Sebastian's Wall

To the untrained eye the animal paintings I have done for Sebastian's room look pretty good.  Well so I have been told.  It is the trained eye that knows they are actually super basic and anyone could do them.  That being said I have worked very hard at them, as not a natural art person.  I love all of the animals, even the wonky ones.  But my very favourites are the toucan and the monkey.  Sebastian is so sweet to them.  He often asks me to help give them all a kiss before bedtime and tells them good night and good morning.

I now need a new painting project!  

St. Valentine

 Not really something we pay much attention too.  Although I am all about a reason to get chocolate (thank goodness one of my students came through).  But we did have a super nice day.  We took Sebastian to his favourite, Garden of the Groves where we bumped into his bestie.

He loves the ducks and is always trying to get a little bit closer.  In this respect he is much like his sister, although I believe their motives might be slightly different.

Abuela Returns to Quito

 The weeks just flew by. I cannot believe that Mayra was here for a whole ten weeks.  We spent her last evening at Banana Bay, the best place to be with a child on a Friday.  Sebastian was on the beach playing with loads of kids, never mind that the one closest in age was 6, he still held is own and had a great time.  

We had a great last evening together and then Saturday spent the morning getting her ready for her afternoon flight.  Poor Sebastian was so sad when he realised that she was not in her room anymore.  But we feel so lucky to have had her here.  During this pandemic it seems almost impossible that we managed to get it done.  Now we are just hoping that we are able to see more of the family this summer.

Celebrating Abuela

 When Myra returns to Quito she will likely face a self imposed lockdown until vaccines get rolled out there (no estimated time).  Quito still has an average of over 1000 cases a day and the recent trend is upwards not downwards.  Therefore, we are trying to spend her last few nights here out as much as possible.  Last night we went to another beach for a walk and then grabbed something to eat.

Time now seems to be flying by.  We will all miss her loads!

Abuela's Final Weekend in Freeport 2020

 I cannot believe almost ten weeks have passed.  It has come very quickly and now it is only a few more days until Abulea, Mayra, returns to Quito.  We have had such a fantastic time with her.  It will be so weird once she goes and Sebastian is going to be beside himself when he understands she has gone home.  But we are going to enjoy these last few days to the maximum.  We had a very full weekend, of beach and meals together.  Tonight we were treated to Alison's amazing food and a bit emotional when Mayra expressed to her and Simon what they mean to her.  

Mayra wrote a lovely speech to thank Alison and Simon for everything they have done for her.  They are such amazing people.

And Alison made this amazing vegan dessert.  It was so scrumtious.

We also had a lovely day at a new beach.  Not far away but always nice to have a change of scenery.  We are now at the final few days before Mayra goes, and everyone is feeling very sad.  Sebastian will especially be super lost with out her.

Field Trips and Sunshine

 And just like that, the weather turns and it got a bit warmer.  By no means tropical temperatures but certainly much nicer.  Which came just in time for my Mathematics Year 12 field trip.  The head of secondary also teaches Mathematics and she proposed a walk and lunch at a local beach to do a Mathematics investigation.  Basically, we were just trying to give them a nice time out together.  The students were so excited, it was the first time I have seen the students in this light and it was lovely.  

I got to talk and learn so much more about the students which is so important to teaching.  A great field trip altogether.  Back at home, Sebastian was enjoying a return to the beach with Alison.  Altogether a great day for all of the family.

Cold Cold Winter

  I know people will find it hard to believe and rightfully little sympathy.  But this is by far the coldest winter days I have had for a good decade.  Even colder than living in Switzerland.  I should have realised how I had been tricked into believing it was not so cold when I noticed the cars have heat functions, that our house was stocked with heavy blankets and that shops sell space heaters.  It was 12 degree yesterday and this morning and with a strong northerly wind it feels much colder.  The real issue is that the houses are not equipped, so our house is just as cold if not colder than outside.  We have no clothes for these temperatures and well who knew it got this chilly!  Obviously, if house had heating and we had clothes it would be a little better.  But it has been quite the shock!

Sebastian braving the cold with all his warm clothing on at once.  Notice the purple socks (mine, right up with leg), and the short shorts (that he insists on wearing every day).

Trying to get him all tucked up for a winters sleep.  Not also so easy.  This is meant to las a few more days.  The warmest place right now is in our car with the heat on.  So we might go on a long evening drive.