Happy Sixth Gotcha Day!

We continue to do our best to love the kids and stay as positive as we can, but we have definitely hit attitude central. Lots of emotions all the time and hard to get good pictures. This is the best picture we got for this Gotcha Day. Some days are one day at a time.

Colombian Picture

When we have all five kids together, we always try and go and get a professional picture taken. Sometimes we do Colombian t-shirts and sometimes soccer jerseys but try and match everyone.

Sedona Here We Come!

We wanted to take the kids on a vacation with Luis and Sandra and Sedona seemed like a good option with hiking, shopping, and snow in nearby Flagstaff. Our kids weren't real fond of the cold weather and snow so it is a good thing they aren't the ones living in WI! We bought sleds but everyone got cold after playing for awhile and making a snowman.

Christmas is Here!

 I love the holidays, and this is a very special Christmas because the kids older brother and sister, Luis and Sandra will be joining us from WI. We have kept the kids in touch with each other with Skype and visits but this will be the first time they have been able to join us for the holidays! Luis and Sandra will fly in on Christmas Eve day and spend a week with us. The kids are very excited to see them and it will make this Christmas holiday a very special one to have them here with us. We know they have never had a huge Christmas like we have always given our kids with special new pajamas on Christmas Eve!

 

Decorating A Gingerbread House

It is time once again for the traditional gingerbread house decorating. Last year I bought three individual ones so each person had their own and that worked great. I decided just to buy one this year though for the kids to work on together and they did a really good job. I don't know if they enjoy doing it or they do it because I give it to them as something to do because they don't communicate their thoughts and feelings a lot but I am just trying to give them the different traditions and opportunities I know they never had.

Soccer Time

Ingrid is passionate about soccer and loves playing for the Odyssey Minotaur's! She use to like basketball and was convinced that she was going to go into the WNBA, even though she is vertically challenged! Soccer is a much better sport for her, and we love that she is part of a team. 

Decorating for Christmas

We try to decorate for Christmas over Thanksgiving weekend, starting on Friday. All of the kids got involved and helped, which we were thankful for!

We incorporated Santa when the kids came since it was again a tradition they had never had. Juan decided to take Angie's balloons from her party and attach his letter and send it!

Turkey Time!

Through all the ups and downs, we have a lot to be thankful for. Grandma and Grandpa took the kids shopping for our turkey after school one day and everyone pitched in and helped make things for the big Thanksgiving dinner. Ingrid usually helps make the seafoam salad, Juan the spinach casserole, and Angie the rice pudding. Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Birthday Angie!

It is Angie's 16th birthday, and she wanted a Paris theme. Because Angie did not really have any Latino friends, we opted for a big sweet sixteen party rather than a Quinceanera. We had a great turn out, and I think she had a lot of fun. Like everything, one day the kids will hopefully look back and appreciate our efforts or at least know we tried our best!

Band!

 One of the things we loved about sending the kids to school versus continuing to homeschool was the opportunities school would offer that we just couldn't like Spanish class and Band. Band was a huge part of my life and I played both the piccolo and flute through high school and college. When the opportunity came up for the kids to try Band at Odyssey, it was an avenue we wanted them to at least explore. Juan decided to try the trumpet. Ingrid played the clarinet. Angie played my flute. I am very thankful they had this opportunity! This picture was taken at Angie's fall concert.