Simple Game

We went to an organic farmers market and at the end of the market there was a woman organizing games on the pavement for the kids. One game was called Saca Yunya. It entailed drawing a circle on the ground and putting beans in the middle. Players would skip rocks across the circle trying to knock out the beans. Andre had lots of fun.

Driving in Peru

Before we came to Peru we talked about whether or not we should bring a car seat for Aiden. Ultimately we decided not to because we were told not many taxis had seat belts. As a result, this is Aiden riding around the expressways of Lima.

Chocolate Museum

We visited one of the many chocolate museums scattered around the city. Andre and Patrick took the tour and learned all about where chocolate comes from.

 The best part however was learning how to make it! They roasted beans,

made chocolate tea,

different kinds of chocolate milk

and finally chocolate bars.

I was so proud of Andre for maintaining focus throughout the hour and a half long workshop. I guess that's not hard though when chocolate is the topic.

Playgrounds

   Yesterday, we went to one of the many city playgrounds to entertain the kids. Unexpectedly, we had fun counting cats! How many cats can you find in this picture?

   I thought we would have a hard time keeping the boys entertained here in Peru, but it turns out there's a lot for them to do. Andre is at a great age where he's still open to new things and experiences, and he's enjoyed all of our adventures so far. Aiden is happy just running after his brother.

   Another thing I was worried about is how picky an eater Andre is and how he would manage all the new foods he would encounter on this trip. We came up with an idea of "The List". It is a list of Andre's favorite Peruvian food. He has to try everything in order to see whether or not it makes it on the good list, or the bad list. Here's one day's list.

Traveling to Peru

     We left for Peru on the 18th of December at 10:45pm. Of course, we all know, even though a flight leaves at a given time, your journey begins well before then. My husband, Patrick, had been packing for weeks. I had been saving money for months to make sure we had enough for the trip. And my sons had been...well they just did their own thing.

    On the day of the 18th, Patrick and I both had full days of work. When we got home we gathered all of our things, packed a friend's car, and left for the airport by 5:30pm. Once at the airport, we made our way through check-in, security, and found our gate without much trouble. Other families with kids seemed to have difficulties at the airpot. But there is a trick to managing airports with two young boys, ages 5 and almost 2.