Life Lately December 2020

                                     The boys in front of the Christmas tree at La Aurora Zoo.

We began the month with an exciting night visit to the Guatemala City zoo.  Their "Night Under the Moon" is a yearly event and we are so glad they were able to have it this year.  We went last year for the first time and loved it.  We were thrilled about getting to return.  You take in a flashlight covered in red cellophane paper and get to explore the zoo at night.  Looking for the animals is a lot of fun.  Everything is lit up for Christmas and they have a lot of extra things to do that makes it a great outing.  For the second year in a row we joined our friends there.  Having someone to experience it with makes it extra special.  We look forward to many more years of getting to attend this event.

There was a fire pit for roasting marshmallows.  We loved that.

                                                                     Ben at the zoo

Mickey and Minnie even made an appearance.  How fun!

Me and the boys on a Saturday outing to the San Cristobal mall near Guatemala City in early December. 

We have roasted a lot of marshmallows in our fire this month.  Getting to build fires is one of my favorite things about living in this house.

We have also watched a lot of Christmas movies (some multiple times)

The boys on the rooftop of the Antigua Wendy's.  We went there for supper one evening.

After eating, we walked around our town and enjoyed seeing the Christmas decorations.

The Central Park has two of these angel wings set up for pictures.  They were so pretty.

The Antigua fountain lit up for Christmas.  We love living here.  It's a beautiful place all year round.

We finished our school semester on the 18th.  On Saturday, the 19th, the boys had a Christmas program at Encounter Academy where they take some afternoon extra curricular classes.  This past eight week quarter they had a choir/ music class and learned several Christmas songs.  That evening they had an outdoor program and the kids sang for the parents.  I loved that they were able to be a part of it.  It was a fun fellowship time for them and us as well. 

A few family photos before we went to the program.

We spent a few days in Guatemala City and then had a quiet Christmas at home in Antigua.  Then, this past Monday, we met some friends at Florencia park.  It was a fun day filled with bike riding, swinging, exploring, hiking, and just enjoying the great outdoors.  It is one of my favorite local places to visit.

We built a fire and roasted hot dogs for lunch.  We also roasted marshmallows and enjoyed hot chocolate.

Cruz hiking through the woods.  We explored some new trails on this visit.  It was a lot of fun.

We have played a lot of cards and games during our school break. 

I have also done a lot of baking.  So far I have made several loaves of chocolate chip pumpkin bread, banana bread, muffins, cakes, sausage balls, and a chocolate chip cookie cake for a sweet little friend who recently turned 9.  I love baking and don't feel like I get to do enough of it when we are in school.  I only lack making cinnamon rolls and I hope to do that before we start back next week.  My freezer should be well stocked for the next few months. 

chocolate chip banana bread and muffins

The boys have kept busy building forts in the yard.  I have enjoyed listening to them play from the kitchen window while I bake.  Here they are pretending to be snipers and are looking for zombies to shoot.  I love the imagination of kids. 

another fort in our front yard

We have also spent a lot of time snuggled up in blankets on the couches watching TV.  Here are the boys yesterday morning watching a marathon of Andy Griffith.  It is one of their favorite shows.

I am now busy taking down our Christmas decorations and planning out our New Year's Eve party.  I am about to "pop" with excitement waiting on it to arrive.  Like years past, it should be a lot of fun!  Happy New Year everyone!