Guatemala - Part II

Yes, we really are in Guatemala now! Ronald McDonald lives there, too. Actually the McDonald's in Guatemala is a beautiful place, with a garden, courtyard, fountains, play area, and the place to go for a good ole' hamburger-french fry fix. Jonathan loved going to "Donald's!"




In Guatemala, the kids' meal is a "cajita feliz." Literally, a "happy little box." When Jonathan got his, he started singing "Happy Birthday to you!" To quote my friend Aundrea, isn't it great when a Happy Meal actually makes you happy? Oh, the beauty & simplicity of little children!


Santa hung out in the Central Park all through the holiday season, and past--and up to 4 Santas at a time! Nothing like confusing the children! Jonathan started saying, "Santa says, ho, ho, ho!"



Katie spent the first week studying Spanish at CSA, where she studied before. Here she is with her teacher.


There is a reason Cafe Condesa is such a popular spot!




Aundrea came to visit us in Guatemala for the first few days we were there. It was absolutely awesome to show her the sights of Antigua, and introduce her to our friends! Not to mention, a few restaurants. We loved the food at La Fonda de La Calle Real, mostly typical Guatemalan fare. I could go for a bowl of their black bean soup right now!


Our very special minister, Ronald, building a puzzle with Jonathan. Ronald was a great source of support for me during the time I spent in Guatemala while the adoptions were being completed.


Some of our Guatemalan friends and two ministers who came for lunch and a Bible study at our apartment.

Trip to Guatemala - 1st Installment!

A three week trip to Guatemala over the holidays explains my long absence from the blog--sometimes leaving the laptop behind isn't such a bad idea! Now that we're back, I want to start sharing some of the pictures, and I must give credit where credit is due; Katie and Amy took a lot of the photos, too. Here we are in Olive Garden in Fargo, the long journey barely begun! (I should explain that Katie, Jonathan and I traveled a week earlier than the rest of the family.)



Nope, not in Guatemala yet! Wal-Mart parking lot in Fergus Falls, MN--a great self-portrait!


Swimming at the hotel in Minneapolis, the night before we left.









On the plane at last!






Enough time for a quick bite at Chili's during a layover

Holiday Concerts

This was a week filled with holiday concerts--3 of them! We started with Katie's band & choir concert on Sunday in Mayville, Monday night was the Elementary Christmas Program, and finished with Amy's concert on Thursday evening. What a great way to kick off the holiday season!









Even Jonathan liked the Christmas music.


Katie & friend Rachel


The band & choir have an absolutely awesome
director--Michael Bakken.








Looks like Jonathan is about to do something naughty, and
big sister is going to put a stop to it.








Getting a warm welcome from big sister Katie







Katie with her director


After the concert, Katie served us hot chocolate and apple
cider in the on-campus coffee shop where she works









The coffee shop was all decorated for the holidays.




The elementary Christmas program


Victor is the 5th reindeer from the left!

Junior High/High School Christmas concert


I caught Amy's eye!

Band Director Kirsten LaLonde

That's Amy back there, playing her trumpet...

seriously, this is the best I could do!

The whole high school band, plus a couple of spectators!

Amy with her friends Kenzie & Jill