Friday, March 30, 2012

FS RoundUp - Vacations

MY FAMILY


This is my first Foreign Service Round Up post.  But I guess it is better late then never.  We were asked to talk about a favorite vacation spot, or somewhere we have been that will make others drool.  We have been in Paraguay for a year now and have done almost nothing in South America.  We have however traveled home twice.  We have a bucket list, yet our time here is quickly whittling away so we will pray we get to half of it. 

However for Christmas this year we realized just how hard it is for Santa to organize his sleigh when we are not at home.  Not to mention getting all of those toys back home in suitcases.  So after much discussion with Santa, and other family members; Santa brought our family (including my parents, sister, brother-in-law and 2 baby nephews) a cruise.  This was a great solution to our problem.  The kids have been dying to go on a cruise.  We have yet to vacation together as a family since my sister was married 5 years ago and a cruise is a great way to do that because we could help each other out with the kids, and spend time together or not. 
SlimeTime Live  Underwear Contest

WE WON!
On the first day of the cruise our kids wanted to try out for "Slime Time Live."  This is a game show like production that we got tickets to see but after our very funny try out skit we were selected.  If you know our family you know the my husband and kids LOVE Star Wars.  So for our skit we put Eli in the middle of the stage and each member of the family portrayed a differed character of Star Wars.  Emma was JarJar Binks and had her arms flying all over as she talked funny about how Eli smelled.  Isaac was Yoda and did his funny walk out onto the stage and said, "Stink I think you do."  Then my sweet husband, who does not enjoy this kind of stuff at all, and was not in anyway excited to participate in this activity stepped up to the plate and came onto the stage breathing very loudly and said, "I AM NOT YOUR FATHER!"  Each person passed out after their line and then I picked up the baby holding him at arms length and said, "As usual I guess I get suck with the dirty jobs."  I do regret that we did not video tape the tryout because it was so much fun.  Most of the other families sang or danced, but we were by far and wide the most creative.  I guess we should be grateful that the people judging us knew Star Wars. 
Shhh, don't tell the hubby, I was kissed by a Blue Man.

The kids with a Blue Man
After Tryouts we went directly to see Blue Man Group, which was probably the best part of the boat.  It was so good in fact we went back to see it again later in the week.  Eli sat through both performances totally mesmerized.  The second performance we were sitting so close to the stage that we got banana all over us as part of their act.  I'm a little surprised my gag reflex did not kick it.

The kids love going to the kids' club. And the grown ups loved the option of dropping them off there. 
This water slide was pitch black.  I had to take Isaac down for the first time.

Emma in the "toilet bowl."
We swam, did the slides, and Emma and I even climbed the rock wall, and repelled down the repelling wall.











Our first stop was St. Martin where we went snorkeling.  The kids had a blast. 
My dad, snorkeling with us.  Super fun!


Isaac loving his first time snorkeling.

Emma diving down to touch the sunken helicopter.
Trish and Eli in St. Thomas
Emma doing the Trampoline thing; she was really good at it!
Our next stop was St. Thomas where we rode the tram to the top to see the views, played and rode the Farris wheel. 
St. Thomas Overlook

Our last stop was Nassau.  We went swimming with the Dolphins and Sea lions.  It was a magical day. 
Dacen being kissed by a dolphin!

Boat ride to the Sea Lions.


My sweet boy hugging a Sea lion.
Shhh, don't tell the hubby I was kissed by a Sea Lion.








My dad and a dolphin!





The family in Nassau.


It was an absolutely wonderful trip.  Now I need to get on that South American bucket list.

Saturday, March 10, 2012

A day with the Breadys!


It is funny to me how life is.  Some our best friends in this whole world are my husband's cousin and her wonderful husband.  Since moving to California we have seen them about once a year.  We get together and act like kids for the night, talking and laughing until 3am.  Our kids crash in different parts of the house and Shawn and I are doing our best to keep each other awake for the 30 minute drive home to my parents house.

Fast forward to today (well when we were home for Christmas), we have moved to Paraguay and they have moved to Texas, yet so far we have still seen then about once a year and yet I miss them so much more than before.  I think it is subconscious because I know they are not there to visit when we go home. 

Anyway.  I love you Becky and Nate.  I love your kids and I'm so glad you are a part of our lives.  Thanks for making the effort to come visit us.   Next time let's make it a VACATION!

Buying a Guitar

I don't know how it is in other countries but here in Paraguay if you want something specific from Paraguay there is a city that does it.  For example there is a city that makes hammocks, there is a city that makes jewelry, guitars, ceramics, leather, does wood working etc.  Yes, you can get all of it here in Asuncion if you are willing to go to the right place and pay a pretty penny for it.  But if you are willing to drive to the city that makes it you can find what you want for a reasonable price. 

At Christmas we decided we wanted a traditional Paraguayan Nativity.  So we drove to the city that made ceramics and spent a few hours deciding what we wanted and shopping.  The streets were lined with vendors.  We bought a huge nativity (I don't know what I was thinking because we are already so close where weight is concerned) and a beautiful vase.  We will cherish it for years to come, but I worry about it making the trip to the next post.  It took me 3 rather large boxes to pack it up after Christmas and I left out several pieces in my china cabinet. 

Anyway back to the guitar story.  Emma decided to take guitar this semester because they cut drama from the schedule.  So she needed a guitar.  Her teacher suggested I go down to the local mall and buy her a Yamaha guitar.  Seriously?!?  In a country that prides themselves on making guitars and harps?  That is crazy!  I looked up where we could buy one and the Internet suggested Luque.  We got in the car and Shawn says to me, "Where are we headed?"

"Luque." I say.
"Okay. Would you like to be more specific?"
"I can't, I don't have any more information than that.  I figured we would get into town and ask someone where to go."

A little flustered at my lack of planned he agreed and he headed off.  I kid you not, we were driving down the road and underneath the sign that said "Bienveniedos a Luque" was a guitar shop.  And 3 more followed it in the next 2 blocks.  We bought her a beautiful handmade guitar for a little over $100. 

I hope to hit Hammock city next.