Seriously Fun Times!!!

"Freedom is not given to us by anyone; we have to cultivate it ourselves. It is a daily practice... No one can prevent you from being aware of each step you take or each breath in and breath out." ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

There is nothing that warms my soul more than watching my girls laugh and have a great time. As they get older, they do more and more of this independently and seek less and less time with me. Yet I still find myself craving to be present for as many of these moments as I can. And sometimes, I am actually lucky enough to have my camera and capture them on film... allowing me the privilege of savouring them over and over and over again.

This weekend offered a few of these moments... some captured, and others remaining fixed in my memory (even if not translated into pictures). On Saturday we drove out to Chía to enjoy a fun lunch with friends at Andrés Carne de Rez. I am certain I have written about this restaurant before as it is a feast for the eyes, the belly and the spirit... for both young and old customers. The food is amazing - even though they specialize in meat dishes (we are in South America, after all) there is a huge assortment of vegetarian meals that can be enjoyed by us and the girls. We definitely never leave hungry. The decorations throughout this restaurant - which is huge and actually employs over 1000 people (or is it 2000?) - from the elaborate entrance flanked by huge pinwheels, to a maze of activity leading you from one 'space' to another (all seemingly one room, yet each area made distinct with its decor). It's supposedly an incredible fun place at night... which I can only imagine... yet for us, it is also an amazing place to take the girls as it has a beautiful children's playground at the back. There is a full dining area (both indoor and outdoor - so weather dependant), along with a 'dance studio' (and instructor), a sandbox, a woodworking station, a beading station, a cotton candy machine, face painting, a play-doh station, a colouring station, a mask-making station, a little chefs station with 'make-your-own-pizza' and make your own 'cut out cookies'. And if all that is not enough (though i am certain i have missed stuff), there is also a puppet show. The fun truly does not end... and from the moment we arrive both girls are smitten with activities that keep them enthralled for hours of entertainment. And when we are lucky, Joshua and I even get to enjoy a meal (though perhaps not at the same time *smile*).

Playing hand games with the puppet master

Estella & Isabel enthralled by the puppeteer!!

Anaïs getting ready to boogie... arms up and dance!!! Though apparently I missed the big show she put on for Papa... I was eating, and he did not have the camera. Though let's just say, this girls got rhythm!!

Anaïs sitting patiently to get her face painted... seriously, she is not even two yet!!
Now that is patience.

Isabel's laughter did not stop for a moment!!

Anaïs enjoying one of the butterfly cookies she made all by herself
(with a little help from Papa).

Throwing butterfly confetti

Enjoying the puppet show!!

... also enjoying the puppet show!!

Seriously, I could have watched these girls for hours... the laughter was infectious and still makes me smile from the inside out!!! What a blessing.