Ecuador ~ Galápagos Islands edition

Where do I even start with our time in the Galápagos Islands? It was honestly unreal. If you ask
almost anyone in the family what is something we did on the trip, most will immediately answer,
“We snorkeled with sea lions, turtles and sharks. And at one point, all three at the same time.”

The Galápagos Islands are unlike any place any of us have ever been. Life is extremely calm and
slow and safe and they are very careful about who they allow to visit (at least entry isn't especially easy),
 never mention what it takes to live or own a business there. It was pretty awesome to see kids
 playing in the streets, in the parks, riding their bikes all over--whether day or night.

We spent several days there visiting the pier, taking multiple boat day trips with long periods of
 snorkeling, attending church, visiting the lava craters and the lava tunnels and the incredible tortoise
reserve, dancing on the beach (well, if your name is Grace), playing family games on the hotel rooftop
patio, spotting whales, being simultaneously fascinated and creeped out by both the land and marine
iguanas, playing soccer in the park with the kids there (well, if your name is Nate), being inches away
from sea lions that were everywhere, watching an Ecuador vs Peru game outside on the street with many
of the islanders (Campbell was especially a fan of this one), walking a whole heck of a lot and just being
overwhelmed with the incredible beauty of the earth and what God created for us to experience.

They were truly unforgettable days. I'm forever grateful for the memories.

(Oh, and for the record, the videos we took during our days on the island. Well, let's just say that
if you see any of us in person, you might want to ask to see a few of them. They really are amazing.)

Ecuador ~ Quito edition

The next day was spent in Quito and that morning was my favorite memory of the whole trip. A few of us
went to the temple to perform baptisms and without sharing things that are meant mostly for my heart,
I will just say again that God is far too kind, heaven is real, there are so many beautifully good people in
the world and miracles happen in the Lord’s House. And oh my word the Quito temple is gorgeous.

After that wonderful morning, we spent the rest of the day exploring the area—walking all over the city
center, taking a tour of La Compania de Jesus Cathedral, eating good food, watching the Ecuador vs
Brasil game with a huge group of restaurant-goers and walking home at night to the house we rented. 

Speaking of, that first place we stayed in was beyond gorgeous. And had the most darling ladies who made
several amazing meals for us. I don’t ever want to forget either of them, especially Maria del Carmen.
And the ceviche she made one night. Because I'm pretty sure it was my favorite food I have ever eaten and
I will miss it every week, for the rest of my life. And my dramatic self is sincerely not exaggerating.