4th of July

Well, it turns out that the 4^th of July isn’t a very big deal around here. Big surprise, huh? So, in order to celebrate, Aliyah and I got dressed up in our red, white, and blue and went outside to play (and take pictures!) We also went swimming. And later that night, Steve and I watched fireworks on TV. I know, very exciting, but it was the best we could do. Bet you wish your 4^th was as exciting as ours J But seriously, it was a pretty good day, not too out of the ordinary, but good none the less.

Recent Happenings...

The past couple weeks we have been enjoying our surroundings. A few of the highlights have been the botanical gardens and the nature reserve,( both within a five minute walk from where we’re staying.) We’ve also enjoyed our immediate surroundings, especially the pool and the playground!

Botanical Gardens

This parrot attacked me! I was a little afraid to take the pic.

Aliyah loved the bunnies

Nature Reserves

There was a crazy downpour. Once we reached shelter, Aliyah made some friends while we waited it out.

One of the monkeys from the reserve escaped and was chilling on our balcony one morning

At the pool and playgroundPlaying with her new friend Maylla

Around the house

Feliz Cumpleanos!

Aliyah is one! Crazy, I know! For her birthday, we went over to a friend’s house to celebrate; his birthday was the day before. We had a piñata, a cake, and a traditional Guatemalan dinner. Aliyah had fun playing with other little kids, even if they were a lot older than her, and it was fun to celebrate with Juan’s family. We had a good time, but I’m excited to celebrate with our family once we get home too!

A few fun facts: She has been walking for over a month. Her first word is "hola," it's not always clear, but sometimes she says it really well. She waves whenever someone says "adios" and when it's bedtime. She claps when you say "yay!" or "good job!" She has learned to give kisses, where her nose is, and dances whenever she hears music. She still doesn't really like to play with real toys very much, but seems to prefer household items. She now has six teeth, 2 on top, 4 on bottom. She went to the doctor about a week before her b-day and she was 21.7 pounds and I think 77cm long (but I'm not positive on that one because I cant find the paper.) She's apparently huge for Guatemalan standards, but I think pretty average for US standards. We'll find out when we get home!

Getting ready for the party

Playing at the party

These little boys LOVED her, and she didn't mind the attention

The pinata

Birthday dinner

The birthday kids

The cake

Happy Birthday Aliyah!