Wacky weather? Must be Winter in Paraguay

Has this not felt like the l.o.n.g.e.s.t. week?? For some reason this was such a long week. Maybe because the weather was all over the place. Beginning of the week was fine, mid 70s then Wednesday and Thursday were terrifically chilly and overcast. Then Friday and Saturday were HOT! Like in the 80s. Sunday had a wonderful breeze and then today was back to feeling like Autumn (even though its Winter).

Humidity and heat bringing out those curls!

Not only that but other things happened too. 

8 months!

Mackenzie wanted in on the action.

Despite having a birthday party to attend on Tuesday, Mackenzie didn't want to go to school. She'd gotten sick again on Monday so we didn't make her go. But she was back in school the rest of the week. Not sure if it was a weird bug or if she made herself sick or what.

Playing with Daddy.

Everyone in their own little world.

On Thursday we had our last Spanish lesson with Joti, our wonderful teacher for almost 2 years. She needed to retire to help take care of her grandkids. We thanked her for all her lessons and wish her the best. That night was the official Embassy Fourth of July event. Kiersten opted to stay home with the kids so Scott could attend (he kind of had to cuz work). They commemorated the 50th Anniversary of the Lunar Landing, had lots of food and even put on the Paraguay v. Brazil soccer game which sadly ended in PKs and Paraguay lost. But the whole event was a success and the US continues their good relationship with Paraguay.

Saturday morning we decided to go for a drive and see some more of Paraguay. We went to Caacupe, which is home to the largest Catholic Church in Paraguay. Many faithful Paraguayans make a pilgrimage to it annually during a specific holiday (can't remember which one). It was a beautiful church and right next door in the city center was the best playground we've seen in Paraguay! After the 1.5 hour car ride we let Mackenzie play there for as long as she liked... after we ate lunch and visited the church.

Beginning of the drive chowing on "Daddy crackers".

Last Supper.

She was very adventurous at the playground.

Finley had a good time too!

Sunday was busier than usual with events. Church as normal then we attended the Embassy Fourth of July Picnic. It was spectacular! Bouncy houses, slides, mechanical bull, foosball, air hockey, food, ice cream and lots and lots of friends. Sadly this was the last time we were going to see several of these friends as their time in Paraguay has come to a close. Thank goodness for social media, right? Then home for naps and calls to grandparents.

This face painter was really good!

Pink flowers on her arm, as requested. She loved it so much!

Quirks of Paraguay:

• This awesome trash bin:

  

  It's an Iron Man!

The Mackenzie Update:

• "Yesterday" is anything in the past, even earlier in the day.

  

  Walking to school in our double stroller.

• At the playground in Caacupe, she was playing on this American Ninja Warrior Junior type swing. She was starting to slip off and as she was trying to get back up exclaimed, "Super fuerza de Gekko!" Which means, "Super Gekko strength!" which is from her favorite show, PJ Masks. It was hilarious that she thought of that in the moment!
  
• It seems to be birthday season at school. Even though she missed the one on Tuesday she attended one today. Have we mentioned before that birthdays here are a BIG DEAL?? (I know we have. Just wanted to re-emphasize it.)

  

  Headband and brushes included in this goodie bag.

The Finley Report:

• She wants to crawl! She's getting onto her knees and rocking. Mackenzie is "teaching" her how to crawl by showing her. She also got on her hands and knees and rocked and said, "Look! I Finey!"
  
• We suspect she's cutting another tooth. She had a low fever this week and was cranky and hasn't wanted to eat solids again.

  

  STAGED! This photo was achieved with the help of Daddy.

• New food: CHICKEN! Finally getting some needed protein in this little girl's diet.

  

  Getting so much love and tickles from Mackenzie and Daddy.

And with July 4th this week we decided to go for it and take a short holiday to Iguazu Falls! Finally! We've been here 2 years and haven't been yet and we know people who have been here less time and have gone... multiple times. We hope it's everything people make it out to be. Tune in next week for the pictures!