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.

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.

Home for the Holidays

We began our trip home in secret.  For weeks we had been planning to surprise my mother by just showing up on her doorstep.  It took some effort on every one's part.  I called my sister and let her know when we were coming and asked her if she could find away to keep mom home when we were arriving.  I called and let my dad know, because he had to make sure the house was grandchild ready (i.e.  no Christmas presents visible).   And then I left the planning up the the kids.  They talked for weeks about what they would say and how surprised my mother would be.  It was a blast!  I don't love the surprise thing, but my kids got such a kick out of it. 

Two days after we arrived we celebrated Isaac's birthday.  Yes it was a bit late, but he really wanted to have a celebration with the family.  So he asked my mom and sister to hold off on sending his birthday gifts to him and we celebrated there. 

On the 23rd we got visit from the fat man in red.  This has become tradition at my mother's house.  Every year we are home (and now probably every year because my sister has two little ones) Mr. and Mrs. Clause come to the Nielsen house.  This is such a wonderful tradition and something my kids will remember for always.  This guy is the real deal.  He talks to them about the good things they have accomplished in the year, and things they still need to work on.  He brings a message about our Savior and poses for as many pictures as we want. 

Christmas 2011

 We were so pleased that Trisha's In-laws could join us for the Cash and Dacen's first meet and greet with Santa. 

Emma as beautiful as ever, sucking up for good gifts.

Isaac doing the smile only he can do.

Ummm, yep that is pretty much what Eli thought of the big guy.

 We spent Christmas Eve with the Stewart/Gentrys eating a wonderful dinner my mother-in-law cooked, enjoying the company of family we only get to see once in a while and watching the kids play games with their grandparents.  It was a wonderful time to build memories with them.  We learned that night that my in-laws are putting in mission papers this summer so it will likely be 3 years before we get to see them again.  It was bitter sweet news.  But we know they are going to make the most wonderful missionaries.  There is nothing more important to them than building the Kingdom of God.  I so wish I had pictures of this day, but we were so busy catching up the camera never made it out of the bag.

Christmas morning traditional crepe breakfast.

Okay I know it is cheesy, but I thought I was so funny giving my brother in law a calf hoof bottle opener for Christmas.  Yes, we do use EVERY part of the cow here in Paraguay. Looks like he didn't think it was nearly as funny as I did. 

The most exciting gift was opened Christmas morning.  Everyone in the family received a bathtub toy boat.  It took about 5 minutes but Emma finally got that we were going on a cruise.  Yep, that is right.  Santa brought us a 7 night cruise to the Virgin Islands.  We had a blast. (Pictures to come.) 

 

On the 31^st Isaac was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  It was a wonderful day.  We had family from all over come to share in the day with us.  Although it would have different for Isaac to be baptized in Paraguay, I was glad we waited so he could have that day with family. 

 Later that evening we all went to temple square to enjoy the beautiful lights.  My kids love doing this and it will be missed next year. 

Moursey and Lowell

The Hunsakers

The best family picture we could get.  Someday we will all smile at the same time.

The best parents a kid could ask for.

 



Emma sings for ASA!

So Emma is involved in the drama club at school.  There was a program at Halloween where they did the play Hansel and Gretel.  It was cute but simple.  We went to school for this weeks program expecting the same type of program.  The play was a little better and more put together.  At one part in the play it looks as though the 3rd graders are going to sing but my daughter just stays up there.  I was a bit embarrassed for her at first because she clearly seemed to be in the wrong place.  But much to our surprise Emma sang a solo for the school.  She had not told my hubby, nor I that she was doing this.

When I asked her after why she hadn't told us she said, "I did!  Last night." 

My replay was, "No last night you told me you were nervous. That is all."  She was shocked that I didn't gather from that sentence that she was singing a solo.

We are so proud of her!  She is growing up so much everyday right in front of my eyes.


 

My Kids Speak in Church

I want to start by apologizing to my family. My kids gave these talks in Sacrament Meeting several weeks ago and it has taken me time to get them put together.

I would also like to apologize to any typos or errors. Yes, I noticed them but I honestly could not figure out how to go back and delete after I had moved on to the next slide. I could have figured it out had I been given enough time, but I figured you would rather see them sooner than later.

Lastly, I would like to apologize to all of you Spanish speakers out there. I am sure my translation leaves something to be desired, but you get the idea.

I am so proud of my kids for their courage to get up and do this. It was several weeks of practice and hard work but in the end they were confident and willing to step out of their comfort zone. Emma has become so confident in her Spanish that last week she stood and shared her testimony without any preparation. I have wonderful kids and I thank God everyday for them.

Halloween in Paraguay

I know it has been nearly 2 months since I posted, but honestly I don't have that much to post about.  Life here is pretty dull, but we like it that way.  We are spending a ton of time together as a family and getting to know the other families here. 

Shawn has kept super busy with his church calling.  Our bishop has a very sick baby girl that will be in the hospital for several months.  As you can imagine he is consumed with taking care of his family and has left much of the church business up to my hubby and the other counselor.

About a month ago I learned that the maid we loved so much had been stealing from us.  So my month has been filled with trying to find someone new.  I feel blessed that a family with the embassy had a maid but not a house, so I borrowed their maid for the last 5 weeks until we could find a new one.  I think we have a winner, but only time will tell.

Other than that the kids are doing really well in school and their Spanish amazes me every day.  Isaac just said to me this morning, "Mom when we got here I didn't know any Spanish and now I am learning it muy rapido."  He makes me smile.  What is even more amazing is to hear the kids talk to only Spanish speakers.  I stand in awe. 

On the 27th the kids and I headed to the embassy to decorate my hubby's office.  It was fun to just spend time with the kids making memories.  We hung ribbons, balloons, ghosts, spiders and spider webs.  We put our pumpkins out and added a few things to make it feel like home.  I would post a pic, but no cameras are allowed in that part of the embassy.  But here are pics of the kids' pumpkins.  This is the best we could find here, and the kids got a kick out of them.

There is no doubt our Halloween was not Halloween in the states.  But between the school and the Embassy it was still wonderful.  On the 28th Isaac dressed up as 3 different characters.  He started the day off as a zombie for a musical performance his class did for the school, then changed into his favorite book character, Jengo Fett (because that is what we had) and then finished the day as Harry Potter.  Now I know you are wondering why he couldn't be Harry Potter for his favorite book character.  The answer, because his mother is very mean and would not let him go as a character in a book he has not read.  So Star Wars it was. 

Zombie

Jengo Fett

The evening of the 28th we headed back to the school for a parade of costumes, trick or treating (just Isaac), dinner and games.  It turned out to be a fun night, after we found Isaac.  There was a time there that we couldn't find him, but he was so smart and went to the bus stop and waited for us to find him.  Isaac played games with his best friend Max, Emma ran off with her friends and Shawn waited for the "fun" to be over so we could go home and he could go to bed.  He spent the next 4 days in bed.  

The American School -- Decorated

Harry Potter, Hermione,
and Nearly Headless Sir Nicholas

On Monday we met after school at the embassy and made the rounds to all the offices collecting candy. The kids decided to go with a Harry Potter themed Halloween so Isaac was Harry, Emma was Hermione and Eli was Nearly Headless Sir Nicholas (how could I resist with that crazy head of hair he has?) The kids had a blast.  There were a couple of haunted houses and some great costumes.  We started in the Ambassadors office where we found the Ambassador on the floor covered in "blood," and a dull kitchen knife lying next to him.  It was funny!  He is new and it was a great introduction for the kids.  We finished at the Ambassadors house with pizza, cookie decorating and chatting with friends.  All in all it was a wonderful time.

Eli, BEGGING for more pizza

And there you have it.  Hope you had a wonderful Halloween.  And with the holidays coming up I would guess it won't be another 2 months before I post again.