Trip to Texas part I

The downside, I flew there alone with three kiddos, the upside, super short flights and fast connections!

 Is it no wonder why they ask to live here, everytime we visit Grandpa's ranch?

 Grandpa can hold their attention like no one else

 I love how they take over my dad's equipment like little gremlins.

Bienvenido a Miami !

We finally made it to Miami to meet John's Cuban side of the family. The kids got to see their Mima and meet all of her family that we'd heard so much about. First stop was Sentir Cubano where we stocked up on guayaberas, art work, cookbooks, and fun novelties. The kids were loving that place! Then on over to a cousins house where most of the family was hanging out for a birthday party. It was nothing short of fun and traditional!

 We played dominos, ate yummy food, and took lots of pics

That evening we drove to Key Largo to meet  John's cousins who were such gracious hosts and treated us to a beautiful dinner on the water at sunset. 

The next day we headed out on their boat to a gorgeous location where we swam and watched the other boats anchor for what would turn out to be a little party spot. 

These two passed out...

...so there was nothing left to do but put our feet up and relax, I love the Keys!

Wow Factory

This place was out of control... we were invited by another family and ended up staying longer not only for our kids, but mostly because our husbands didn't want to leave. So much fun! When Grandma came to visit, we gave her the Wow experience. 

A must read]

I wanted to share this post from a dear friend of mines blog...I absolutely adore Tara, and she is a huge part of the foundation of my testimony...her post melted my heart and I hope it inspires you too. More from Tara at www.hartsforever.blogspot.com 

Your Treasure by: Tara Hart

"I bought this picture two years ago when we moved into our home with the intent of putting it up in our living room, but it didn't fit the niche, so it ended up in the game room.  It is a rather large picture and the only one in the entire room.  It has a scripture on the wall right next to it that reads, "Where your treasure is there will be your heart also" Matthew 6:21.  Upon placing the picture there I felt there was great purpose in its placement as I knew this would be the place of playing with toys, watching TV, and ultimately where family time would take place.

This afternoon I walked into the game room and upon entering I found Kaylee, who is 5 years old, staring at this picture on our wall.  She was gazing so deeply she didn't move when I first sat by her.  I interrupted her gaze by gently asking, "Kaylee, what are you doing?" She responded quietly, without breaking her intent thinking and said, "Mom. I miss him."  Quite taken back I said, "You mean you remember Him?"  She said, "Yes, he looks just like that."  Trying not to disturb her thoughts I sat back and watched her look, stare and long for him.  She then said, "I love him and I want him to come back."

It is moments like these that I can only wonder, Why? How? can one not believe.  Children are such a integral part of this amazing plan.  They teach and they KNOW. They know because they REMEMBER.  I don't think the knowledge of the spirit world is taken from them in one moment at birth, but gradually, and every once in a while we get to have these beautiful moments of their remembrance.  Not only to remind them, but to remind US.  He is real.  He is there and He WILL COME."

Beckham 2 yrs old

Our little Beck is 2 and I can still remember the day his chunky little bum was born. He is an amazing and sweet little spirit with lots of love and personality. He loves going to nursery on Sunday and learning about Jesus.  We recently finished potty training and I'm proud to say I will only have one in diapers soon instead of 2 thank goodness.  He finally turned a corner with his speech and is talking at the level he should be, we are so proud of him. He can now sing the alphabet, recognize all of the letters and their sound, count to 12 and sing his favorite nursery rhymes and primary songs. We had our doubts as to when he'd be able to verbalize any of those things, but he proved us wrong. 

I'd like to share this poem I had written for this dear boy when the doctor told us his speech was delayed.   You may have to click on it to read it better. 

Favorites:

Songs: Somebody That I Used to Know, Twinkle Twinkle, ABC's, The Wise Man and the Foolish Man

Books: Goodnight Goodnight Construction Site, Llama Llama Misses Mama, How Do Dinosaurs Eat

Color: Blue "Bwue"

Shows:  Little Einsteins,  Super Why

Outings: Children's Museum, Library playtime, and any park

Food: Frijoles Negros con arroz, Picadillo, pizza, and any kind of pasta