Sonidos Serranos

Sonidos Serranos: Sounds of the Sierras...
Reflecting some of my family's interests: God's wonderful creation (especially mountains and hills!), music, and language...

Psalm 121:1-2 (NASB)

I will lift up my eyes to the mountains;
From where shall my help come?
My help comes from the LORD,
Who made heaven and earth.

26 February 2017

“Ring of Fire” Eclipse

We did not get to see the “ring of fire” aspect of today’s eclipse from Montevideo, but we did see effects of the eclipse going on.

Sycamore leaves filtered half-shadows onto our street.


The internet was a good source of information.


But the sun looked the same as ever to my camera lens.

13 February 2017

Family Outing!

One of our favorite activities as a family, especially on special occasions like birthdays, is to take a drive, enjoying Uruguay’s countryside. One week ago the occasion that allowed such a drive was the wedding of former students in Paysandú.

These weeks of camp and prep for the fast-approaching school year have been intense. So we enjoyed the two days “away” as a family. We had hoped, on the way back to Montevideo, to stop by the Nature Reserve in Trinidad; however, the park was closed for remodeling.

We still got to interact with a coatí or two – or more – that eagerly climbed over the fence, hoping for hand-outs.

They’re so cute!



We stopped before crossing the Río Negro to try our hands at skipping rocks. (I got one to skip three times before sinking!)

Nature Boy was in his element...




We enjoyed the summer flowers along the way, including the ceibo, Uruguay’s national flower.


The little zoo in San José de Mayo was a highlight!

So were the playground and old construction machinery!


Days like these busy ones – and the ones that let us stop for a breath – make us thankful for blessings big and small...

29 January 2017

Happy B-Day, Little Lady!

Our E is having a birthday!


We celebrated with a little pre-birthday outing on Saturday. (We were also celebrating my having gotten several major projects done for the Ed Tech course I’m taking and our being together again as a family after JM’s working as a counselor at youth camp last week.)



We rode the bus down to Montevideo’s southern-most point, Rambla Punta Carretas, getting there just in time to see the sun set.



We then enjoyed two of our family’s favorite Uruguayan delicacies: Chivito al Plato and La Cigale.

Fun stuff!

Every year we’re more and more thankful for the sweet, sensitive (albeit highly excitable and emotional!) Little Lady that our Loving Shepherd has entrusted to our care. We can’t imagine life without the sparkle that our Little Punkin Spice adds to every day!

We love you, Little Lady!

23 January 2017

Another Riddle (from DJ)

He’s been thinking hard this summer...

What do second graders need when they get hurt?


They need Second Aid Kits!
Because first graders use the First Aid Kits!
J

18 January 2017

Quick Visit to Camp!

A certain Little Brother has been missing his Sister & Very Best Friend this week, so we made a quick visit to the camp today.

DJ was welcomed as part of The Orange Team – especially by E and two boys from our church in Pando!




We all participated in the morning Bible class. The theme this year is The Book of All the Ages!




We always enjoy the flora and fauna out at the camp.


DJ always enjoys playing in the sand. I love to watch him, wondering what all he’s imagining, immersed in his own thoughts, sifting sand back and forth, back and forth... (Maybe, among other topics, he’s coming up with riddles...) J

SO much simple fun!

16 January 2017

A Riddle (from DJ)


How do frogs contact each other on their smartphones?


With WhatSAPO! J

07 January 2017

“Moose Mud Muffins!”

Inspired by the book given to DJ by los Abu for Christmas, he and E have been requesting for days that we make “Moose Mud Muffins!”


Yesterday we adapted the recipe given in the book – and are enjoying the muffins immensely!


In addition to the four If You Give... stories, this “book treasury” includes recipes, songs, games, and even a “behind the scenes” glimpse of some outtakes from the artist’s sketchbook.


It’s a current read-aloud favorite in our family – and has already become a summer vacation bonus!

An added bonus for me was hearing DJ read the recipe instructions out loud to me as I mixed the dry and wet ingredients together. Hes becoming an accomplished reader far more quickly than I would have anticipated  and is a joy for my parent and teacher heart! J