Thursday, December 24, 2009

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Many blessings sent your way from our family to yours!

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

kids

sometimes they are just sooo silly!



Saturday, December 19, 2009

let it snow!

You would think it was 80 degrees outside! The kids wouldn't come in from playing outside! So much fun!


our first "little" snowman of the season!

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Playgroup Christmas Party


Tonight we had our yearly Playgroup Christmas party. It's crazy to think that this is the 4th year that the kids have spent together. The group is QUICKLY expanding... and the homes are getting more packed with each visit. However, the laughter and fun they have together is awesome! Once again... we are so blessed!
This year, the kids exchanged books! Another great success and another great year! Thanks for hosting again Audra!



picture of most of the group from 2006:

Monday, December 14, 2009

four Christmases

It is hard to believe that this will be Will's (and Aidan's)4th Christmas. We were a little saddened that this would also be their 1st Christmas apart... HOWEVER... miracles do come true! We are SOOOO excited that Monika, Arnold, Aidan and Andrew will be coming back up to OHIO for another Christmas season!!!! 1300 miles is a long way... however, I really am blessed to have such a great relationship with my sis (and brother-in-law) that distance has not kept our kids from knowing each other, and sharing memories of special events. Despite the distance, the kids see each other at least 5 times a year (if not more) and we LOVE it. We are REALLY blessed. Even though we constantly say we wished we lived closer...we really can't complain. The Lacayo's have been up for almost every one of the kids birthdays (they only missed Will's 2nd birthday because Andrew was just born). They have not had a Christmas season apart (and this I guess was NOT going to be the first one). We haven't told Will and Isa yet (we hope to surprise them with their arrival, but we can't be any more excited!

We are also so lucky to live and share so many memories on a daily basis with Gramma, Bapa, Abuelita, and all those that live close. You won't understand how much this means to us (and the kids) until later when we look back at all the memories we make TOGETHER. And we are so blessed for all those that come from close to far to spend time with the kids... YOU will never know how BIG of an impression you make on them (we hear it from them often... when they ask to call you, skype, or tell us about something silly they remember about you). We love you all, and can't wait to see you all SOON!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS! As Isa says "if you just BELIEVE!"


Sunday, December 6, 2009

St Nicholas Day!




This morning we were up bright and early so we all decided to attend mass with Evan for his Confirmation Service. We came home to find that "St. Nick" had decorated the kid's playroom and filled our stockings with care! What an awesome morning we had.

There are so many little things that the kids say and do on a regular basis, that I don't ever want to forget, but I don't blog about. Some of the things that I am SO loving about this Christmas season with the kids is:
- the way Isa prances around the house saying "if you just believe"
- how they both LOVE singing the "hot chocolate" song from The Polar Express movie.
- how all Will wants for Christmas is "candy corn, and 2 more engines"
- the way they LOVE playing with their Fisher Price nativity and kiss Baby Jesus!
- how much they both enjoy singing Christmas carols... this doesn't get old with me!
- how they love pointing out every house with Christmas lights.
- how they keep asking "when will Baby Jesus be born"

Merry Christmas season!!!!

Saturday, December 5, 2009

outing!

Last night we met up at Tower City to invent! The kids went to Kringle's Inventionasium. They had a blast and even uncle Paul showed up for a surprise visit!

Given how Isa is with "costumed people" this will be the best pic of Santa we get this year =)





Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Amazed!

While the kids were stamping tonight... Will asked to write his name. Normally I help him with this, but since I was cooking... I handed him the crayon and heard the following "down, up, down, up...I... L... L." I looked over and he had in fact written it BY HIMSELF. I was even more amazed when he wrote Isa (I helped with the "s", per his request... I drew it and he traced it).

I love these moments!


our Christmas countdown...

Just thought we would share a special picture and some thoughts as we countdown to Christmas! love, T&V

"And she brought forth her first born son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Now there were in the same country, shepherds keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold and angel of the Lord stood before them and the glory of the Lord shone around them. And they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said, fear not for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign to you, you shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel, a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace...good will toward men!"
~Luke 2:6-14

Jesus truly is the reason for the season!
looking back...