PERU!

The Tuttles are kicking off 2010 with a trip to visit Steven's brother in Tarapoto, Peru!

After many hours of travel, we were greeted by Micah, Amy, and our five nieces and nephews at the Tarapoto airport from which we packed into the Trooper and headed for home. After a short break, we headed to the local waterfall to go for a swim to get a break from the hot, non-Portland weather. Snaking around the nearby mountains, we soaked up the jungle scenery and stopped off to visit a family living on a coconut farm. The kids chased around chickens and collected coconuts, while the head hombre gathered coconuts for his visitors. He chopped off the end with his machete and we drank the sweet nectar of Peru.

After this excursion, we went to town and visited the local plaza, grocery store, and ice cream shop.

Yesterday, Micah and Steven went to play some basketball with a few other foreigners. Micah's still got the touch, although Steven ended his daily efforts by dishing out a charlie horse on the go ahead basket. It was a good time.

We also went to a neighboring town yesterday and saw a castle that some folks are building. It was really impressive and not unlike anything you would see in europe. It's still under construction, but Micah talked the laborer's into letting us in - well, actually we bought them off with a soda.

Today was dedicated to another river visit and throwing the kids into the pool at home.

We're having a super time and it's fun to see everyone.