Fun

We had Joseph's friend Hunter over to play. They have spent time together ever since they were born but are just now starting to interact. They are so fun. Of course Joseph tried to take control of Hunter's breakfast but he would give it back very nicely every time he was reminded.






















Lately everyone has been saying that Millie looks like her dad. It is so cute to see them together. I don't totally see the resemblance, except for maybe the face shape. I don't really think she looks like me either.This particular day we played soccer in our back yard while it was misting on us so we were thoroughly soggy. It is time for another hair cut. He is starting to complain about it. "My hair!" he shouts as he swipes it away from his eye brows. I guess that is my cue.

Saturday

On this stormy Saturday I just wanted to post a few pictures of the kids. They are so much fun.

Busy Weekend

The coolest kids ever.





Something you will never see again in your life.




This weekend we had two events to participate in. Friday night we held a party for some of our best friends, Justin and Kira, and their new little son Evan. They recently adopted this beautiful boy and we wanted to give him the welcome that he deserves. Irene (red shirt) and I had a great time planning the dinner menu and cooking for the party. These pictures show some of the highlights. It was a lot of fun. Joe's brother Chris is back in town and in the large group shot around the table- we love you Chris.
Saturday night we attended Joe's 10 year High School Reunion. It gave me a hint as to what I missed out on at my 10 year reunion this past summer. I'm sure I would have enjoyed my own reunion much more but it was fun to get out with Joe.

My goal to get back in shape is going well. Last week I got 5 out of 6 of my planned workouts in. This week I hope to do all 6. Seminary is going well for Joe. Everyday there seems to be more and more participation.

Try, Try Again

Joe and I stumbled across this old picture of what we used to look like! Boy, were we hot. So anyway- this post is dedicated to our right and ability to change some major habits and try to get back what appears to be long gone in the way of fitness. We are really excited for Joe to teach seminary and I know it will help both of us make better use of our time and make sure to fit exercise in there somewhere. We both got up at 4:45 this morning so that I could go to the gym and Joe could get ready for seminary. It felt so good to start my day so early - before my kids were awake and needing my attention. So, help me remember this enthusiasm when a few weeks from now (maybe a few days) my feelings might have changed alittle. I can do it!!!

Firsts

This week was full of firsts. Joseph's first bath with his apple, first time on his toy quad naked, and Millie's first time in the Baby Einstein's play center. Not pictured, it was also the first time we have gated Joseph's door to teach him to sleep in his room at night. For some reason that was more bearable than locking him in. It is still sad to lock the gate on him and hear him cy but every night he cries less and less and wakes up less. He seems happier the next day due to his getting better sleep. So, while it seems like a very cruel and heartless thing to our two year old I know it is the right thing. Especially because Joe is teaching seminary this year and will be starting on monday (another first) and so we will be short on sleep. Thank goodness Millie is a good sleeper. She rolls to her tummy and sucks her thumb and goes like 10 to 12 hours regularly. Such a blessing.

Happy Birthday Joe!

Today, (August 5th) is Joe's 28th birthday and I wanted to share that he is such a wonderful husband and father. Most of you know he is very bright. I have always been amazed at his ability to read about politics or current events and put it in context of our lives. You all know he is very funny and eloquent and good with his words. You all know he has a very high standard for what is loyal and he lives up to this standard. He makes very good friends with people and maintains his friendships very well. A few things you might not know...

You probably don't know that he gets up every night with our 2 year old son so that I can get my rest to take care of our three month old baby. He is tender and caring despite his natural ability to be the disciplinarian in the family. His tenderness, interest and involvement with the kids increases daily. When he is home he splits the tasks of parenting evenly with me. I am embarrassed to admit that he cooks more than I do lately and his meals are just as tasty as mine! He deals with my natural ability for correcting him(!) very well and continues to love and support me despite my weaknesses, which are not few. He treats me like I am the neatest person he has ever known. He works so hard to keep our little family happy and humming along. He makes it a priority to take me to California to visit my family at least twice a year and never makes me feel like it is a burden. He loves my family almost as much as I do. I love him so much!

With the help of my sister Lillie I have created a little slideshow of our lives together. If you are in the mood have a look. I apologize to those of you who prefer a post that is less personal. I'm not really good at impersonal.

As usual, click play twice.

Family Vacations

Joseph as an Artist

Last night Joe and I were reviewing our photos from our trip to the beach and we discovered that Joseph had exercised some creativity and snapped more than a few photos himself. We estimate 60 or 70. Wow. So with some liberal editing we find he has some talent. It is really fun getting to see the world from his perspective.

The Beach

First of all, I'm sorry that I didn't flip this picture before posting it. At this point I've just got to keep going or I'll never finish this post. Millie is really growing up and she is such an angel baby. She is cooing a lot lately and is on a pretty good schedule- provided we have our swing handy. She has pretty cushy life here at the beach- we don't make her spend too much time in the sun and she has Mima and Papa here to pay attention to her adorableness.

Gladys and Paul and their kids were here all together the first week of July and then Paul had to go to work. Gladys and the kids stayed another week and Joseph was in heaven with his counsins just one floor down and ready to play.

Our condo has views of the sun rise. It is beautiful to have the option of watching.

Joe has been growing out his beard and I am always astounded at all the red and blond in it. I rather like the look. It has been so fun to spend so much time as a family on this vacation- even if we have to split up in order to meet the needs of both children.

This the sunset as seen from Gladys and Joe Sr.'s condo. We do not see many of these but they are beautiful when we do.

Joe's cuban grandmother Abuelita is so sweet and genuinely loves to meet the new additions to the family. We took a day trip to let her meet Millie. We think she was over stimulated at this point.

This is a beautiful new building that just went up next to our condo. How cool to have a view of a brand new building. It is fun to watch the roofers do their thing every morning.

The beach is just amazing- so wide and long and not densely populated in the least. The color of the water depends on the sun and the clouds. The water looked very turquoise this day due the dark grey clouds. There was a storm on the horizon.

This is also a view from our condo- as you can see South Florida is very flat.

Every time Millie is awake Joseph is begging to hold her and hug her. It only lasts a second but it is very sweet. The following are some pictures of Joseph with his cousins Michelle and Nicole and Jackie.

We have been staying in Marco Island, Florida now for over two weeks and are thoroughly enjoying it. We will be here the entire month of July and I can't believe how lucky we are. This is the type of place that inspires writing or creating of some sort. This week while Joe is working I have been enjoying the views even though I can't go down to the pool or the beach as much. Lillie and Ross and Sophia will be here in three days and we are so excited!!!