Off to Argentina: But we finished the week off on a good note....

Today has been a good day. As I sit here sipping a beer; Erika is feeding Gianluca; and both kids are watching videos independently. Because their behavior was so good today we're letting them both watch whatever they want; Alessandra is watching Frozen (thanks Auntie Keri!) in our bedroom, and Anthony is sitting beside me thoroughly enjoying watching Toy Trains.

Erika and I both woke up at 7:30 (early for us here), which is good, after a relatively good night sleep. Alessandra, Anthony, and I started our days with a soak in the hot tub, followed by a quick breakfast. Soon after breakfast some neighbors from New Zealand stopped by and introduced themselves; they have two boys, 3 and 5, whom we're hoping will be good playmates for Alessandra and Anthony. They will be joining them at the local Montessori school starting on Tuesday, and throughout the rest of our stay here.

Then we had to get ready for our outing: a day trip to a small estancia close to a town in the foothills called Chimpa. You can get there from our place by horseback, or by car on dirt roads. Erika did the horseback ride with a group of about 15, and the kids and I drove down the dirt roads (completely different routes for cars and horses). The kids missed momma, but got over it real quick once we started drifting the car sideways on the dirt roads. They're little speed demons; not sure where they get that. Anyway we arrived and enjoyed a traditional asado (barbecue) with wine, and a great dessert: flan- my favorite!

After the asado we drove back, and the kids napped in the car. We got back, picked up Erika, and headed to the pool where we stayed until after 6:00. Then we came home, prepared a quick dinner, and are going to get the kids to bed by 9:00- we're hoping.