna de Apoyo


Rolling the inner tube up the entire hill...
 Come back soon! We miss you (and your cooking!)!

Sweet moment

Gustavo and Finnula sharing the shopping cart ride

Finnula using Gustavo to help her stand up. Gustavo tolerating this

Cuddling before bath time

Sitting with Papa at Laguna de Apoyo

And with Mama
Sleepy girl in Papa's arms

Good Morning with my two little Sunshines

Playing in the bed

And in the hammock

racing cars together

Stay at home date night complete with home made cordon bleu by my own top chef/ husband :-)
Playing the guitar with Papa

Watching the waves at Laguna de Apoyo

Enjoying the hammock

Super Men Indeed!

Loving Aunti Sush

So happy with Papa
Playing on the bear with Uncle Ian

Looking at the fish with Mama

Being silly with Mom
Homemade Sushi night
Gustavo loves Papa so much!

And loves to dress just like him!


Kisses


Feeling grateful for all of our wonderful friends and family and thankful for our little family. Happy Sunday!