Getting ready for the big trip. Finally got all the visas and starting to pack, can’t forget my favorite hiking shoes!

It’s so hard to pack for this trip. \240So many extremes. \240From the beaches of rio to the glaciers of Ushuaia! \240 It’s hard to believe that in one week we will be sleeping on the Famous Copacabana beach! \240 Everyone getting excited. \240

3 AM wake up time. Papa pick us up at the airport right on time 3:30 AM. Dogs jumped in the van and accompanying us to the airport. It is now 5 o’clock. We are checked in, have our bagels, and are eagerly awaiting our flight to Washington DC. Hoping the snow melts before we get there.

Real food on a plane. \240My kids have never experienced this before!!!

We started our trip today. First got an Uber driver who drove us to the Cincinnati airport. Our first flight was from Cincinnati to Washington DC and it was one hour and 10 minutes long. Our next flight was from Washington DC to Panama City. That flight was 4 hours. Our last flight was from Panama City to Rio. That flight was six hours and 50 minutes long. It was all a long day. Once we got to the hotel we were out.

We started our trip today. First got an Uber driver who drove us to the Cincinnati airport. Our first flight was from Cincinnati to Washington DC and it was one hour and 10 minutes long. Our next flight was from Washington DC to Panama City. That flight was 4 hours. Our last flight was from Panama City to Rio. That flight was six hours and 50 minutes long. It was all a long day. Once we got to the hotel we were out.

Copacabana beach here we come. \240Amazing breakfast and then journey to get water. \240Now off to the beach.

The first full day was amazing. We dove under what were I think about 10 foot tall waves and it was incredible. Then we walked down almost the entire beach. The we got 100 dollars worth of food which mostly consisted of grilled cheese. The only bad thing is the fact we can not use tap water. What I think was the best part was the steak house where they just were always coming out with more meat, I do not think I have ate that much at one time in my life. I can not wait until the next day.

Our trip to Rio De Janeiro was amazing. The first day we were there was a relaxing day. First we went to the beach and crashed into the gigantic waves. It was really fun. After spending about 2 hours at the beach we walked about 1.5 miles to get some lunch. After lunch we walked back to our chairs on the beach. Once we got there we started throwing the football. Throwing the football into the waves and letting the waves bring the football back to us was really fun. After the beach and all that sunburn we went up to the rooftop pool for some time. A couple hours later we are heading out for dinner. The place that we went to dinner was amazing. They just kept bringing meat. After dinner we went up to the room and went to sleep.

Our second day at Rio was also amazing. We started off the day going to one of the seven wonders of the world. Christ The Redemer. The statue was beautiful. From far away the statue seems small but close up it is huge. After Christ The Redemer we went to Suger Loaf Mountain. We took two trams up to the top of Suger Loaf. At the top of Suger Loaf there was an amazing view. You could see the whole beach and practically everything else. After Suger Loaf and Christ we went to the exact same place we went to yesterday evening. After lunch we went back to the beach and crashed into the waves again and again and again. After the beach we went to the pool and stayed there for a bit. Dinner was pizza and 4 liters of Sprite. Sadly we did not take the Sprite with us on our flight.

Yesterday was amazing. We started off the day with going to Christ the redeemer. It was cool that I was able to visit one of the 7 wonders of the world. Then after that we rode a gondola to the top of sugarloaf mountain. The view from there was amazing. Then we went to the same all you can eat steakhouse that we went to yesterday and after I think I have my protein for a month. Then I went back to the beach and got pounded by a few more waves and I can say I was the last one out of the water. Then we got some dominos and went to bed.

Great day yesterday. Started with our morning breakfast overlooking Copacabana bag. Then we met Patricia our guide and off to Christ the Redeemer statue. We took the tram up the mountain. Beautiful day, 85 to 90° and sunny. Christ the Redeemer incredibly awe inspiring.

Brooke not feeling well, but was a trooper throughout the day. We then went to Sugarloaf Mountain. Two cable cars up to the top. Again, commanding views of Rio de Janeiro. Stunning. Everyone got trinkets at the base of Christ the Redeemer. Then, out of 14,163 restaurants in Rio de Janeiro, we went back to the same incredible Brazilian steakhouse that we just happen to find the night before. They recognize us there and we’re very happy to see us. Two straight days of incredible amounts of meat. All the family very happy. I was quite impressed with all of my children’s ability to consume vast amounts of meat. We then went back to the beach, where again, three out of the four children absolutely rocked the large waves. Brooke took it easy.

For dinner, Brooke, Aimee and I ventured into Rio to find a dominoes. A tiny touch into the actual nine beach culture of Rio de Janeiro. Everyone slept soundly last night.

We started today off by waking up at 5:45 AM. After a quick breakfast we into a van and headed towards the airport for a flight to Iguazu that was about two hours. We got another van which took us to one of the seven wonders of the world. The Iguazu Falls. When we were at the Iguazu falls we hiked about a mile to see the amazing view of the falls. After the amazing view we took out our ponchos and put them on and went to a part that's directly in front of the waterfall and we got soaked in there. \240After the falls we went to get lunch. Lunch was pretty good. 8 out of 10. After lunch we went to the hotel and got on our swimsuits and headed for the pool. The pool was amazing. Sadly it wasn't a rooftop pool like the one in Rio. After the pool we up to our rooms and everyone went sound asleep.

Yesterday wa our second day in iguazu national park. \240This time we were on the Argentina side. \240There were three main trails and we did them all. \240Amazing views of the water going over the halls from multiple points along the trails. \240Rachel Brooke forest and dad went on a boat ride under the falls and got soaked. \240Total miles walked were 9.5 or 24000 steps. \240

The trip to iqazu falls was amazing. The first day we went to the Brazilian side and saw a wide view of all of the falls. The biggest waterfall was called the devils through. Then we went to the hotel and swam in the pool then went to sleep. The the second day was where we saw the Argentinian side of the falls we got close up views of all of the falls. The after we went on a boat toar were we went under 2 of the waterfalls. We got soaked. Then after that we went back to the hotel and rode the tram to the river which was really slow. That day we walked 7 miles. The we got in bed and went to sleep.

Staying at our amazing hotel called Lori suites in iguazu Argentina. \240Crossed the border without problems. And had an amazing day at the Brazil side of the falls. \240At one point we were able to see Paraguay Brazil and Argentina. \240Amazing day. \240All were very tired and happy.

We started today off by having a great breakfast. After breakfast we went to the Iguazu falls again for the whole day but we were on the Argentina side this time. Once we got there we rode a train to a place that we can hike a little bit. At the end of the hike there was a great view of the falls. After that hike we hiked 7000 meters back to the start so that we could go on other trails. We hiked some more until it was lunch time. Lunch was some French fries and a little bit of bread. There were also a TON of butterflies. A few landed on \240arms,legs, and head. After lunch Rachel,Brooke, and both of the Forests tried to get on a boat tour but they did the way that we not hoping for. You need your real passports and not copies to get on the boat tour because you have to be 12+. That meant dad had to go back to the hotel to get the passports for Rachel,Brooke, and the Forests. They still got on and got the awesome experience. While dad was getting the passports we were trying to juggle some water bottles. It actually was pretty hard. Our guide, me and mom went on another hike and got ice cream while they were on the boat tour. Once they were back mom and dad went to they ATM so that they could get some Argentina money. 1 US dollor is equal to 20 Passos. We got about 3000 Passos. After that we went back to the hotel to eat dinner and pack up for tomorrow. After dinner we went back up to our rooms and packed. After all the packing we ate a giant chocolate egg. After the eating we all went asleep.

We have traveled again to a different part of the country. \240Our flight left at 9 and in two hours we arrived in Córdoba. \240We were met by someone from the estancia colibri dresses in full gaucho costume. \240

At the hotel we were met by the entire staff including a horse. \240Then after lunch we were taken to the fields for dove hunting. \240Over 1300 shells were shot by all 6 of us. \240Doves flying everywhere. \240I’ve never seen so many doves. \240Max ended up with a big bruise on his face!

Then back to the estancia for showers. \240We were treated to a special treat. \240Wine tasting done by the owners of the estancia. \240Several Malbecs from three different regions in Argentina. \240

Dinner was perfect. \2405 courses flowed by dessert. \240And then everyone quickly fell asleep! \240 Another amazing day.

We started off today by having a quick breakfast. After breakfast we went to the airport. Our flight was from Iguazu to Córdoba. The flight was about 1 and a half hours. Once we got to Córdoba we went straight to shooting some doves. The shooting was sooooooo fun. On the first day we got more than 1000 doves and mom shot her first dove. After the hunting we went back to the hotel and just relaxed. After the relaxing we went to dinner. Dinner was ok. After dinner we all went to bed.

Up early to go to Córdoba. \240Had to say goodbye to our amazing guide Flavio. \240

Small airport. \240Security doesn’t open until 8. \240

We are all dressed in camouflage and ready for our big day

The part of the trip in Argentina was amazing. We started out by coming to the hotel getting a little situated and then going to shoot. It was amazing their were so many doves that I sometimes couldn’t lode my gun fast enough. After the shooting we went to the hotel and ate dinner and then went to bed. The next day we started of with going shooting early. It was better than yesterday because I hit a lot more doves this time than the last. Then we went back to the hotel and went to the farm. We were able to pick up 2 week old puppies and they were so cute. The we picked up the bunnies and saw the chickens. Then we rode the horses and saw a polo match. It was amazing how they were able to hit it from the horse. Then we went back to the hotel and got ready for the next day and then went to bed.

Today was one of the best days so far. First everybody besides mom woke up to get ready to hunt some doves. Once we got to the field we just blasted away. Today we got more doves than yesterday. I got about 208 doves my person said. Everybody had a great time. Even mom. While we were hunting mom visited the farm and pick up some produce from the garden. Once we got back together we ate lunch. Today's lunch we went down to the river to eat. Lunch was great. After lunch everybody that hunted went to the farm for a little bit. We saw the puppies,rabbits,chickens, and the horses. The puppies were SOOOO cute. You could hold one in your hand. After we visited the farm all of the family went horseback riding. The riding was fantastic. After the horseback riding we went back to the hotel to get ready to go the polo match. All of us rode the bikes they had for us down to the polo match. Every kid except for Brooke threw the ball to start some polo! After the polo match we all went back to the hotel and relaxed till dinner. Dinner was meat,meat, and more MEAT. After dinner we all went back to the hotel and went to sleep

All except mom up early for another big morning of dove hunting. \240Mom slept in and had a relaxing breakfast and now is \240headed down to the animals and gardens.

My favorite day so far. \240Kids and forest. Got up early to hunt. \240I had a great breakfast and then went out to explore the farm. \240I got to meet all the animals on the farm. \240I was able to milk Marguerite the cow. \240Pet her babies.

Feed the horses, sheep and goats.

Hold the bunnies and puppies and pick produce and herbs from the garden.

Then I met my family and heard about their day. \240They had an amazing hunt. Many doves and a few parakeets.

We had a lunch outside down by the river. \240A wonderful relaxing lunch outside.

Then my family had the opportunity meet all the wonderful animals I met that morning.

We then went on an hour long horseback ride amidst the grounds of the estancia. \240We are not very good at directing horses but we did well. Even cantering and galloping a few times.

Them the day could continued. \240We rode bikes down the road to the polo match. \240All the kids were able to throw out the ball to start the match.

Then a massage for me and facials for th girls. And after a 10 course meal of famous Argentina meats.

And now to bed to prepare for the next adventure.

Today was a travel day. \240Dad was not feeling very good when he woke up but he rode on. First we flew from Córdoba to Ushuaia. The flight was about 3 and a half hours long. Towards the end of the flight to was a little bumpy and everybody felt a little sick during that part. After the plane ride we went straight to the hotel. Once we got to the hotel we relaxed for about one hour. After relaxing everybody except dad went out for dinner. Dinner was pizza. The pizza was really good. After the pizza we got some churros to eat for desert. After desert we went back to the hotel to get some sleep. Everybody went back up to their rooms and got ready to walk on some glaciers tomorrow. After that everybody went to bed.

We started today off by going canoeing. Canoeing was really fun, but toward the end I was getting really tired. After the canoe we went to eat lunch. Lunch was chicken and rice. It was good. After lunch we went to the big hike, 8 kl. I was in the front of the line the whole time. The hike was amazing. Amazing views and good rocks for skipping. We had a rock skipping contest. Me and Brooke were tied at 10 skips. After the hike we went to the place were you can get a stamp in your passport. After that we back to the hotel and eat dinner. I wasn't felling very good at dinner because before dinner I swinged on the swing for 20 minutes straight. After dinner we went sound asleep.

Big travel day. \240Had breakfast and then left for our flight to the end of the world: Ushuaia. \240

Amazing views from the plane. \240

Hotel very nice with sweeping views of the Andes mountains. \240

Had an interesting dinner in town.

Tracy for our big adventures

My time in Ushuaia so far has been amazing. The first day we just traveled their then shopped for a little than went to bed. Today we went to the national park and went canoeing and hiking. The canoe trip was a workout and then after that was the 5 mile hike. The hike was long but we got to seawolves a lot of the wilderness. The we went back to the hotel and ate dinner than went to bed.

Today was amazing. We did basically what we did yesterday. We started the trip with a canoe ride. My entire family was in one canoe and it was fun. After that we took a boat ride to a island to do our hike. Their were dogs their and only one of them let us pet him because the others were wild dogs. After the 3 mile hike we got on the boat and went to the bus that took us back to the hotel. Then they built the fire and we had “s’mores”. The we had dinner and went to bed.

Today was like yesterday, first we went canoeing. Canoeing was the same, amazing. After canoeing we got on a boat to get ready to see some penguins! There were a lot of penguins. They were amazing. After the penguins we went to lunch. Lunch was like yesterday, pretty good. Lunch was steak and some mini Oreos. After lunch we went on a little bit shorter hike, 6 kl. The hike was amazing. Amazing views,great time with family, and this time we had dogs following us. That made the hike a little bit better. After the hike we had a 1 and a half car ride back to the hotel. Once we were to the hotel they had a fire running for us. We went out to the fire to make some end is the works s'mores. We had tiny marshmallows but the s'mores actually tasted pretty good. After the s'mores we eat dinner. Dinner was simple, plain noodles. After dinner we all went back up to our room to go to sleep.

Today is our last day in Ushuaia and it is Easter. Today Dad rented a car so we got to sleep in. Then we went to the Chile borsder and went across. It was a 5 mile hike in total. Then we found a nice restaurant and ate dinner. Then we got back and went to bed.

Today is our last day in Ushuaia and it is Easter. Today Dad rented a car so we got to sleep in. Then we went to the Chile borsder and went across. It was a 5 mile hike in total. Then we found a nice restaurant and ate dinner. Then we got back and went to bed.

Happy Easter! Today was Easter. We started out today being able to sleep in. After everybody woke up we went to the hike that will take us to Chile. Once we got to the hike we started. The all around mileage is 5.2. Once we go to the border we had lunch. While we were having lunch we saw a fox. After lunch we hiked back to the car. Once we were in the car we headed back to the hotel. Once we were at the hotel we and a little nap before dinner. A couple hours later and were heading to dinner. While we were driving there was a race going on. (Running) After we saw the race we saw that the place that we were going to have dinner at opened at 8 and it was 7:30. So we walked around \240downtown Ushuaia for 30 minutes. After that it was time for dinner. Dinner was amazing the service was great. I had a pizza. After dinner we headed back to the hotel to get ready for 36 hours of traveling. Once all of us were in our beds we went to sleep really fast.

Today was just two big travel days so that we can get back to Cincinnati. First we had 3 flights on the same plane for all of those three flight. Those flights took us to Buenos Aries. Then once we were to Buenos Aries we had a 10 hour flight to JFK.(New York City) We got on the plane to go to JFK. 10 hours later and were in JFK. Once we got to New York we went to the hotel we got for a couple hours so that all of us could change and take showers and get some sleep. We had a 8 hour layover between flights so we got a hotel to relax in.

Finally home after a long and somewhat difficult trip home. \240But we were over 6500 miles from home. \240Great trip. \240Lots of wonderful memories. \240Plane was struck by lightning on way home to Cincinnati. \240