Reflection

2011, a year so intense in our lives that it is amazing how fast it came and left.  It took us from the most joyous moments to the deepest sorrows. It taught us humility, patience and remind us to have faith, to hold on to each other even when we didn't want to. A year filled with many strong emotions where uncertainly, anger, pain, dissatisfaction and  discouragement were present on many occasions. A year where we were constantly tested. And a year that undoubtedly we appreciate having lived. Today we are stronger for all those experiences lived. Our faith, understanding, and gratitude for God's great mercy toward us has increased immensely. 2011 a year to be grateful for true love,  forgiveness, lowliness and a new dawn. What an extraordinary year!

Last activity of 2011

For our last 2011 activity as a family we went to Chuck E Cheese's.

It was perfect, they opened at 10:30 this morning and we were there at 10:45 am. We were the second family there, so we had practically the whole place for ourselves until we ran out of tokens and packed up to come back home at 12:30 pm.

You can't go to Chuck E Cheese's and not have your portrait done, right?

Happy Anniversary

Today is our 9th wedding anniversary 

9 years full of love, happiness, patience, growth, trials and KIDS!

It hasn't been easy but, totally worth it!

Happy Anniversary to us!

Lava Hot Springs

As a family we've been trying to establish traditions, one of Kam's favorite is to take the kids to Lava Hot Springs in Idaho the day after Christmas and he has been able to do it now for 5 years in a row. This was Dante's first year going and also Kaysee's first year not going, she stayed home with Kaylee, Dionka & Me for being sick. Good thing is there is always next year. 

This year Grandma, Grandpa, Leo, Martie, Jacob, Alli, Jonah, Madi & Cassie went with them. Oh, I am jealous!! Look how warm the water is!!!!

They all really enjoyed their time

Merry Christmas 2011!

Christmas morning we eat our traditional Christmas Breakfast which is: eggs, bacon, hash brown, toast & orange juice. This year felt better because Daddy cooked for us!!!!

After breakfast, we woke Kaylee up and moved to the living room where presents were waiting for the kids. So here we go!

Kaylee wasn't happy to be waken up, so we took her back to bed

Dionka finally got to concept of opening a present

Alondra was still tired from last night after going to bed almost at midnight, she got an electronic drum set and a coloring book which she is opening on the picture

Kaysee was passing out presents (she's the only one from the kids that can read)

Kaylee got a 5' caterpillar! And a giggling doll, so sad that she doesn't like it

Dante got a tricycle! And a coloring book

Dionka got a 3-in-1 scooter, cart & bike

Kaysee got a lady bug happy napper and an easy bake oven

Dionka also got frog socks

Christmas Eve: Part I

We started our busy Christmas Eve day with the Howells. We played "stick the nose to the snow man", exchange services and eat really good. My camera was out of charge so I only took pictures of the kids sticking the nose. The short time we were there was amazing but, we took off  early to our next appointment.

Noche Buena: Parte II

Noche Buena: Parte II

Mitad de celebración de Noche Buena en excelente compañía de Peny & Sebasthian. Rica conversación y rica comida. Arroz con gandules, pernil y pasteles por mi. Postres y bebidas por los Varas.

¡Qué se repita!

Noche Buena: Parte III

Noche Buena: Parte III

¡Que día tan espectacular! Esta fue la última cena del día llena de mucho sabor, rumba, risas y muchos boricuas. Vicmarie, Thamara, Daniel, Sadie, Elvin, Kevin y Melissa nos acompañaron a cerrar la Noche Buena. Bailamos, cantamos y comimos riquísimo: pernil asado y flan de queso por Vicmarie, tembleque y refrescos por Daniel y yo hice los pasteles, el arroz con gandules y el arroz con dulce. Hacía tamto tiempo que no nos juntábamos que la noche se nos hizo corta y cada cual tuvo que partir. 

Video: un poco de la parranda navideña que nos dimos, que mucho nos reímos

Daniel, Vimarie y yo, como los viejos tiempos

ya casi listos para comer

ya todos en el segundo plato

las chicas: Alondra, Thamara & Kaysee

ummmm

mas ummm

listos para comenzar la parranda

en pleno jolgorio

hasta Alondra tocó el bongó

los postres: tembleque, flan y arroz con dulce

el pernil

y a bailar!!!!! Daniel y yo

Kaysee y yo

Hasta el próximo año en el mismo canal y a la misma hora!