Monkeys, monkeys and exams

It's not unusual to be awakened early by birds and sometimes howler monkeys but today was different. These monkeys were close and LOUD!  Around 5:15, just before it was getting light, a couple of them started "howling" though barking might be a more appropriate choice of words.  We tried to sleep through the cacophony but couldn't.  I finally just laughed, got out of bed and took some video.  What an adventure.  Couldn't see these guys this morning but they are in a tree about 200 feet from our house.  We did get a good look at them this afternoon, happily munching away.

Later in the morning, when coming back from school, Sullivan took credit for spotting another large group of howlers in a couple of trees along the road a short walk from our house (the group of tourists standing in the road may have helped).  What could be cuter than a couple of mothers with babes in tow, jumping from tree to tree and hanging upside down?  As we were watching from the side of the road, a couple from New Zealand and then a very large tour bus pulled over to have a look.  In the end I wasn't sure who was watching whom.

Silhouette of mother and baby Mono Congo 

Pretty much the entire remainder of the day was occupied by studying for the kids' school exams, or so it seemed.  Both Madeleine and Henry studied hard for a couple of hours with me.  It was actually exhausting.  Both had Spanish exams today and seemed to think they were okay.  The multiple choice questions were a pleasant surprise and the questions requiring writing paragraphs were not unexpected nor as popular.  Again, we're proud and amazed at what they've been able to learn so far.  Erica continued to work away and the day flew by.  At this point in time, all the kids have been chased into bed, resting up for another busy day tomorrow.  It'll start off with a bang, as the interschool running competition will be at 8 in the morning and we'll be helping to sell food for the kindergarten class.