maYOOOO

May was exhausting and hard because Brad was sick for about 3 weeks of it. After a number of trips to the doctor, and blood work, we're still not sure what he had (maybe mono or parvovirus--aka fifth disease), but we're sooooo glad he's finally feeling better (and that Ben and I have not gotten whatever he had!). In spite of this, we did manage to make some great memories during May:

Memorial Day Weekend: Bernardita and I have been friends since 2nd grade. Her family owns land in the mountains about 3 hours south of Santiago. I first went to her "campo" the summer between 5th and 6th grade, and have been many times since. This time around, 14 of us went...friends from school, significant others and kids. It was a great time of good conversation, hiking, resting, eating (we had fresh baked bread every morning, and home-made empanadas...yum!), and playing games. Gracias Berni por la invitacion...estuvo buenisimo!

On the road...

"La Casa"

Hiking with the parents

(These fields are about to be planted with cherry trees)

Dominica and Polo making empanadas in the mud oven...

"El Asado" (bbq)

Highschool friends...Look at the guys' faces!

The whole crew (minus sleeping Ben)

4th Wedding Anniversary: Yes, we did indeed celebrate FOUR years of marriage on May 30th. Crazy how it's gone by so fast, yet seems like forever at the same time. We had a lovely day exploring a park in Santiago with Ben during the afternoon, and then we went out for a great meal just the two of us...so fun. We're so thankful that we get to do life together and look forward to SIXTY four more years together!

Abriiiiiil

My sister Jewel Ann came the very first week of April to visit. She's 13 years older than I, and I've always thought she was soooo cool. :) So much so that in first grade I took her to school as my "show-and-tell"...which she was thrilled about, let me tell you. I also remember times she came to visit Chile when I was a little girl...I would show pictures of her to all my friends, and we would all sigh and say, "es tan linda." I still think you're beautiful hermana mia, and love laughing together 'til our stomachs hurt. Jewelanita, thanks for leaving your family behind and coming to visit us!

Ben and Aunt Jewel

Out-and-about around Santiago...

Lo Mejor de Marzo

The highlight of March was going on our first family camping trip. We went to a National Park called "7 Tazas" (meaning "7 teacups"), which is about a 5 hour drive South from Santiago. Even though the road getting there was treacherous, and I thought our child might freeze at night, and camping with a baby isn't really all that restful...all in all, it was a great adventure. Ben loved being outside all day (pretty much his favorite thing in the entire WORLD), we went on some beautiful hikes and ate delicious food (I'm telling you, the Box men can cook, when it comes to camping!). There was, of course, the middle-o-the-night incident with "THE BEAR"...

Setting up camp...

We did a lot of this...

Think he's warm enough?

Hiking...

"7 Tazas"

And now, what you've been waiting for...

The middle-o-the-night-incident with "THE BEAR".

It was about 2am on the second night when Brad and I were suddenly awakened by the ground shaking. At first we thought it was a tremor, but then we heard snorting and realized there was animal outside our tent. In a shaky voice, I asked, "What was that?" Brad responded with, "I don't know, but it's big." (I heard PIG, and was filled with visions of wild boars from "Lost", hahaha). Brad then peeked out the tent, and quickly turned to me, pale as a sheet, whispering, "i-i-it's a bear." To which I replied, trying not to panic, "But there aren't bears in Chile," to which Brad replied emphatically (and somewhat breathlessly), "Lisa...it's a BEAR." So, clutching my child to my chest, I waited for my courageous husband's instructions, who surely would know what to do (he's related to Tom Box, after all), all the while, feeling waves of terror start to wash over me. I'm not sure I've ever been so scared in my entire life--not for me or Brad, mind you, but for Ben...I guess the mama bear in me was coming out! Anyway, Brad, once again peeked out, and then quickly (and somewhat sheepishly) said, "um, okay, it's a horse." I couldn't even speak, I was so relieved. And we didn't laugh until the next morning...that's how scared we were. Funny times, and GREAT memories.

First Visitors in Febrero!

My mom came to visit at the end of January and stayed through mid February. It was wonderful to share our life with her and have someone to talk to who has gone through many, many transitions and changes. She was incredibly empathetic and wise and encouraging and all-around-helpful. AND she took care of Ben a lot, so we could go out on much needed dates. Thank you mama, for loving us and our baby boy so well. Here are some pics from our time together:

Cuddling with his Lela

A much needed trip to the beach...

Ben was not excited about posing for this picture...

I love them.

Our good friends Andy and Jamie Alm also came to visit in February. They only stayed for a week, but we packed a LOT into our time together. Andy is an amazing photographer...here's a bit of what we did as seen through his camera lens:

We took the elevator up Cerro San Cristobal so we could enjoy...

THE VIEW...

We walked the "El Bosque" business district...

We took a wine tour...

We explored downtown Santiago...

AND, we went to the beach (along with HUNDREDS of others...)

Thanks Andy and Jamie for coming to see us and for making some great memories together! It meant so much to be able to share "my Chile" with you both!

Enero

January was spent getting settled into our apartment. Friends generously loaned us a dining room table and chairs, a sofa, kitchen stuff and beds. We've bought a few things to make it into a cozy home…and it’s good to finally have OUR place after living with family and friends for 4 months! We love that you can see the Andes Mountains from our windows. We love that we live right across from a plaza that has free concerts and about a dozen restaurants all around it. We love that we’re within walking distance of our Church, and bakeries and grocery stores…aaahhhhhh, we love city life! Here are some pics and a video tour the day we got the keys.

kitchen (and my helpful, handsome husband).

living room

Our bedroom and balcony

balcony off the living room

What we get to look at every day!



Video Tour...