Saqsaywaman Ruins Pics

These pics are from the inca ruin site that is in Cusco. We went yesterday, Saturday 2/10. The kids did really great walking around for at least 2-3 hours. We had taken Xander's backpack carrier, but he did not use it most of the time. In fact, he kept saying "I no need your hand". They had fun seeing Alpacas and climbing on rocks. It was beautiful!

Still no pics

Sorry, no pictures yet. I have a couple from the airport, but I haven't yet remembered my camera when just walking around the neighborhood. We haven't had time to do much tourist sightseeing yet. We'll be going to the Plaza de Armas today to do some shopping, sightseeing and eating this afternoon and evening.

Yesterday, I was able to help out in the clinic giving HPV vaccines to local girls and it was a lot of fun! Chris watched the kids play quietly in the clinic. Chris then worked the rest of the afternoon doing over 20 colposcopies.

We all went to our first dinner out at a restaurant in the Plaza de Armas. We had to take a taxi to get there. This was a experience! There was 4 adults and two kids and we all piled into a small taxi, it was like riding in a clown car we were so stuffed. If you have ever been to Mexico or some similar country with little traffic rules you know what I mean by a "fun" ride. :)

We hope to get out to more sights and remember to bring the camera soon. Starting tonight!
Love to all!

Arrived in Cusco Safe

Just wanted to let everyone know that we arrived in Cusco safely. We're staying at the clinic in the living quarters above. We have a beautiful room with lots of space, a nice queen bed and a set of bunk beds that the kids love! And a private bathroom. We are all well, just a little jetlagged and sleep deprived.

We left Seattle at 5am on Wednesday and arrived about 8am on Thursday morning. The kids are pro travelers! They were great on the plane, even the 8 1/2 hours flight from L.A. to Lima. We arrived in Lima about midnight Wednesday night and had to stayover in the airport until the next morning at 6am. The kids got very little sleep on the floor in the airport, more than me and Chris. Chris showered and changed and went straight to work when we got here!

Upon arrival we were met by the clinic director at the airport. There is a 3rd medstudent and a med student wannabe also here volunteering this month. We're all staying in the living quarters about the clinic. We share the kitchen, laundry and other living areas, it's really nice! Even has WiFi!

It's beautiful here! lots of mountains and green. For those of you who follow the weather, it was pretty warm today, maybe 65+ and partly cloudy, no rain. The temp is really dropping as the sun goes down tonight, though.

I'll be posting pics later. Love to all.

Here We Go!

So, we're all packed and ready to head out the door for Peru! I'll be checking back in here as soon as I can when we get settled in. Please don't be alarmed if it's not until the end of the weekend! Email me if you need me.
Love, Amy

Christmas Photos

First we had a beautiful WHITE Christmas! These pics are from what we call the "retention pond" about 1/2 block from our house. As it turns out, it's a great place for the little kids to go sledding. Who would have guessed?! Izzy really enjoyed sledding and playing in the snow with the rest of the neighborhood kids. And I didn't realize there were so many before....

Back in our Front yard we made snow angels and a snowman "John". This was inbetween snow storms before my parents arrived. Because by Sunday before Christmas, Snowman John was just a bump in the snow and our angels were all filled in.

Mom and Dad were really lucky to arrive on Sunday before Christmas from Arkansas. They were only a couple hours delayed getting in; and I hear that it was not because of the weather. They must have been very, very lucky to make between snow storms. Anyway, we were very happy they did and enjoyed having them here all week. The kids really enjoyed playing with them in the snow. Too back that Mom and Dad are "Winter Texans" and don't own any snow gear. :)

Izzy and Xander were very good this year and Santa knew just what they liked. They really enjoyed all the presents they received from Santa and family. Izzy says her favorite was the set of 7 Disney Princess "barbie dolls". And Xander definately likes the shake 'em up race car track and cars best.

Happy Holidays!

To all the Friends and Family that we won't be able to see this Holiday Season, We Miss You!

Winter's Here!

We're enjoying a little bit of Winter here in Seattle, just in time to get into the Christmas spirit. Last night it snowed, just enought to put a light dusting on the grass. The streets were a little icy early this morning when Chris has t get up and walk up to work. Thank goodness he wasn't driving. But this afternoon the streets are all clear. The snow is starting to melt, too. So you may have heard that we live in the lowest point of Seattle. There is a retention pond just across the street. It turns out it was perfect for sledding down this morning. Izzy and Xander met up with some friends in the neighborhood and had a great time sledding, running around in the snow and having a small snowball fight. Xander even had a blast riding down the hill all by himself.

Yesterday we also got some winter fun ice skating at the Seattle Center. Izzy really improved over last year. She started out using a "walker" and ended the day not needing one at all. We even saw some ice carving!