Marcela's June 2016 Visit

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One of the most special people in our lives is Marcela, Annika's nana from Quito. Marcela raised Annika from the time she was 7 weeks old until we left Ecuador a year and a half later. And I literally mean "raised" and not just "cared for." She is simply one of the most loving and incredible people we have met, and we feel blessed that she has been a part of our lives. Marcela is an ideal role model for our daughter. She is patient, kind, honest, and fun; she values family, exercise, health, and being outdoors. And every day she imparts these values on Annika.

Of course, we begged Marcela to come to Bogota with us, but she politely declined as her family in Quito is too important to her. Still, we take advantage of her proximity and willingness to travel, and it is a treat for all three of us when Marcela is able to visit. Marcela came to spend time with Annika during her 3-week summer vacation...and we loved documenting this very special time for the both of them.

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Anapoima

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June 17th weekend we took a little relaxation trip with our good friends to Anapoima.  While technically it's less then 100 km away, its about 5000 ft lower then Bogota.  At ~3000 feet we got to enjoy a bit more of oxygen, humidity, and warmer temperatures.

The place was fantastic with plenty of open door space, perfect for smoking cigars, and it did not require any air conditioning.  The pool was perfect with a shallow end for Annika to play in.

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Ajiaco

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Just days after the Velazquez family suffered from the flu, the owners of the jardin Annika attends invited us to their house for some Ajiaco, a traditional Colombian soup that consists of several types of potatoes and chicken.  They cooked it for hours over a leña (fire) which gave the soup a fantastic smokey flavor.

Annika just loved it and had 3 bowls.  I wished I had more but my stomach was still sensitive after not eating for 2 days because of the flu.  In any event, a great time was had by all especially Annika with the gallinas.

Annika's Second Birthday

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Hard to believe another year has passed and our beloved Annika is 2 years old.  We celebrated her birthday with our good friends here in Bogota and Julia thew a little birthday party at Annika's jardin with the help of the staff.  

Below are pics from the party at the jardin filled with laughter and a couple of tears.

The entire album can be viewed here.

Videos below...

One more video...

Annika begins 'Jardin'

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For the past 2 weeks, Annika has been spending her days at the jardin, which is what they call preschool here in Bogota.  Annika's jardin won us over with its expansive play spaces and loving staff. Annika is in a class with 5 other students her age and 3 smaller babies. She's keeping super-busy, eating well, and making new friends. We look forward to celebrating Annika's birthday with them next week.

Of course, within the first week, she got sick and passed her lovely germs to her father. After a week of the crud, we both are feeling better.  I'm sure many more germs are to come with the hopes of strengthening her immune system.  Not sure about Dad though...

Below are some pictures taken by the teachers at the jardin.

Chingaza National Park

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Our first road trip in Colombia was to the Chingaza National Park roughly one hour east of Bogota.  Even though reservations to enter the park are required, we managed to get access to Laguna Seca.

This was Annika's first time hiking and probably hiked about 1/2 a mile of a 1 mile hike on her own.

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March McAllen Visit

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Back in March, Annika and I took a trip to McAllen, Texas to visit the family and to enjoy probably our last trip where Annika can fly on our laps for "almost" free.

I just started my new job at SURGE -- thankfully I have been busy hence the delay in my posts -- so unfortunately my days were spent working.  Annika spent time without "Abu", Abuelo, her Tio's and cousins during the day and our evenings were spent enjoying the South Texas breeze while the grown ups smoked cigars and played dominos -- yet another victory against the parental units.  Over the weekend the Perez family came over for some bbq and family fun.  Looking forward to our next trip!

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Sunday Ciclovia

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Every Sunday and national holiday, certain streets are closed for bikers, skateboarders, runners, and walkers.  This past Sunday we wandered our way to the Simón Bolívar Park by way of the ciclovia.  Total trip was 15 miles but Annika got to enjoy the park at the half way point.

Dogs enjoy the ciclovia as well.
Certain parts get a little crowded
Passing by a dance workout
Annika able to stretch her legs for a bit

Christmas Weekend in Bogota

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Our HHE arrived Monday and Julia worked very hard unpacking and getting the house in order in time for Christmas Eve.  We had a great Christmas Eve dinner at the Osland's and Annika enjoyed spending time with Isa.  For Christmas we chilled at our house drinking Old Fashioneds and opening gifts followed by Julia cooking a fantastic RibEye (meat from Argentina!).  We did manage to leave the house the day after Christmas and Annika was thankful.  She also got a chance to wear her new puff vest and holiday hat.

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Heading to the Osland's for Christmas Eve
Playing before heading out to dinner
Isa preparing cheese with sugar sprinkles
Isa making Annika cheese with sugar sprinkles. Delicious!
Our tree on Christmas Eve
It's a toothbrush!!
Annika's favorite gift is an electic toothbrush.
Old Fashioned
Old Fashioneds
Ribeye for Christmas dinner
Ribeye for Christmas dinner
Opening the last gifts Christmas night
Opening the last Christmas gifts while getting to enjoy a fireplace in our home for the first time
Santa brought her very own PFD
Santa brought her a PFD!
...and it's a hit!
Finally out of the house
Not amused
She does like for us to swing her high

Update From Bogota

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Household Effects (HHE) essentially is all of our belongings like our furniture, TVs, kitchen items, fake Christmas Tree, etc..  We have been in Bogota for over a month and our HHE has been here for weeks awaiting Colombian government approval so it can be delivered to our home.  While we are very greatful that the Embassy provides us a "welcome kit", we seriously want our stuff! Thankfully the wheels are in motion and we are to receive our HHE Monday just in time for the holidays.  

Meanwhile, here are some random pictures from our time in Bogota.

Random Fireworks just outside our window
Random Fireworks going off near our home
Annika trying on Mom's shoes
Bogota Sunsets
Bogota Sunsets
Ciclovia
Every Sunday Bogota has a Ciclovia where some streets are closed for bikers, roller bladers, runners, and walkers
Annika enjoying the many parks here in Bogota
Annika enjoying the many parks here in Bogota
Park on a Sunday
Park filled on a Sunday
Sous Chef
Sous Chef

Embassy Holiday Party 2015

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The U.S. Embassy was nice enough to host a holiday party for the kids to include a special visit from Santa. Unfortunately, Annika is still at the scared ****less phase when it comes to Santa.  This day also turned into a mini photo shoot.

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Annika in her festive Christmas sweats/warm-ups
Ready to go!
Annika, with Mom and Isa, at a respectable distance from Santa
Outdoors on a grass field and food in her hand - what's more to love?
Outdoors on a grass field and food in her hand - what's more to love?
Annika pondering her next meal
Leading with her stomach
Notice any resemblance??
Notice any resemblance??


Cartagena

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Just an hour flight from Bogota is Cartagena, a port city on Colombia's Caribbean coast.  Julia and I along with our good friends that were in town visiting, stayed at a hotel inside the walled Old Town with its picturesque colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, and fantastic restaurants.  Drinking a limonada de coco is a must to keep cool as Cartagena can be hot and humid.  The seafood is also a must.  Just about every restaurant we visited had some fantastic seafood with my favorite being the Snapper in a curry sauce from the restaurant Carmen.  We took an "adventurous" hour long boat ride to Isla Rosario for a little relaxation and beach fun.  Definitely returning.

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Cartagena equals great seafood!
Boat ride to the Isla Rosario
Isla Rosario
Isla Rosario
Isla Rosario
Isla Rosario
View of Cartagena from the rooftop of our hotel
Strolling through the streets of Cartagena
At Hotel Quadrifolio
Patacona!
Trombone player walking along the wall of the Old Town (he wasn't very good)


Fall 2015 McAllen Visit

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Before heading to Bogota, we spent a few weeks in McAllen, Texas where we enjoyed spending time with the family and celebrating Halloween and the birthdays of Julia, Andrea, and Andres.

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Annika helping to pickout a Pumpkin
Annika dressed up for Halloween
Trick or Treating with the cousins
Happy Birthday to Andrea and Andres (Dad)
Kisses
Martha and Eugenio
Mario and Ina