ARGENTINA!

Good luck getting through all of the posts I have written. I mostly did for my own sake and memory, so please, feel free to scan the pictures and move on the next family or friends blog. I won't be offended:) This was a wonderful, once in a lifetime, experience I will never take for granted. I now can understand Shawn when he speaks of his mission and can vividly picture what he is talking about. We were there for two weeks, with a double-decker, driving through the fields and pastures of Argentina from one destination to another. We saw cathedrals, many street markets filled with buyers and sellers, steak and beef in enormous pounds, sexy tango dancers doing their thang, Eva Peron's grave site and yard (which was incredible...the graveyard was more like a rich man's neighborhood), and much much more. It was the kind of experience that leaves you with perspective, appreciation, and simplicity.

National Geographic

Call me a dork, but all through high school I dreamed of being a photographer. I was never that good and I still am not, but that's what dreams are for...right. So, I kept teasing Shawn about how these pictures were 'National Geographic' material. It was a joke though. Regardless, I was so intrigued with this village we drove through to get to the zipline. We rode on this bus-like trailer that was totally open with no roof or walls. We rode on red dirt and past through neighborhoods of shacks, but come to find out, these were no shacks and these people were considered 'well off'. They had electricity and running water, but what I saw was amazing. So simple, the way these people live. They enjoy life. With each other. On bikes, scooters, walking, sitting in front of their homes, sharing mate. Everywhere they go they share mate. It is their culture. I actually fell in love with their culture. Like I said, simple people that enjoy each other...refreshing. Shawn kept saying how naturally beautiful the argentine women are, that so many consider them the most beautiful in the world. I have to admit, though not without jealousy, they really are. And it's not just the women:) I felt so out of place with just the little make-up I where. They are so original to. You never see the same pair of pants on any of them. So different from here...jeans. It really was refreshing to be among people who don't value appearance as number one, and maybe that is due to their natural beauty. Anyway, here are my National Geo shots of the trip. I appreciated them, hope you do! Oh and might I add, all of these were taken from the moving truck vehicle...be impressed;)

Repel and Zipline

This was an adventurous day. I have to admit that my whole life I always counted myself among the so-called 'dare devils' by being fearless with cliff jumping at lake powell at anybody's command, tubing at incredible speeds behind the ski boat, snowboarding with pro's, attempting any trick of the high dive, basically trying anything that would seem dangerous to a mother. But, in each of those moments that required heights, I am brave enough to admit now that I am and always have been terrified of heights. Repelling was great and that wasn't scary at all for me. Maybe it's because of the secure straps and harness as well as being able to place your feet on a solid surface...but the zip-line...my heart was racing the whole time. I did it, but as I hiked up the homemade steps to the starting line, I could feel the fear in me rush straight to my pounding heart. The staircase that was made out of wood wobbled and swayed every inch I crawled. That, climbing to my death, was for sure the worst part. Once I was secured in my harness, I tried to enjoy the flying as I zipped through the trees from one station to the next. Once I got past the fear, it was exhilarating. I looked up into the sky as I stretched out and realized this has to be how it feels to actually fly. I don't know, maybe now that I am in the 'mother seat' fears are recognized and caution is more important. In the end, I survived and was grateful to have done it. PS If any of you are wondering who that is being swallowed up by the waterfall...that would be me. If you ever go repelling don't where crocs...too slippery:)

IGUAZU

The highlight of our trip was Iguazu. The pictures don't give this place any justice...but I tried. It was unbelievable. Mountains of the most magnificent waterfalls surrounded us as we hiked in and out of the mountain side down to our destination...THE BOAT RIDE INTO THE WATERFALLS! It truly was magestic. How powerful mother nature is. As I watched the thunderous waterfalls and felt the mist splash up from the unseen bottoms, I gained a new appreciation for the power of and creation of mother nature. You had to yell to be heard. I was remarkable! The boat ride was so fun. We were thrust right into the waterfalls, soaked from head to toe. At times I really got a little knot in my stomach thinking the waterfall was going to suck us in and never spit us back out...but I guess that was the point...the whole thrill of it. It was awesome.

random...

We stopped at the temple on our way to the airport but we weren't allowed in so we snapped a few pics from the grounds. It was beautiful. If you look closely at the picture that looks like a trail in the grass, that would be the ant highway. We hiked out of Iguazu through the park where Indians were selling their goods and came across a Tucan, but as we were crossing the grassy area, I noticed all these little trails, only about 1/2 in thick. I squat down and noticed hundreds of enormous ants working hard, carrying their timber (leaves) to make there homes or for food or whatever, but it was so cool. It literally was a little army of ants at work on their highways. The blurry sunset is pretty eh. We were stranded for about 6 hours at a check point, and as a few of us decided to enjoy the sunset outside the bus, I tried to catch it but was a little late. This is what was left of the magical sunset:)

First and foremost...

before I post anything about our 2 week get-a-way to Argentina...I have to thank a few people that even made it possible.

Karalee, Scott, and Auttie-boy!
When we picked Rae up from your house Rae said..."I want to do that again, go on a trip and I will go to Karalee's." WHAT!? I almost cried, but then realized how lucky we are to be so close to you now. You have watched my kids more than anyone has since we've moved down, and that's cause you are one of very few I trust my children with. I know they will be loved and well taken care of. Rae adores Austin and talks about him often. It's nice to have someone "get" my kids, namely Rae, and I thank you for that, that means more to me than you know. I know you love her and make her feel loved because she loves you guys. That's just how she is...she responds to sincere love by loving back, and she really loves you. Thanks for being there and always willing to help. I love you guys!

Laci, Brian, and 4 beautiful girls!
I really don't even know where to start. I just sent a reply to Laci's mother's day email, and while I was typing I had tears streaming down my face. Laci and her family cared for my babies for the majority of our trip. Shawn and I drove them down to Cedar City and on our way home I just bawled. I have never left my kids to go anywhere...not even for 1 night. With the exception of Laci's rescued effort last year (she took Raegan for a week right after I had Evan) I have never been away and it was not easy. I wouldn't have done it if Laci didn't exist. There is something very special about Laci, and for those of you who know her know this about her...she was born to be mom...not only to her kids but to everyone's kids. She has the special ability to nurture and the supernatural ability to care for her kids, but more amazingly, my kids. I would have to ask Trudy (Laci's mom)...but I'm guessing its a natural gift she has been blessed with. I dropped my kids off knowing they would be safe, fed, clean, and so on. But more importantly, I knew they would be loved, and if that were not so, I don't know that I would've been able to do it. I seem to believe Laci must have passed on her gift to her children, because I know her kids were more than helpful with Rae and Evan. They have always accepted and loved my kids unconditionally...which to me...that's remarkable. Even when Rae was biting them, the four girls still wanted and loved to be with her...AMAZING! Laci and Brian, you have a wonderful family and I can't begin to thank you for making these last few weeks possible. I love you and your family, and I feel so blessed to have you in my life. THANK YOU!