Team Haddox vs the volcano...

We finally climbed Volcan Pacaya as a family. Two other families wanted to climb Pacaya so we decided to do it together.
The climb is too long and steep for kids so we got horses for them and we trekked up. The kids had a blast on the horses. Once we reached the picnic area at the top we stopped and had some dinner before climbing the sea of lava rock to see lava.

The walk over the lava rocks was difficult but we made it to a great lookout right at the base and on the side of the lava flows. Eric proceeded to climb up in between the flows with two other dads. We all were able to watch the lava grow bright as it got darker and then roast hot dogs over the lava.

The walk back to the car wasn't much fun in the dark but we made it safe and everyone had a great time!

See the kids writing about the trip here
and see the pics here

the girls 5...1/2 birthday

I always look for an extra opportunity to celebrate people especially the kiddos. So enter the half birthday!. The girls were able to celebrate their half birthday first at the Zoo with the "storytime" group that Heather leads and then the next day at the waterpark.

The zoo was packed with schoolkids on field trip but there was still plenty of room to see all the animals. We had the typical zoo fun looking at the elephants and such, and then we did the "only in Guatemala" things like hold the howler monkey's hand and pet an Ocelot (small leapord thing) through the cages.

The next day was the true celebration. At the waterpark, which also has some animals, we found a new addition...an elephant wandering in the parking area. We walked over to it and pet its trunk. We were able to enjoy the pools and slides, ride horses, hold hands with the spider monkeys and let the baby racoons try to remove my rings. All unsupervised in true "only in Guate" fashion.

The girls had their friends over to share their "half" birthday cake (a round cake cut in half). All around a fun day!

See more photos

March fun

I don't have time for a full post but here are just a couple highlights of family moments in March. go here to see all the pictures of march. Don't forget to check out the new layout of collections on our photo site (flickr.com)

The kids love to ride around the block on the motorcycle with me

Abi and BokBok the chicken

Anzo on a bouncy waterslide

Daddy and the boys have dirt wars

Zoe on the trampoline