Immediately before the entrance to Cajas National Park is Jardin de la Virgin where it is believed that the virgin, Mary appeared 30 years ago. I wish I could say I knew more about what was there. There were places to light candles, a chapel, a statue of Jesus and water for the sick. Our friends, Monica and Gustavo, anointed themselves and their children with the water and I figure, it couldn't hurt and so our family too participated and I decided to view it as a cultural experience. The view were spectacular. At the entrance was a little market place selling candles, souvenirs and food. I'm so glad we stopped here!

Just so grateful every time we are in a car and we don't crash! No seat belts or carseats for anyone in the second or third row. I can't tell you how many times I've prayed for safety while riding in cars here in Ecuador!

One Sunday afternoon, we visited Cajas National Park with our friends Monica and Gustavo who we do everything fun with here in Cuenca. They have been so incredibly generous with everything! Conor and I have asked each other a few times what we have to offer besides the fact that we are english speakers, which honestly is pretty weak. But I guess we have something! I loved Cajas, it is so beautiful and so cold! We heard repeatedly from everyone that Cajas is cold, but I was skeptical because I've heard Ecuadorians say that Quito is cold. We brought all of our layers regardless and yes, it was very cold! As we experienced, Cajas gets more foggy and cloudy as the day goes on. It was pretty moody when we were there. I would love to return to Cajas for a much longer hike and camping would be amazing! I think the icing on the cake for the visit was the horse that was grazing nearby us. Holly and Greta obviously loved that! Again, Ecuador amazes me!

Maeve entertains us every meal. She's getting more stubborn by the day and insists on using a fork to eat. She loves to feed her family and sometimes herself. I can't wait until we have a high chair again!

Well, here's something I haven't done much of lately... Sunday photos of my darlings! Maeve with pigtails! Maeve has worn through the bottoms of two pairs of pants and one pair of jammies. That bottom scoot is really hard on the clothing! I bought her the knitted tights she's wearing here for $2. 

This is my baby after we've walked home from church. We could not keep her awake in the ergo! On this Sunday, she went to nursery and clearly had a great time. Immediately following Sacrament meeting at church, Maeve gets whisked away by someone. She's quite the little celebrity! 

We had a really lovely Saturday here in Cuenca recently. We woke up slow and then headed out the the Museo Municipal de Arte Moderno. It was fantastic! This building has in the past been a school, a recovery place for alcoholics and a jail. The small rooms that the galleries are in (all those doors in a row!) were once upon a time jail cells. We had a one on one tour (in spanish!) throughout the entire museum, which included a fun art project for the children. I had no idea how awesome this museum was going to be, however it was fantastic! Would return! One of my favorite galleries was art by Luis Crespo Ordóñez. I really liked the vibrant colors, stripes and geometric patterns he used. When I look up some of the artists I like here, there isn't anything I can buy. I want a print or a book about the artist. But these things don't seem to exist. I may have to return to the museum and see if there's anything in the store. 

Another display that we loved was origami pine wood pieces. It was incredible! Some of the wood was so thin that light passed through. 

Towards the end of our visit, we came across a couple of museum dogs and one of them followed us for the remainder of our time. Of course all three of my girls loved the dog! But maybe that's where Holly's flea bites came from? Poor girl!

After our visit, we went across the street to a cafe that caters to gringos. I had the most amazing cobb salad and KOMBUCHA! Add that to things I miss. I love Saturdays.