- DSC03202
Yupanqui does math homework with corn kernels as counting aids - DSC03213
The kids ran into their bedroom and Sisa was digging through a bureau looking for something. She eventually found it: the photo book that we had given them the last time we were here. This was a perfect segue, as we had made a similar one for Sonam for our recent Bhutan trip. Once the kids had read him their book and showed him the photos, we surprised him with his book. He read through it and we showed the kids all of the photos of Bhutan. - DSC03221
In the afternoon, it started to rain again. We all had a great time constructing and decorating a gingerbread train with icing and candy. The kids cooperated quite well and it entertained them for two hours. At first they felt quite constrained by the directions, and were trying to place every piece of candy just as it appeared on the box. But Sonam's easygoing way encouraged them to freestyle it and by the end we had a very creative (and delicious) train. Rosa even gave a piece to Abuelita to try. When I had bought the kit on clearance after Christmas, I remember thinking that it would surely result in a huge sticky (but fun) mess. I was amazed that the activity was as controlled and successful as it was. The kids followed directions and exhibited teamwork skills. I was very impressed. - DSC03227
Building the gingerbread train - DSC03236
Sisa building the gingerbread train - DSC03261
Sonam adds icing to the gingerbread train - DSC03267
Yupanqui and Shina decorate the gingerbread train with candy - DSC03277
Sonam adds icing to the gingerbread train - DSC03330
Sisa adds icing to the gingerbread train - DSC03332
Completed gingerbread train - DSC03336
Shina, Achi Taita, Sisa, Sonam, and Yupanqui posing for one more second before eating the gingerbread train - DSC03349
Abuelita watches with amusement as the kids play with Sonam - DSC03361
Then Craig and Sonam surprised me with a gift. When we were in Bhutan in October, we bought traditional clothes but no jewelry. Sonam's sister-in-law Tshering Wangmo was kind enough to lend me some of her beautiful jewelry. Unbeknownst to me, Craig had been in contact with Sonam to commission two beautiful necklaces for me. What a surprise; these two guys did a great job of keeping the whole thing a secret. I was overwhelmed. Thanks to the entire family in Bhutan for helping to make it a reality! - DSC03089
My new top bunk!