March 2019

12 December 23, 2016

December began for us on the 3^rd. That is the day we met Fun For Less tours at the SLC airport to begin our trip to Ecuador. We met up with the Nebekers whom we have planned this trip for over two years.

From SLC to Atlanta, Georgia then on to Quito, Ecuador, it was a very pleasant trip. Upon arrival we were transported to the JW Marriott hotel in Northern Quito. We rested up and then began our excursions of the city of Quito. How delightful!

Our next move was to fly Avianca airlines to Balltra Galapagos. The security at the airport was remarkable in preventing any flora or fauna from accessing the islands. We were then tendered to the island of Santa Cruz by ferry.

Our bus ride to Port Auorya on the other side of the island. We stopped at the Darwin Research Center to see the giant tortoises. The day ended with a water taxi to Finch Bay resort where we were housed in a beautiful room with a bay view.

The next three days we spent aboard the Queen Kerry and transported to Northern Seymore, Bartolome, and Plaza islands where we hiked, snorkeled and photographed the birds, reptiles and water fish. Three glorious days and wonderful meals, but most of all we enjoyed seeing firsthand the flora and fauna of the Galapagos as Darwin described it.

Our flight back to Quito was short and we were well cared for as we stayed at the JW Marriott two days before flying to Cocoa, Ecuador to float the Napo River.

Our stay in the Amazon basin was incredible aboard the Anaconda cruise ship. The guides, Avil and Juanito were exceptional. We photographed the wildlife of the jungle, hiked the trails in the jungle, swam in the lake at Dolphin Lodge, climbed the observation tour at Anana. We visited the native villages, went on night hikes and ate incredible food. I even at a palm heart grub (2), it tasted creamy.

After two glorious weeks we were back in the states and waiting for the Mariners to arrive from Arizona. We picked up the Mariner kids in Farmington and drove home after being gone for over a month.

We met Brian and his kids in Idaho Falls. Upon our arrival we were pleased with the finished tiling of the kitchen counters. Brian spent a week putting granite tile on our kitchen counter. It is beautiful.

The Mariners will be here Christmas eve to be with their children. Brian is taking his family to SLC to fly the kids home for Christmas.

Christmas in Idaho is "The Real Thing" with snow and family close by.

The last day of December we will be hosting the Sieger family for four days. They are enrolling their son into school at BYU Idaho.

This has been an exciting month!