Mate--the Argentina drink!!!
Sorry, not loving it--tastes like dirt!
Me and my wonderful son, Travis!
Kim holding Chris and Ella Walker's new baby daughter, Abagail! Kim was in heaven!
Den and I trying to TANGO!
Buenos Aires Temple from our car.
The most famous cemetary in Argentina where all the leaders are buried. Eva Peron being one of them.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Iguaza Falls, Argentina
One of the glorious sights we saw were these amazing waterfalls. We saw them from above in a helicopter, walking along the shores of the river and taking a speed boat right into the falls!
Notice the alligator Travis found and started quite a stir amongst the other tourists!
During our walking journey through the jungles of Iquazu Falls, we came across these unusual creatures! Dennis thought he would share his chips and then took off running because we were told they bite and if you feed them they won't leave you alone. Travis laughed, Kim followed behind me as snapped their pictures for our history!
The one flight that was not full and we were able to lay down, somewhat, there was smoking on the plane, but I still appreciated being able to stretch out!!
The Walker Family
I would have to say the highlight of the entire trip was being with the Walker family! We met the Walker Family on our mission in Mexico. They were in our Ward and Victor served as Dennis' Counselor in the Mission Presidency. The four brothers, Alan, Chris, Alex and Hernan were and are very dear friends of Travis and Treavor. Alan lives in Mexico now with his wife and the rest of the family lives in Argentina. During this trip they completely overwhelmed us by canceling all their personal plans and showing us all the best sights of Buenos Aires as well as, seeing to all our personal needs each day. Victor showed up at the airport to pick us up--no one knew he was coming, not even his children. This was significant because he was in a horrible car accident that day after we left our mission 17 years ago. He suffered sever head trauma and was not expected to live. He was blessed, however and through prayers, the Priesthood, love of a wonderful family and perseverance he not only survived, he learned how to walk and talk (in two languages no less). When we saw him at the airport, Dennis and he embraced through their tears of joy!
Dennis, Travis, Kim and I were so impressed by the Walker Family's compassion, unconditional love and generosity not only to us but to each other. They all live in close proximity and get together daily for Mate and Fracturas (pastries) . Meals are six times a day, dinner is served around 10 to 11 o'clock at night! It was especially fun to meet and get to know the wonderful wives of Chris, Alex and Hernan. Ella, Kaylene and Natalia made us feel like family. The Walkers also have a daughter, Cynthia. She has down syndrome and has struggled with health issues. As we ate dinner one night she drew a picture of the Savior and Dennis. She told me she knew Jesus, He had saved her life when she was in the hospital for three months in Mexico near death's door. We love and adore the Walker Family!! Thanks for your tremendous example and love!
Unexpected Surprise was running into a group of Mission Presidents who were in Buenos Aires having a Mission Presidents Seminar. Two couples and dear friends from two different lives were there! Steve and LuAnne Peterson who were in our Ward in Mexico 17 years ago, and Steve and Barb Olsen who are neighbors now in Sandy! We couldn't believe we saw each other!! It was a joyful reunion!
Seriously, the food was out of this world delicious! Empenadas, Facturas, (pastries)
the best beef I've ever tasted
and not pictured
is my favorite--pancake de dulce de leche!!!
Dad and Travis loved the drink QUATRO, as well as, a drink called INCA KOLA.
The popsicle was chocolate with caramel in the center!!!!
There were armed police everywhere. We asked them what was going on that day, thinking that a dignitary or leader was coming. They said, no, we are here to protect the tourists!
Cute boots we purchased from a shop a few doors down from our hotel in Cusco, Peru- notice the Shoemaker! They came in a variety of colors, but not in all sizes. Kim and I wear the same size shoe, so we picked out the Coral ones! Doesn't everyone need a Coral pair of boots?
Our flight from Peru to Atlanta left at 1:30 in the blessed AM, so we had a seven hour layover in Lima, so Kim and I pampered ourselves while the boys went on a tour of the city. We had a massage, a pedicure and a manicure. Things were done a little differently than we were accustomed. When Kim and I walked into the massage room for two, we noticed there were no blankets on the tables and the girls asked us to take off our robes and lay on the table. We looked at each other in horror, and for the life of me I couldn't think how to say "modest" or "cover up" in Spanish! We finally got through to the girls that we didn't feel entirely comfortable laying on their tables completely naked! It all ended well and we were grateful for the relaxation before our long flights home!
Our last night, we ate at this amazing restaurant on the beach of Lima. It's architect was uncharacteristic for the rest of the city! This is just the entry. It was an enchanting Victorian Restaurant!!
Argentina and Peru Adventure 2008!
My husband is determined to see and experience every inch of this planet TWICE! I don't say this to boast, because traveling for me is ...well let's say not my favorite thing. I really enjoy the experience once my feet are placed firmly on the ground and my body starts to snap back into commission, but I have always been plagued with motion sickness and the uneasiness of flying. But I figured we have been on well over 100 trips during our married life and I have fond memories from all of them, so what am I complaining about? For the last three years we have traveled with some wonderful friends to all parts of Europe. This year I pleaded with my husband to start taking some of these wonderful trips with our grown children, he agreed and we presented the idea to our children. Travis, our eldest and his beautiful wife Kim chose to go to Argentina where Travis served his mission. Dennis and Travis researched the most adventuresome and exciting places to visit in that part of the world and off we went on February 20th to March 2, 2008. After 9 flights, yes I said 9 flights, 8 hours on a train, helicopter ride ,buses, boats, crazy cab rides through the narrow streets of Argentina and Peru here is a brief summary of our wonderful, and it really was wonderful trip. If you want to see all the pictures from our trip, you can go to our family web sight.
March Birthdays- Mylee
10 Reasons Why I Love Mylee!
1. She has the face of her dad only feminine!
2. Her big brown eyes
3. Her love for food
4. Her adorable smile
5. The way she cuddles into you
6. The way she lights up when she sees her mom
7. How she lets her big sister Sabrina dress her up and pose her for a photo shot
8. Her playfulness with her dad
9. She learned how to sleep all night
10.How happy she makes everyone in her family by just being herself!
March Birthdays- Tiffany
10 Reasons Why I Love Tiffany!
1. Her ability to multi-task to the max
2. Her strength physically and mentally
3. Her quick wit
4. How she loves unconditionally and nurtures not only her children, but her nieces and nephews
5. She is the perfect big sister! (I seldom use the word perfect)
6. Supportive and amazing in every way wife, mother and daughter!
7. Her strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ
8. Her desire to serve constantly
9. Her thirst for knowledge-always reading a new book
10.How her beauty and grace blessed my life every since her birth!
March Birthdays-Jessica
10 Reasons Why I Love Jessica!
1. She is an angel on earth
2. Her confidence in herself
3. Her smile and laughter
4. Her capability to handle any situation
5. The way she nurtures others
6. Her desire to help when not asked
7. Her humility
8. Her patience
9. How much she reminds me of her mom!
10.Her beauty inside and out!
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