Some experiences are hard to put into words and even harder to capture in just a handful of photos. After two unforgettable years with Brenda, we can confidently say she is an incredible person, and we feel so lucky to have shared this chapter of life with her.
From day one, Brenda didn’t just join our household, she became part of our family.
Embracing American Traditions
One of the most special parts of our journey has been sharing American traditions and holidays together. Brenda fully embraced every celebration, whether it was something familiar from her home country of Ecuador or something entirely new.
Halloween quickly became a favorite in our home. We go all out with coordinated family costumes, often including extended family and friends. Brenda jumped right in, bringing creativity and enthusiasm to every detail—she even crafted elaborate props to take our costumes to the next level. One year we were inspired by Harry Potter, and the next, we brought The Wizard of Oz to life.
From Thanksgiving dinners to Fourth of July fireworks, she embraced each tradition wholeheartedly, and it made every celebration feel even more meaningful.
Becoming Part of Everyday Life
While holidays are memorable, it’s the everyday moments that truly define the Au Pair experience and Brenda became woven into ours seamlessly.
She helps get the girls ready for school, walks them home from the bus, drives them to activities, and spends time cooking, crafting, and playing with them. She’s also there in the quieter moments, offering comfort, hugs, and support when they need it most.
From grocery shopping and lunch packing to school routines, she has embraced “everyday America” with warmth and care. Her presence feels natural—like she’s always been part of our lives.
First-Time Moments We’ll Never Forget
One of Brenda’s most unforgettable “firsts” was seeing snow for the very first time at the summit of Pikes Peak. It was freezing, and we all laughed as we played and rolled around in the snow together.
Moments like that simple, joyful, and new have been incredibly meaningful. Sharing our love of travel with her and watching her experience new places with such excitement has helped us rediscover that same sense of wonder.
Learning Goes Both Ways
Brenda introduced us to a local Ecuadorian festival we had never experienced before. Through her, we explored traditional foods, music, and dances, gaining a deeper appreciation for her culture. It was a beautiful reminder that this experience is truly a two-way exchange.
Brenda shares her AMAZING Au Pair Experience
The Humor in Cultural Differences
Of course, there have been plenty of lighthearted moments along the way. One ongoing joke in our home comes from the quirks of language specifically, the difference between “in” and “on” in English.
Since Spanish uses the same word for both, Brenda will sometimes say she’s getting “on” the car or putting something “on” the oven. It always gives us a laugh as we picture her literally climbing on top of things. It’s become a running joke and one of those small, joyful moments that make this experience so special.
Adjusting to a New Way of Life
Like many Au Pairs, Brenda had to adjust to the fast-paced nature of American life especially our busy schedules and frequent travel.
To help, we created weekly schedules and a shared digital calendar to keep everything organized. Over time, she adapted beautifully, and we think she may even take a bit of that American love for planning and travel home with her.
Bringing Ecuador Into Our Home
Brenda has also had a lasting impact on our family through her culture—especially when it comes to food.
One of the biggest shifts has been how we approach breakfast. In Ecuador, breakfast is simply “real food” rice, eggs, chicken, vegetables not the sugary cereals and pastries so common in the U.S. Since she arrived, we’ve incorporated more of her habits into our meals, adding balance and variety to our routines.
It’s been a great reminder that cultural exchange isn’t about replacing one way with another it’s about learning, adapting, and growing together.
Growth, Confidence, and Adventure
Over the past two years, we’ve watched Brenda grow in incredible ways. She has become more confident, more independent, and more willing to step outside her comfort zone.
Travel has been a huge part of her journey. She’s explored the U.S. from coast to coast visiting places like Hawaii, California, Arizona, Colorado, New York, Florida, Texas, and beyond. From sailing in St. Thomas to road-tripping across states, each experience has shaped her perspective and sense of independence.
And with a few months still ahead, we know she’s not done exploring yet.
A Bond That Lasts a Lifetime
At the heart of it all, Brenda is not just our Au Pair she’s family.
Her laughter, kindness, creativity, and love have become part of our daily lives. The thought of her returning home is already emotional, but we know this isn’t goodbye it’s just the beginning of a lifelong connection.
We’re already planning to visit her in Ecuador, where she can share her world with us the same way she’s embraced ours.
This experience hasn’t just shaped our lives it’s created a bond that will last forever.
