Arrival and Tin Marin

After counting down nine weeks, we were finally on our way to El Salvador to see all of Edwin's side of the family! Backpacks full of coloring books, markers, books, and stickers.

First McD pitstop in Ellensburg.... still very excited.

Bedtime is usually between 7:30 and 8:30, but here they are at 10PM.  They wanted to pull the carryon suitcases themselves, even though they also had their backpacks.  

Enjoying the playarea at the SEATAC airport.

Now we were at fifteen minutes after midnight. Natalia kept asking, "Are we going to blast off now?" When the airplane did finally start that deep rumble you always hear when it IS time for "blast off", she and Tory were so excited they kept bouncing in their seats.  They tried hard, but were unable to keep back the shrieks of pure joy as the plane lifted off.  Thankfully, about 15 min. into the flight, they leaned their tired heads against their pillows and drifted off to sleep. Tory only slept on that first flight to Houston (about 3.5 hours), but Natalia also slept most of the 3 hour layover.  However, getting on that second airplane, woke up all the juices in both girls again.  We were back to the bouncing, sparkling eyes, and squeals of joy as we lifted off the ground once more, this time knowing our next stop was the last one. 

Once we arrived, we were greeted by that familiar blast of humid heat. Tory marveled at seeing the airport during the day, since we usually arrive at night. Natalia's memories were not so good - everything seemed new to her.  When she saw Edwin's older sister, Claudia, she asked me why Mama Carmencita (Edwin's mom) looked so different. So began the familiarization of different family members. We enjoyed the cooling down of AC in the car, plus a good rain storm to welcome us back to the tropics. Arriving at the house, we were able to see the rest of the family, and enjoy some pupusas!! YUM! 

The next day, Tory was completely fascinated by a strange activity being preformed by Mama Carmencita... she watched, entranced, as some clothes were wet down, and scrubbed vigorously by hand, then rinsed again.  Since it was her clothes being washed, she eagerly accepted an invitation to join in in the fun. 

Naturally, Natalia was not one to be left out of all the fun!

Playing in the garage

After a morning of fun, we had a much anticipated visit to the Children's Museum, Tin Marin.

Fun with BUBBLES!!!

The pretend grocery store is ALWAYS a big hit!

The butterfly garden

Learning about different colors, allows you to add a hand print to the beetle bug.

We are off to a good start!