Photo Shoot in Ambato

Today we took a trip to Ambato. The weather could have been a little better, but we had a nice time anyway. First we went to eat the famous gallinas de Pinllo (Pinllo chickens) in peanut sauce, finishing it of with some local pop: pineapple-flavored Fruitkiss.

Next we went up to the Primera Imprenta to view the city. As Grandpa Dan searched the horizons for that perfect building and perfect shot, Agustín asked me to take a "few" pictures of him.

"Mommy, take a picture of me here."

"Mommy, now take a picture of me here."

"Mommy, now here."

"Here too."

"Now take a picture of me here."

"And now here."

"Oh, this looks like a good place, right Mommy?"

And after all those pictures, I had to get one of the two of us. He was so huggable at that moment!

The whole time Agustín was posing, I ket trying to get Nico, but he kept giving me his back.I did get this one, though, surprising him by coming up behind him and sticking the camera in his face!

Next we went up to Quisapincha.

Driving around later that afternoon, we came across an indigenous celebration. Got to watch as adults and kids went out dancing, some dressed as devils, others as angels, others as animals (there was even Bigfoot), all dancing around statues of the Baby Jesus and Joseph and Mary. Very very cool.

This guy was a bit creepy, but cool to watch. He had a stuffed skunk that he used as a phallic symbol and/or pointer. I am not sure at all what was going on, but it was one of the neatest shows I have seen. I need to do some research to understand more about what the celebration and custom was all about.

That night it was Ali's for supper.

"Mommy, here is good too, right? One more. Last one for today, OK?"

The Box

I think The Box is a big reason while the kids like Ambato so much. We barely left the house these past three days, but the kids had so much fun and did not want to come home this afternoon. Why? I think it is The Box - a big box where a bunch of Daddy's and Uncle's old toys have ended up. Old cars, Legos, Bingo cards - with a mix of a few newer acquisitions like killer whales and dinosaurs - make for nonstop, fun-filled play. Fourteen hours of it - from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Happy Valentine's Day

Ambato was crazy crowded this morning after the parade. We did NOT go to the parade - we are not crazy. But the city was quite full and dirty when we went out for lunch as the parade was ending.



The kids were excited to get out of the house, though. They wanted to buy Carnaval foam (and we did - I was the only one who played with them. Me - ha! The only one who supposedly does not like Carnaval) and loved watching everyone spray each other. The only fun I get out of the whole thing is watching them. I really cannot see what is so fun about Carnaval.



Had lunch at Bottero, and it was good. I got this picture of Agustin, who was playing at the table as usual. We often bring some toys for the kids so they can play while they wait for their food, and Agustin really gets into it. He brought these little soldiers this time and spent a good half hour blowing them up all over the table. Poor guys. Agustin's always had a really great imagination, though. If we forget the toys, no fear. Just give him a napkin and he'll make a space ship or car out of it and zoom it all around.

The highlight of the day was the bit of scrapbooking I got in.



I brought a box of things and got four layouts done, and of course had a great time while I did! Will try to post them tomorrow!!

Happy Valentine's Day, everyone!