Wednesday, January 12, 2011

1st visitor & 1st vacation

We really enjoyed our first vacation in Argentina. We weren't really sure what to expect, but for the most part we really enjoyed ourselves. I think we came back refreshed and with wonderful memories. We traveled with Doug (David's brother), Ivanna (Zane's babysitter/our friend), Erica (a new Minnesota friend that is down here to study Spanish for 2 months), and US. Here are some of the highlights of our trip. Check out the links for more info about the area. The backseat of the rental car was a bit squished. It was the first time in 10 months that we drove. I(Beth) forgot how freeing it is to have access to a car. I'm totally going through car-with-drawl now.
Zane loves to camp. He enjoyed setting up the tent, meeting all of the neighbors, playing at the park with the other kiddos, and petting the kitten that hung out by our campsite.

La Bodega- the Winery/vineyard

Hiking around the Bodega

La garganta del diablo- the throat of the devil
We hiked up this crazy steep canyon with Zane. He loved it. He is such a little explorer. Zane was so proud of himself. He likes to do what the 'big kids/adults' can do.

Sand dunes

Zane getting sand in every crevasse possible.
Uncle Doug and Zane throwing rocks

We rented some bikes and road around the plaza. Zane is still figuring out how to pedal. David got a workout:)
The "trandom" - h.i.l.a.r.i.o.u.s

The Roberts men eating steak in Cafayate.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cafayate

Zane wishing Ivanna (his babysitter/friend) a happy birthday!

Erica(a new Minnesota friend visiting Tucuman for 2 months to study Spanish), Ivanna(Zane's babysitter), Doug(David's Brother), David and Zane hiking up the trails in the ruines of the Quilmes village.

We hiked up the trail to the place where the Quilmes would look over the valley to spot danger.
There were many more great moments but it would take forever to put them all on here.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Our 1st Christmas & New Years in Tucuman

I am so thankful that I brought down my manger scene with me. Zane enjoyed naming all of the pieces and learning about the reason for Christmas. Happy Birthday Jesus! God thank you for sending your Son.
All dressed up to go to Deliah & Gus's wedding.

Opening presents on Christmas Eve (Argentines usually open gifts around midnight, but I couldn't wait. So we opened gifts around 10pm)

Zane's friend, Constanza LOVED her girlie pink water bottle from the States!

Zane and Constanza playing the night away.

We had a young Argentine family over for Christmas Eve. (Pablo & Andrea & Constanza Meuli)

Andrea helped me(Beth) plan a very Argentine meal. (sandwiches, wine, chocolate raisen nut candies, beef, potato salad,veggies, icecream)

Love this picture :)

Toasting at midnight with Fanta

There were a million fireworks at midnight. Our neighbors really got into it. One even zoomed into our apartment and left a mark on the wall. We also had a group of boys setting off firecrackers in a metal barrel right infront of our door until 4:30am!!! Our friends left around 2:30am. We went to bed and they went to visit their family.

Our Canadian missionary friend, Laura, was too sick to celebrate Christmas Eve with us but exchanged some gifts with us on Christmas day. She has been such an encouragement to us.

Los Changos (the guys) at our Christmas Day Asado (BBQ)


We had an amazing asado for our Christmas Day Dinner at the Borstad home. We praise God for wonderful friends to spend time with when we are away from our own families. The Borstads have been a God send to us this year.

Swimming on Christmas day...weird!

We were sitting on our friend's porch in the middle of the city watching all of the fireworks on New Years Eve & toasting. Toasting is a big deal down here. Chin chin.

Ringing in the New Year with the Ponce/Sale family
Manuel Ponce has been evangelizing the NW of Argentina for over 50 years.
We have a lot to learn from this family.
Zane rang in the New Year being the only child at the party but around 2:30 am the grandkids came to greet the family. So Zane got his second wind and enjoyed the 3 boys until 4am!

WE HOPE YOU ALL HAD A FANTASTIC HOLIDAY SEASON! WE HOPE YOU ENJOYED YOUR FAMILY AND REMEMBERED WHY WE TRULY CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS.