Happy New Year!

Happy New Year to everyone near and far!  

Sorry for the lack of updates, it's been a whirlwind few months since we got back from the states where we had a fantastic visit.  Lots of great quality time with friends and craving satisfying experiences.  I drank every dark beer I could get my mitts around and loved it!

Here are some photos from our time in the states.  It was a fast 3 weeks, but I did my best to get around to see everyone.  Thanks to all who made some time for us!

Took this shot from the plane as I was coming into Providence airport.  Yes, that it Watch Hill on a beautiful summer day.  I was very excited!!

Spent my first few days on the beach with my brother and his family.  On the left are 2 of my (3) godsons, Devon, also my nephew, (l) and Liam (r) and my brother trying to corral them for the photo for me. The right is the beautiful Summer, stopping only long enough for the photo before chasing me with that sand ball.

One of the most perfect spots in the world (Watch Hill, Rhode Island).

A great evening with friends in Connecticut.

Took a drive to visit one of my best friends in the whole world in upstate New York.  Stopped to stretch my legs at a beautiful lakeside rest stop along the thruway and was very annoyed to find this sign posted in front of a beautiful shaded picnic area near the water.  Come on America!  Loosen Up!!

Ah, the Finger Lakes Wine Region.  Heaven.

Swung back through Boston to get a glimpse of of these beautiful faces.  Love my ladies!

On to Newport next.  Awesome times. 

Couldn't miss a chance to spend a day with a great friend and her amazing girls.  (Pictured is

one of my favorite 7 year olds on the planet!)

Amazing New England summer sunset witnessed from a beautiful deck on the water with friends and cocktails.  Where else could one possibly want to be in that moment.  Perfection.

Our visit home was perfect and amazing and definitely made me miss the states and all it has to offer.  But, it also reminded me how many rules there are!  Everything is very safe and clean in the states.  It is wonderful in many ways, but feels a little sanitized in many others.  As much as I love the lack of litter and street dogs that I endure in Ecuador, I don't like all the signs everywhere that tell me what I can't do (see the pets prohibited sign above for the best example).  It reminded me how much I appreciate the sense of personal responsibility that is a requirement to live in Ecuador.  There is no nanny state here ensuring that you don't fall in that hole in the sidewalk or that you're wearing a helmet when riding your bike.  There isn't anyone to sue here, so people need to take care of themselves.  It is empowering, and I love being responsible for my own safety.  Ecuador isn't perfect (see recent news about journalistic censorship), but it does make you feel alive to be here!

Anyway, onto the next update.  Happy New Year!