May Day!

This is a new tradition borrowed from one of our favorite people- JULIE!.. It was a lovely May day.. Maya took a little bouquet to her sweet teacher. 

In the evening we delivered some sweets and yellow daffodils to a few neighors..

Happy May Day!

Alex

Wrapping up 2011...

This year was full of changes for us.. Some were unexpected and sad while others were welcome and exciting.....I don't want to make this a depressing post so I will try to focus on the fun stuff that rounded out the year and reminded us how much we really have to be thankful for..
This fall brought a new school for Maya.. After some initial transition anxiety we came out on the other side a bit smarter! Maya is learning French, music, drama and other classical subjects at her school.. She has decided that history is her favorite subject. She loves the uniforms and especially her WONDERFUL and DEDICATED teacher.. Martin took on head coaching and his heart expanded as he watched the girls on his team learn to love soccer.. His 8-2 record wasn't too bad either.. His dedication, spreadsheets and hours really showed.. I was lucky enough to be offered a new opportunity within my same company. I was not only flattered but fortunate to be picked up by one of the up and coming business units.. We have a lot of work to do but in these tough times, I am beyond grateful for a new role.
We spent lots of time with extended family and long time friends.. My uncle Miguel helped us video Maya's games and was a frequent cheerleader with my mom at those early Saturday games. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson also came out to watch the games and hosted several fun poker nights..

The Bell family has become our family in a thousand more ways.. Maya and the girls are so close it warms my heart. It's hard to believe we live 40 mins away.. We are always together and the girls can't get enough of their play time. Martin is now a huge fan of Vietnamese Pho. Carl's gopher count was amazing. Deanna's patience and dedication to all things care taking continue to amaze me.. We had some fun summer days, fabulous dinners and wrapped up NYE 2010 with a feisty Lily crying about the difficulties of being the little sister. Looking forward to many more memories..

My quilting pals put up with me all year and Julie hosted a fabulous Christmas party for us which took my breath away.. Karen gifted me an amazing snowman which will be treasured for years to come.. That class is my version of therapy and I look forward to many more years..

Our neighbors are still awesome and watching the kids grow and play has reaffirmed the fact that this is a great place to live.. It's HOME! We love our neighbors generosity and thoughtfulness. Whether I need the proverbial cup of sugar or a dip in the pool in the summer, our neighbors are there for us..

My little brother keeps growing and I am amazed at his dedication to helping children in need. He is still a crazy basketball fan and a life long student which is great...He is a fun uncle to Missy which is so neat to see.. He is a friend to many and a unique soul..Wishing Arthur a productive 2012!

My mom is a busy bee and is always on the go.. Whether she is up here visiting us, watching a soccer game, babysiting or driving north to visit Arthur. She is constantly sending me pictures or texting me to keep in touch.. Not a day goes by that I don't know that mom is sending me good vibes... Wishing her some rest in 2012. The rest of family was also a source of strength.. As a result of the loss of my aunt and uncle we really spent the year reconnecting . Its hard to admit that it would take the mourning process to bring us closer but thankfully it did.. We spent more time with all the Martinez brothers, my aunt Chelo spent more time here and brought her grown kids around.. We made more phone calls to cousins, we sent more cards out for the holidays, we had bigger tables to set for the holidays.. I only hope that in 2012 we continue the new family get togethers and don't need another funeral to remember our extended family...

In our little world Maya discovered dolls, lost several teeth and continued to lighten up our life.. It's hard to believe she is 8 yrs old. She is still our little cuddle bug, she loves to color, imitate animals and ride her scooter as fast as she can.. She is super girly and pink and glitter are always at the top of her list..
Christmas was full of cookies and presents but the best gift was just the 3 of us enjoying our family time...

Wishing everyone a fabulous 2012..
Blessings!
Alex

Easter 2011

This year the Easter bunny left a trail of eggs for Maya and our family gathered for a small egg hunt in the yard. We had just enough energy to enjoy the day and be grateful for our blessings.. Maya painted some eggs with uncle Arthur and Andre..

Maya decided she would take matters into her own hands and hide the eggs for the big kids..

The big kids were more than happy to humor little Miss Maya...

All the girls stood up for a group shot.. We have lots of girls in the family!

Spring is in the air..
Alex

Christmas morning...

Maya always leaves cookies and milk for Santa along with some carrots for the reindeer. Here's her Santa plate almost empty...

After waiting for daddy to join the family downstairs Maya was finally able to see what Santa brought, a Squinky carousel. Santa always knows what the kids want...

We opened presents and took a few pictures before heading to the Gonzalez house for family and food..
Merry Christmas!
Alex

Cookies!

It would not be Christmas without cookies.. Cookie making has become an annual event at our house..I made a double batch of gingerbread and sugar cookie dough in advance.. The girls were ready to roll and cut as soon as they saw the supplies.

It was fun watching them pick shapes, sprinkles and pipe icing.. Each girl gave both flavors a try and gingerbread seemed to be the biggest hit..

Maya rolls out dough as if she was born in a bakery and loves the feel of flour..

Here's a batch of sprinkle covered sugar cookies ready for the oven.. Friends include Charley, Alexandra, Giselle, Maya and Marika..Wishing everyone a sweet Christmas season..
Alex and the Cookie Elves...

Painting fun...

This year we decided to have Maya and Mateo make ornaments and spend time together instead of exchanging gifts.. Not only does this take the craziness out of figuring out what to buy our October babies for Christmas but it gives us an excuse to hang out..

Maya and Mateo decorated and personalized their ornaments and had fun being silly...
Looks like we have a new holiday tradition..Making Ornaments...
Alex

Family time..

Thanksgiving is always a day for family.. This year was the second year that Mona hosted.. Each family brought something to share.. We had several turkeys, a ham, potatoes au grautin, rolls, corn, and of course stuffing!. The weather cooperated long enough for our outdoor feast.. It was a great meal and we made some great memories.. Especially those of Arthur in his first ever mustache.. Between him, Andrew and Joe they have enough hair for the winter..

Mona and mom enjoying a quiet moment...
Ed and Martin talking guns and enjoying some guy time..
The eating has begun.. dessert was a range of pies and sweets..

Here come the holiday lbs.

Alex

We must remember all the soldiers...

On this Memorial day I have to take a minute to give thanks.. I have always had a special respect for soldiers, how could I not?. I grew up with a Marine Dad and surrounded by cousins in the service. Thankfully our family has been blessed and our soliders always came home..

The same can not be said for so many soliders and today we honor them.. The fallen.

"Tomb of the unknown solider" from Google images...

We can not forget that many gave their lives so we can sleep safe... Thank you to those soldiers. May we honor your memory as we embrace the freedoms of the U.S.A.

A grateful American,

Alex