Rain, Rain, Go Away!

sky bridge

There are casinos in every mall

Today has been another very rainy day in Bogota.  After yesterday's adventures we needed a lazy day.  Our housekeeper Marta came and emptied our trash and brought us fresh towels, but otherwise didn't clean which was nice because we really couldn't go anywhere.  We took Diego downstairs to the patio for a while and blew bubbles and played for a while, but he was just so out of sorts.  We came back upstairs and had lunch and then put everyone down for a nap.  Even mommy and daddy.  When we woke up,the rain had finally stopped.  We had a snack and then headed out for a walk.  We walked in a different direction today and walked across a big sky bridge that crosses over the big highway.  It was kind of a rush to walk over all of the crazy traffic.  We walked around the mall and gave Diego his first ride on a coin operated ride.  He was a little nervous at first, but then he didn't want to get out. We created a monster.  The mall had lots of rides and he wanted to try every one of them.  He was struggling and having lots of tantrums.  We walked through the grocery store that is in the mall (strange).  We found lots of fun things to bring home for the kids and our families.  Diego had one tantrum after the next and Ben and I kept taking turns taking him out of the store for a time out.  He was really having a hard time, so we walked back home and dropped off our groceries.  Diego had a few minutes to play even though all of the toys were wet.  Next we headed for the other mall and went to Los Tres Elephantes for some more clothes for Diego.  We bought him a few more pairs of pants and a new pair of pajamas, some shoes and a belt, and we bought an umbrella.  We've been to the elephant store many times and every time we buy something, they check our receipt at the door and we set off the security alarm.  The same thing happens every time, they check our bag and then it sets off the alarm again. Then they pull everything out and run it across the plate that is supposed to desensitize the security tags. Then they put everything back in the bag, wave it across the security detector and then it beeps again.  Finally they smile and just tell us to leave.  It happens every time.  We've decided that our new challenge is to buy something there without the alarm going off.  After being able to leave the store, we walked upstairs to the food court.  We had dinner at Madame Arepas.  Diego was able to burn off some energy running around and pushing his chair all over.  We had some yummy stuffed arepas for dinner and then headed for home.  We got Diego ready for bed and I put him to bed while Ben Skyped with the kids.  I was able to come out and visit with the kids and my sister.  I know I have said it before, but Skype is the best invention ever!  Being able to talk to my kids every day is the only way that I can keep from being so homesick.  I also have the best sister in the world. I don't have to worry about my kids because I know they are being well taken care of.  I also have the best family ever.  My parents and Ben's parents have helped a lot too.  We are truly meant to be here.  We have seen so many blessings and we know it is because we are doing our Heavenly Father's will.  We have seen his hand through this adoption all along the way.  Good night for now, tomorrow is another busy day.