Last week, I went to a 2-hour cooking class at an amazing restaurant, called La Warmi. Warmi is a Quechua (aboriginal) word for strong, self-sufficient woman. It's really interesting to me that there are many Quechua words mixed into spanish here in Ecuador, for example wawa is a word for baby and I learned the word for drunk, but obviously forgot it from lack of use.

I made sure to eat lunch at this restaurant before I signed up for cooking class and it was the best meal I've eaten here in Ecuador, hands down! The cooking class was so much fun! We made ceviche (amazing!), potato tamales, and a fried dessert made with fine grated yuca and topped with a molasses sauce made from panel (a raw sugar), water and cinnamon. I brought home recipes (!) and I can't wait to try making these dishes at home. All the dishes were incredible and delicious. I got to cook with a retired man who is visiting Ecuador with his wife. They live in Seattle. I'm hoping to go visit them and cook with them. 

This cooking class was one of my top experiences in Ecuador! Tomorrow, I'll go sign up and pay for another class! I can't wait!

And this is the lunch that I had before my cooking class. I need to eat here again!!

A couple times, the girls and I have done a little bit of homeschool on the grass by the river, while the cleaning lady cleans our apartment(!!!). The girls definitely like it better than I do. I should probably loosen up a little! But I feel like I'm yelling when I read. Again, need to loosen up! Today, we read for a little bit and then I let the girls play before Maeve's nap. All three of my daughters were 20 feet down the river bank from me. Maeve was so, so happy to just be a part with her big sisters. And Holly and Greta were celebrating every time Maeve stood up. It was seriously the sweetest and completely worth the yell reading. 

PS: we brought two headbands for Greta, but both of them broke. Greta has worn a headband every single day for years. I'm totally hesitating buying her a new one because I love her hair without a headband.

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!