Fire, sports and video clips

Fire

Kids fan the bonfire in the garden

We recently had 2 fires. One in our fireplace to heat up the house (it's starting to get cold here at night and this is our main source of heat) and another outside in the garden to burn down the stalks and stems from the previous harvest. Soon we will plant something new.

Cub Scouts

Big boulders that Opa would love

Nat recently helped put together this silly video clip for the Cub scout pack back home. CLICK HERE to see what the boys have been up to in Granada.

Los Cahorros

One of 5 suspension bridges

Boys scale the edge

We took a wonderful hike a a place very nearby Granada called Los Cahorros and it was a perfect walk for two energetic little boys as it included hanging suspension bridges, rock climbing, animal skeletons and fording rivers (if one so desired). We took a circular route that was about 8 kilometers and ended up passing by goats, chickens and horses on the return. A perfect Fall outing and especially pleasant to be enjoying such sunny weather in late October.

Tai-chi and yoga
I am trying to put myself out there in my Spanish learning so have signed up for a class at the local community center that is around the corner from us. Classes are quite affordable and there is a variety of activities including yoga, flamenco, painting, drawing, etc... By the time I learned about it many of the classes were already full and as Tai-chi was what was left and I figured I could follow along even though my Spanish is poor, I signed up. I am also taking yoga at a local studio . Although I know the moves from 10 years of practice, I am struggling with the humility of not knowing what to do next so watch the other students for clues.

Learning Spanish
Here is a cute game that someone taught the boys. Colin is holding up his fingers which are labeled with Q - U - E - S - O while saying "Que es eso? Eso es queso!" (Translation: What is this? This is cheese!)

Mountain biking

A remote, tiny church still in use

At an ancient monestary

Beautiful views

I joined a few menfolk for an amazing 3 hour mountain biking tour that we can do right from the house. Nat calls it "old man mountain biking" which I have to agree with as it wasn't too technical (a few wet stream crossings in the beginning as well as a few uphills that are very tricky) but for the most part the path is wide and the climbing and downhills manageable. My newly tuned bike's chain broke right before we started but Nat and Lassi (Icelandic neighbor) were right there with the tools and know-how to fix it and thankfully it held. The route is a figure eight through spectacular scenery in the surrounding hills and includes incredible views, a stop at the ruins on an ancient monestary and a very remote tiny church that is still used on occasion. The best part, of course, was the celebratory drinks and tapas after the ride at our favorite hangout, Bar Kiki. We hope to bring our favorite waiter along next time.

Here's another video of the boys testing out a new toy they built (with a little help from Dad):