The entire family ventured out into the cold (some less successfully than others) on Monday night to the church for the annual Christmas concert featuring the choir.  Penelope was dressed in her new lambs wool dress that Daddy bought for her, and of course, she was a hit with everybody.  The concert was wonderful, and a good time was had by all.  

 

The Church all decorated for the holidays.

Penelope and Tia Karin.

Grandpa Tom (and the rest of the choir). 

Penelope and Grandpa Tom

At long last, Penelope got to meet her Aunt Karin!  Penelope was delighted.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Champagne was opened and toasts were made.

To celebrate the Foley sister’s homecoming, we had a big Turkey dinner.  I particularly enjoyed it since I missed out on Thanksgiving on the summit this year.  Penelope also seemed to really like (looking) at the turkey, although she was a bit bummed that she couldn’t have any.

Penelope and I even snuck in some football as we watched Denver continue to try and blow the playoffs.  Go Broncos!

Then we ended the night in typical Foley fashion, baking an apple cake for Tom to bring in to work the next morning.  Everyone pitched it and it turned out pretty good, or so we heard…

Getting Penelope ready to go outside has proven more difficult in the Connecticut winter than a typical Chilean day.  

Not only does Penelope get to wear a big snowsuit, she also has a special fuzzy insert for her car seat, thanks to our friends Chris and Rikki, who lent it to us for our trip. 

You’ll notice that she wasn’t exactly super happy about the ordeal.  She eventually got used to it and was nice and warm in the snow outside.  

Now, why would Penelope bother with getting all dressed up and go outside on a day like this?  To visit Grandpa Tom at the Pancake Breakfast!!  Here’s Grandpa showing Penelope how to perfectly flip a pancake.

Here’s Penelope doing her best Pillsbury Doughboy impression.

Of course, it is Christmas, and Christmas means SANTA!!!

 

Penelope then wanted to play in the snow before coming home again.  Snow angel time!

Penelope can’t wait for Auntie Karin to arrive tomorrow along with more and more snow.

 

It has been a busy last few days.  The rainy weather finally cleared and we have had wonderful weather since.  

 

On Wednesday, we traveled up into the valley to see the mountains covered in fresh snow.  There was more snow than we’ve ever seen. Despite the snow, we had a wonderful sunny lunch (70s!) outside at Miraflores restaurant in Pisco Elqui.  

Then on Thursday, we headed up along the coast to eat lunch at Entre Rocas in Caleta Hornos, a small fishing village north of La Serena.  Not only has the rain brought a huge amount of snow to the mountains, but it has also completely greened up the surrounding desert, which is now full of flowers.  I’m not sure if this qualifies as the ‘blooming desert’ but it does for me.  

 

 

Today, we walked (!!) to downtown La Serena to a festival that is part of the city’s 464th birthday celebration.  There were things for sale, food to eat, and dancing performances.  Afterward, we ate lunch at Donde El Guaton, a downtown favorite of ours.  

 

 

 

This evening, we watched a wonderful sunset, along with some nearby birds of prey.  And thanks to my new camera, and my Dad’s 300mm lens, I was able to photograph the green flash for the first time!!!

 

 

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