Amigos de Peru

Feliz Dia de la Independencia!

Eric took me to Peru last year and I got to meet some of the wonderful people he served while on his mission (LDS) and to see some of the world's most amazing sights. We went to Machu Picchu, Cuzco, Lircay, Lima, Ayacucho, Huancayo and Huancavalica. We promised our friends there we would send pictures and we are finally posting some for them.

It was an incredible trip. I am grateful for the people I met there and what I learned from them. They didn't have much, but wanted to give us what they had. I came home with a new perspective on life and a desire to be a better person.

I'll never forget the feeling I had while standing in the clouds at Machu Picchu. It was peaceful, serene and mysterious at the same time. I can't wait to go back!

We went to a party the other night celebrating Peru's Independence Day here in Boise and eating the food just reminded me so much of our trip. So I started looking at our pictures.....there are kind of a lot.

Climbing up Waynu Picchu

I fell in love with llamas but no one would let me ride one.

Cuzco

Hotel in Cuzco

A chola in traditional dress. I was wishing I was wearing the same thing.

Lircay friends

Our friends in Lircay prepared a very nice dinner for us.

Lima friends

Sister Reynaga prepared a fabulous meal for us with all of the traditional Peruvian dishes.

My Peru Cake

Does it look like I worked at Schmidt's Pastry Cottage?

Eva and I had fun baking this cake that we took to a Peru party, celebrating Peru's Independence Day. I tried building Machu Picchu on a cake using chocolate squares. It took me back to those funny days our sophomore year when I worked at Schmidt's with my friends Kim, Annilee and Ashley. As you can see I was never a cake-decorator. But I did have to write Happy Birthday many times on cakes. But what we got really good at was dipping things in chocolate (cookies, eclairs, hands) and putting our mouths up to the custard machine!

"Do you like campin' Eva?"

It was Eva's first time camping and sleeping in a tent last weekend. She loved it! We woke up on Saturday morning and she was bright-eyed and mesmerized by her surroundings. Here is a video of her telling you all about it:

The Jeep Finally Made it to Boise

We had quite an adventurous weekend in Almo, ID near the City of Rocks last week where we went for a family reunion. It all started with Eric and I so excited to pick up our jeep that has been in the shop in Burley, ID. This is the famous orange jeep that Eric used to drive when we were dating (one of the reasons I thought he was so hot.....that smile, those eyes and a cool jeep to top it off!) It was his Dad's all along and this year he decided to sell it. Ofcourse Eric couldn't bear to see it go so we bought it. It may have been a dumb decision because it couldn't even make it home to Boise without breaking down on the way. So it has been in Burley for a few weeks at the shop getting fixed and since Burley was on the way to the family reunion we picked it up and took it to the ranch excited to do some jeepin' around all of the cool rocks there.

Saturday morning we left Eva with her Nana and we went with Eric's brothers Quinn and Russ in the jeep and Emily, Travis, Brenner and Meg were driving in their car looking for some places to rock climb. We drove on because we didn't have much time, me being attached to a baby and all. We were enjoying the ride as you can see:






I think I look pretty cool next to this jeep that I don't even dare to drive!

We were rolling along for quite some time enjoying the beauties of Idaho and "Snap!! Tink, tink tink..."
"What was that?" We all hopped out of the jeep to find a part that I can't remember the name of on the ground. It had something to do with the gas because that didn't work. We were stuck. Eric was concerned about the jeep and I was freaking out about getting back to my baby knowing she would be hungry soon. I was so grateful to have the boys with us because while I steered they pushed and we coasted until we got to a downhill. It must have looked pretty funny. Eric stayed with the jeep and the boys and I found a good samaritan to take us back to the ranch. I found Eva still sleeping. Thank goodness! And luckily Travis the car expert and handy mechanic was kind enough to get the needed part and help Eric fix the jeep.

It was a learning experience: for me to be better prepared with some food for my baby if I leave her and also to be ready and willing to help others that are in need. I was so dependent on that man to take us back down and although I was so grateful, there wasn't anything I could do to repay him. But he did it because he was kind and charitable.

We had a great time with the family the rest of the day and made it to Boise that night without any problems. Yay!

A Few of Eva's Favorite Things

I say this at every stage, but I think this one is my favorite. Eva is 4 months old now and is a noisy, smiley little one. She has been cooing like crazy and her smiles just make us melt. Each one reminds me how much I love being a mother. What a blessing she is. Here are some things that Eva loves:

Her Baby Jogger stroller is a sweet ride

Well, maybe it's my favorite....but we love going walking and jogging so we take this thing everywhere. It is so easy to maneuver and to fold down. Thanks Grandma Christy and Grandpa Cole!

Bath Time!

Her Daddy

Good kisses especially from Dad

Good Rest

Isn't this precious?

Her Bed

Thanks Grandma Julia and Grandpa Craig! Her crib is beautiful.

Her cousin Brenner

Eva loves watching everything Brenner does and he can sure make her smile.

Her buddy Sam (Jess and Damariz baby boy)

Sam was born the day before Eva, can you believe it? Jess and Eric made them kiss.

Aunt Eva and her pretty name....and Dave Ballou of course!

Hangin' out with Mom all the time

Well I like to think that she loves me too. We have lots of fun together even just being at home. This is the best job ever!

Our Girl

Last weekend was a special one. We went to Salt Lake and had Eva's baby blessing at my parents house. It was nice to have both of our families there to support us and for some of them to meet Eva for the first time. One of my favorite parts was seeing Eva in a bonnet.