Christmas stuff

I love going to pick out our Christmas tree so I have to record this memory. The rest of the pictures are of us at the Riverwalk. I thought the lights would be pretty to see, so we took an evening trip to see them. We had dinner at Pico de Gallo one of our favorite restaurants. It's owned by the same owners of the more popular restaurant Mi Tierra on the Riverwalk, but it's not crowded and chaotic like Mi Tierra--perfect for taking the kids. Then we road the Rio Taxi. It was cold but perfect. The girls loved it. I recommend the taxi over the tour because you can get on/off when you want just like a taxi. The tour is long and would not allow the flexibility of getting off when needed.






A funny smile

School stuff

Elena had her Christmas concert and Marisa had observation week at her school. Here are the highlights.

Marisa is 4

A little late on this post, but here it is. And I'll slowly be catching up with the rest.

Marisa had a little playdate party during the weekday. It was low stress for me and perfect for her since she doesn't like crowds and comotion. She loves unicorns so I made it a unicorn theme. If you've seen Despicable Me, she reminds me of the little girl who wants a unicorn. I love the ending with the story of "3 little girls" which naturally makes me think of my 3 little girls.

Marisa is the sweetest. She is so considerate always thinking of others much like her dad. The other day I dropped 100 straws on the floor. She came immediately and said, "it's okay mama, I'll help you pick them up." She loves to help around the house and always has a need to do something. She is also a a homebody and likes routine and clear expectations. This is good for me since I tend to be the opposite. She keeps me on task, reminds me of what is next, and reminds me that staying home is good sometimes too. I love that she asks that I go get Karina when Karina cries. I can't let her cry even for a moment. She's always watching out for her and Elena even though Elena is older. Just today while Elena was at school I bought Marisa an ice cream, immediately she asked if I could buy one for Elena too.

Recently Marisa has been saying, "I love you," and when I respond, "I love you too." she responds back, "I love you too."

Girls singing

Merry Christmas!

Stationery card

View the entire collection of cards.

Thanksgiving

A wonderful holiday filled with lots of new memories and a lot to be thankful for. God is good.


Just had to include these after the Thanksgiving feast nap photos



O's birthday is on Thanksgiving every six years.

Corpus Christi marina


At home enjoying the fall weather

Caught up!

Finally got around to those posts from when I was computerless...and then some. In case you are interested, here's what you missed: The flower girls, my conference, Halloween, a cooking lesson, random Karina post , swim class, and a school holiday. Whew!

Elena is 6

This is the most emotional birthday of one of my girls thus far. Elena recently had a growth spurt. I was in denial and was still dressing her in size 5T. When I finally admitted that they no longer fit I went shopping and it was then that I realized that Elena had moved up to the "Girls" section. No more shopping in the toddler section with single digits and the letter "T" Her clothing is now in a whole other section with different styles and fashion sense and not to mention a few dollars more ;). How could I possibly have a six year old?

But I am thankful. Elena has filled our lives with joy these last 6 years and she continues to do so everyday. Elena means light and some how the compliments we receive about her are always related to that meaning. Last year her art teacher commented that Elena was a ball of sunshine. This year her Kindergarten teacher said "Es un placer tener a Elena en mi clase; ilumina mi salon. (It is a pleasure having Elena in my class she brightens my room). Elena really does light up our lives. She is happy go lucky and optimistic, always smiling and passing on that contagious laugh.

Some milestones:

Elena can READ!
She pumps on a swing
She skips
She makes her bed
She showers w/o help
She shows empathy
She puts dishes away

That's all I can think of now. I'll post more if I remember. We love you Elena! Happy 6th Birthday!!!

Birthday morning





Lunch and birthday celebration at school

She still amazes me

She sleeps...

after I transfer her to the stroller from the car and while we listen to Sunday mass on the speakers of the outdoor church courtyard. :) I see so plenty of other babies do this but since none of my other babies did, I am still caught by surprise and wonder, will she wake up this time?"

A day with the girls

On this day Elena had the day off so I enjoyed a day with all of my girls together just like the good old days. My moms group had a field trip to Kiddie Acres, a small amusement park that is perfect for their age group. Even Karina took part in one ride! Scroll down to find out what ride she took. Oh, and I must note what a change in personality Marisa takes on with her older sister along. Typically she is slow to warm up to new settings with large groups but with Elena around, she is immediately comfortable. This makes me smile to know they have this close and comfortable relationship.








We ended with a wonderful picnic at the park across our subdivision. Perfect breezy weather and sunny skies under a grove of trees.