Maverick and Gwendolynn's Pirate Birthday Party

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Maverick and Gwendolynn's Pirate Birthday Party!

Lili and Manuel, along with Ashley and Jason, recently hosted Maverick and Gwendolynn's Pirate Birthday Party! It was a blast! The decorations were so perfect and all of the kids really had a lot of fun. And, of course, the food was overflowing and delicious!

Now I have to boast about my girl, Amelie. She LOVES the water but hates to be held in the water, or even sit on a float, which makes things difficult. She's our L'il Miss Independent! Well, Ashley bought a large assortment of floating devices and so Rick put some arm floaties on her. That really did the trick! She was floating at the deep end of the pool all by herself in no time! (Rick was right by her, of course, but like I said, she wants to do everything herself so she didn't want Daddy holding on to her.) Rick even taught her how to kick her legs in order to get to where she's going faster. I couldn't believe it! When did she turn into a little person?!

Enjoy the pictures of the party, and some videos too. Check out the one of Gwen! So cute!

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Mother's Day 2011

Happy Mother's Day to all of you fabulous ladies out there! I hope that some day my children will think I'm half as wonderful a mother as my mom has been to me! I love you, Mom.

Easter

Lili and Manuel graciously hosted this year's Easter get together. Most of the kids were there and they all got to go swimming, in spite of how cold the water was! Of course, there was more food than we could eat. The music and laid back atmosphere was great, as it always is at their house. Amelie practiced her Easter egg hunting skills all week just for this day! All of the kids got lots of Easter baskets and everyone had a good time. Thanks Lili and Manuel!

Here is a link to all of the pics: share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8IaMmzlsyatpk

Uncle Paul

I'm sure you all know by now but our beloved Uncle Paul has gone to spend Christmas with his Lord. Someone sent me this beautiful poem:

I see the many Christmas trees around the world below,

The tiny lights, like heaven’s stars, reflecting on the snow.

The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away that tear,

For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear,

But that music can’t compare with the choir up here.

I have no words to tell you the joy their voices bring,

For it’s beyond description to hear the angels sing.

I know you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart.

But I’m not far away, we really aren’t apart.

Be happy for me, my family, and wipe away that tear.

Be glad I’m spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

I send you both a gift from our heavenly home above.

I send you both memories of my undying love.

After all, love is the gift, more precious than pure gold.

It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.

Please love and keep each other as the Lord said to do,

For I can’t count the blessings He has for both of you.

So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear.

Remember…

I’m spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.

Uncle Paul, words can't describe how we all feel about you. You always tell us that Dad rescued you in a time when you needed him most but really, it was us who needed you. You have taught us so many things; how to be a faithful follower in Christ, how to love and respect others, that every day is a wonderful and glorious day, for 'today is the day that the Lord hath made', that every meal is a thanksgiving feast, for 'in everything give thanks', the joy of giving selflessly to others, and how to stay positive in the face of evil. My life is richer for having known you. Thank you for the past few wonderful years that I got to spend with you. You will never be forgotten.

PS, I couldn't pick just one picture Uncle Paul!

Isabella's Christmas Concert

Isabella had a Christmas concert last week where she sang and danced. She does ballet and jazz. After the concert, the school put on a festival where the kids could buy things, eat food and hot chocolate, make crafts, and get their picture taken with Santa Claus or the school mascot, Spotty. She has so much fun. Cindy and Tim were there with the twins and Tim's parents. And Brandon and Candice were there, and , of course, me.

In other Isabella news... she got nominated for the Van Guard award which means a child who shows the potential for performing at a remarkably high level of accomplishment when compared to others of the same age, experience, or environment. We are all very proud of her!

Happy Halloween!

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As tradition has it, we spend every Halloween night at Gamaw's house. This year was no exception. She has all of the usual Halloween goodies that we have come to love so much!!!!! Mini pizzas for the kids, vegetable soup and cornbread for the 'older kids,' caramel covered apples, s'mores, mummy fingers, and chocolate brownie bites for all of us chocolate lovers. Yumm-O! The Zamorano kids came and, ohh, that Gwenny looked soooo adorable! (And I think she knew it too! hehe!) After we ate, they went to Grandma Lily's to trick-or-treat and Debbie took Olivia trick-or-treating as well. The Weber's stayed behind and got to pass out candy to all of the trick-or-treaters. Amelie just had to see all of their costumes as they came to the door. Ahh, I just love Halloween! Before we left for Gamaw's house, I dressed my kiddos up in their costumes for a family Halloween picture (which Rick took because he didn't have a costume). Zoe and Tiggers were witches, Amelie was a spider, and I was a pumpkin.