Thank you Kelly!

The week before we left, I asked Kelly (who has an awesome camera) if she could take some family pictures on the beach since who knows when we had that chance again. She kindly accepted and these were the results:

And the winners are:
We even had pets on this one.. not that I liked them there but the walking away is one of my favorite ones!

I admit, the best one was like the following except for my blinking.. so chose the one Samuel looking down instead.

Samuel was sad we got to the beach and yet we we rent there to swim.. it was on a Sunday so.. sorry son. Can you tell his disappointment? Benjamin's excuse was that I just woke him up from his nap to come so, he wasn't all the way there..

I just love the fact that we have beach family pictures.. they turned out so cute.. for the short notice, little time, and crankiness of the kids, they are precious to me. Especially when growing up we hardly have any family pictures at all so I treasure the ones I can get of my own little family.

THANK YOU Kelly!!!

Our adventure going to the States..

It's been a while since I last posted anything.. truth is, we have run into some issues that kept us busy and now we are finally settle for while.
Since I was few months old I was diagnosed with Atopic Dermatitis, a skin condition which gave a lot of headache to my mom, since It made me allergic to disposable diapers, and other things, besides the fact that I couldn't get too much sun exposure otherwise rashes would appear.. It has been 10 years since my last outbreak. Stress is a big factor as well. Last time we came to the island in fall 2009 because of how much heat and high humidity there was I got a little on my hands, but going back to the States made it better, although recovery was very slow. I was almost healed as we came back. However, I ignored the fact that it worsen quickly if you already have an outbreak, regardless how small it is, and if you are in your second trimester of pregnancy. So here we are all excited to be back, Samuel in half day school, Benjamin enjoying mami time, and me cooking away and loving island life.. Then it started getting worse by the week, pretty soon by day. I was able to control it some but not to stop it from spreading. So after few miserable nights and getting harder to use my hands without pain or frantically itching, we decided for the kids and I to return to the States 2 months sooner than we had planned.
After the long explanation, let's talk about the trip back.
Since we weren't being picked up until noon Wednesday, June23rd, we decided to let Samuel go to school in the morning and have early lunch together and then leave to the airport. At the school, the teachers expressed how much they were gonna miss him since he was very obedient, always paying attention and respectful.
He was being shy about it and didn't want me to take pictures, so I just did it while in action..

This was with Mary the director of the daycare, and the next with his teacher Ms. Nella.Benjamin always enjoyed picking him up from school since he would get few minutes of new books and toys..

We had lunch at the usual spot (deck) and said few bye byes.. Kelly, who Samuel loves had a nice huge.. we sure will miss her and little Shane.

The day was rainy so that helped us hurry more..I never got around taking pictures of he whole way from the house to campus, but I attempted to get a little video from the transport.. really is was terrible but better than nothing.. I got pictures from outside of campus by shacks..Then, this would be the street on the right of the shacks, and past the first two cars you see a white truck.. That is where the video starts..

And this is where it ends.. at our house, which is the second floor of this building on the right corner where the corner balcony shows..

Under it was GA Enterprices or "Tinas groceries". Everyday walking home from school with Samuel, he would always talk to Mrs Tina about his day and how "exhausted" he was from walking. She enjoyed his stories so much, she would give him cookies some times. So I told him that may be she would if he smiled on the picture.. get the huge smile?As we were living she gave him a "go Henry" bar but he doesn't like chocolate that much so Benjamin and I sure enjoyed it!
Bags, stroller, etc were packed in the van and honestly I don't get teary either because I am so focused on the thought of what is coming, where to go, did I forget something.. but my dear hubby does. I felt bad because of how emotional he was and I was just my usual calmed self... We said good bye quickly and daddy stayed lonely and teary waving as we left. The kiddo es didn't quite get that daddy was staying and were so excited to travel..
So excited, that two blocks away fell asleep until we got to the airport 45 minutes later. There we got suitcases checked and off we go.
I was lucky enough that one of the elders was being transfer to another area in Puerto Rico so he was waiting for the same flight as we were. He helped me with the bags.. yes, forgot to take a picture with him. Still thankful though. We got to PR very hungry and Samuel got excited when I said "how about McDs for dinner?" so we got Mc Nuggets and fries and they scarfed down 5 pieces each.. so that made their tummies full for what was about to come..

We took our connecting flight from PR at 7:30pm and got to Tampa at 10:30pm.. I had made reservations in a "near" hotel which I booked on hotwire. So, double stroller, two kids, two carry-ons two backpacks, plus their blankets.. nice load to mobilize with.. (still havent learned to fly lighter) did I mentioned pregnant? Went outside to wait for shuttle, but after asking they told me to call from the free phone inside which had all the codes of the hotels.. EXCEPT for the one I was staying at! I left my hotel reservation paper so had no phone number either.. I tried calling my in-laws with my credit card and no answer with was strange since they have an answer machine (they just had a huge storm and had no power.. little did I know..) Then, phone book was handy but not the fact that the hotel number was wrong.. Thankfully the kiddoes fell asleep so no problem there. Finally, past 11pm one of the security guys helped me with his "internet phone", got the number and called for me... I got a young guy who said, "Sorry mam, the shuttle service runs 6am to 10:30pm." Did I mentioned I had to be at the airport by 5am? Great! why didn't I just stayed at the airport for just 6 hours? Did I mentioned the gate I came from and departed from were next to each other? Later, Jay asked me why didn't I just lost the reservation and stayed at the airport.. well, I wasn't thinking since I was soooo tired. So, I proceeded to take a van cab since we had too much crap for a regular cab, and made it to the hotel. The only poor fella working had to help me outside of the lobby since the stroller wouldn't fit thru the door.. then he took me to a first floor room but the key wouldn't work. Went back, changed me to a different room which was on the other side, and couldn't fit the stroller through the passage way because of the bushes, so he helped me carry everything to the room. Talking to him, I just started laughing so hard.. I couldn't help it. I told him, "I really am so tired, and so many things just not working well that I either cry or laugh.. how about laughing he?" He laughed too, and was very nice offering us food from the continental breakfast we were going to miss next morning. Samuel was excited about apples that he had two. Poor Benjamin was so tired he kept sleeping even after carrying to the bed..Yes, he is the little spot on the right of the bed.. Samuel asked to watch TV and I kept laughing.. you serious? No sir, off to bed.
But he colored a little while I was trying to get online to let Jay know we made it ok.. By then it was 12:30am and obviously he wasn't on. However, the hotel host did mentioned that a "guy" had been calling for me for a couple of hours before we got to the hotel.. So he called again at 1am and at least was able to know we were ok. I admitted it, it was a residential hotel, so they had everything in and out of them, but no time to enjoy it. The worst part was that I payed in cabs the same I payed for the one night at the hotel, or the 4 hours we stayed there anyways.. Lesson learned.

We continued the next morning bright and early (5am, since flight was at 6am), got to Dallas, TX on time, and then we had a delay.. although not for too long, it just made it dragging to get home. Luckily, next to the gate was a little play area.. my boys were sooooooooooo excited..

I let them play until the last minute to board.. we also grabbed a couple of crispy cream doughnuts, sold on the little stand next to it.. We all just enjoyed them.. even Samuel was giving Benjamin bites of his since I wasn't fast enough with mine.. sooo cute.
By 11am Thursday, we made it@! I did had watery eyes to see my mother-in-law, because I knew I made it! Samuel run to her from far away and as not touchy as he is gave her a big hug right away.Benjamin didn't make it out of the parking lot awake. So tired little guy.

So, we got Samuel's favorite fast food "taco bell" and ate out in the lawn.. power was back on their house so AC was working yey!

After eating Samuel got his tricycle out and went up and down the block. And then checking all the toys still in the garage. Then, he had to go potty, and after he got out he went through each room and basement to check out what had changed.

After his approval, he told me, "wow, grandma and grandpa have lots of things for us, how nice of them.." Then out he goes and played his giggles guitar for a while..
He danced and just kept asking me to wake up Benjamin to show him all the toys and rooms.. A while later he woke up and they were sooo excited playing with all the toys; especially together!

Later they both watched on of their favorite movies "Space Jam" and kept playing for the rest of the afternoon.
Here, the victorious picture of the luggage in the van.. with little mama!

After all, we made it home safe and sound!

Basket Ceremony

Evidently at the prep-school they have a "basket ceremony" every semester for the kids who are leaving the island. Some of them have been going to the school for 1 to 2 years.. So they sit the kids and teachers leaving and a teacher or principal talks about them and gives them the basket and a card. Well, Samuel has only been a months in the daycare and only mornings. The director of it forgot he was leaving and didn't including him (initially). In fact, I didn't even know about it. I happened to be on campus for playgroup a lot earlier and another mom came and told me. Because I was trying to film I couldn't get a good picture, but only this one.

So I was glad as unprepared I was to be there and see it. Have in mind I am trying to keep Benjamin quite and film at the same time. I still need to take pictures of him at his teachers.. but I thought it was funny to hear what improvised his teacher said about him.. I laughed! "He is a cool kid.."Best of all, he enjoyed those words to described him. "Mami, I am a cool kid!"

So although he was included originally, at the end they did and Samuel as not center of attention as he likes to be, he did good.

They also sang the welcome song they do at the daycare every morning..

He sure has enjoyed the social aspect and other ones too, like learning "how flip off his middle finger" (cool bath for that one), or how a girl who likes him every now and then, tells him they will get married someday.. (cute part is that he adds "in the temple") However, he is starting to miss being at home in the mornings, so it will be good when we go back and new routine for all of us.. Sorry Benjamin, we had fun together while it lasted ;)

How much does Samuel like to talk to auntie Riri

Sunday is the day we skype and talk to family. Unfortunately is not always convenient (time wise) for everybody to be home or answer our call. Samuel is the most excited usually to talk to grandma and grandpa, abuelita and abuelito and of course auntie Riri. This time, we got him excited to talk to auntie Riri, but she didnt answer her cell. This was his reaction upon such great disappointment.

As you can tell dissapointments for children can just be the fact that you missed our call. Thankfully we tried later and she was there. And of course, he only talked to her for 5 min and done. He was off to play somewhere else. Kids.

Laundry adventure!

At the other place we lived at last year, they had a regular washer machine included with the apt. However, this one doesn't. Nevertheless, the family who lived here before us bought one. But this is not a conventional I had seen before. So, since it is a very weekly part of our lives, I decided to include "Betsy" our washing machine (named after the pavement machine in CARS).

The videos are self explanatory, but I will do a summary anyways:

First plug the machine after moving it in front of the kitchen sink. Attach little hose (which the end part of a balloon works great to attach it to the faucet) and fill up with water (takes about 10 minutes).

Second, add detergent and clothes and turn the first knob to 15 min and the second knob to wash/rinse cycle.

Third, turn second knob to drain, make sure other bigger draining hose is on the sink (I used a shoelace to secure it to the window bar so it stays on the sink (avoid huge water messes). And turn forth knob to 5 min.

Forth, fill up with water again (10 min) add softener, and turn first knob to 15 min again and second knob to wash/rinse again.

Fifth, draining process again (5 min).

Sixth, open spinner lid (like a big salad drainer) and transfer few clothes at the time and turn forth knob to 2 to 3 min. Repeat till all the clothes are drained.

Seventh, hang up clothes on rope with clips and in two hours or less they will be dry (if hanged outside in the balcony, otherwise longer).

Eight, get clothes from ropes and fold. (Samuel's favorite)It was so cute to see him so into it, with serious face and all. Just like washing dishes, folding clothes is fun for him, not that I really ever asked but I am sure encouraging his desire to help on this kind of noble tasks.Benjamin fell asleep on our way home, so we brought him with stroller and all and kept napping while my little Cinderella finished folding clothes.

Laundry is done!

It's a Boy..

Friday, all of us (Jay, Samuel, Benjamin & I) went to Roseau, the capital for my ultrasound. After a 45 min bumpy ride, with the windows totally open and us in the very back, Samuel says, "feels like the fan at home!" with his eyes hardly open because of how hard the wind was blowing into the transport. After an hour of waiting we finally got in.. at first the Dr said it was a girl, but I know I saw a "package" somewhere so I knew he was wrong.. later he said, "oh, well, it's a boy alright." As he put an arrow into the picture. So, after few views we are sure it wasn't his fingers.. Samuel was excited. Jay asked him what should we name him.. he said "Benjamin", so the rest of the time Jay spent it arguing with Samuel that we already had a Benjamin, and why not to repeat the name.. Samuel still doesn't give up and wants an exact Benjamin.. "crazy Benjamin" to be accurate.I have to say though, I am truly ready for another boy, not just clothes wise, but even toys wise so.. just keep growning (not too much though) and we will see you in 150 more days!When I was pregnant with Samuel I had the feeling that we were gonna have only if not lots of boys.. so may be my feeling was right. I am glad baby is doing great and is healthy since I have been doing so much here I was afraid to hurt him.. So, we truly are on a mission to raise good righteous boys for all those wonderful girls and continue the gospel, gentlemen legacy in our family!

Happy 29th Birthday daddy!

May 26th is a especial day because is daddy's Birthday.. and honestly the kids love when is his birthday because it also means lots of goodies. Just starting with his favorite breakfast: biscuits and gravy with sausage and scramble eggs. Plus orange juice.. Then we surprised him with cake, gifts and cards for lunch.. Yes, cougar shorts.. Benjamin's reaction to the little Y.. "Cougars!"

And he asked a while ago for a water backpack.. here it is. Funny part is I am using it more without the water bag for a diaper bag.. And of course, the vanilla cake (from scratch) was delicious but got to have the ice cream. So he bought an ice cream sandwich from our friends who sell them and Samuel like it but Benjamin just couldnt get enough of it. Although it was on a Wednesday we tried to remind daddy how special he is for us and how much we love them.. Feliz Cumpleanos daddy and many more!

Samuel's first day of school!

I know I had been behind.. although its already been two weeks since Samuel started school here goes the post of the first day..
As excited as he has been to start school "like a big boy", he decided to get up 30 minutes earlier than usual (5:30 am). I wasn't too excited when he got me up.. After I made breakfast and he picked out his favorite clothes to go to school, he chose too what he wanted for a snack to take. I forgot to bring his back pack so he had to use the little cougar bag I had, which obviously didn't make him disagree at all! So while Jay got ready (not as excited to get ready for his first day like Samuel) I told Samuel I was going to take some shots of him to remember his first day of school. And these are the poses I got.Then I tried to film a little video, asking him about his expectations etc..
Finally, Daddy was ready and poor Benjamin got his shoes too to go bye bye (he said) and cried when I grabbed him and closed the door. Which, sadly still does everyday when daddy and brother leave every morning to go to school.From the balcony we watched them walk away, and of course they blew us a sweet kiss good bye.
Benjamin as sad as he was at first had a blast having mami all for himself. We read only the books he wanted (without fighting with brother) played with all the toys without having to wait for a turn and took his long quite morning and only nap.
At noon we went to pick up Samuel and this is how we found him. Coloring and excited to tell me how much fun he had. After lunch we went home and happily for me to see my boys teaching each other. Benjamin is being taking a lot of interest in vocabulary books with pictures and Samuel still likes them, so after each one having a book, Samuel decided to "read to him".

I couldn't catch the best of it but there is a few little moment I got. At first it was more of what Samuel was interested and asked me questions then he turned to his favorite page (sports) and then showed Benjamin each thing in it.

Later, I got them spontaneously..

However, last Thursday the teacher told me that she noticed Samuel was showing signs "of more advanced in skills" so they look at his age and noticed he didn't just turned 3 but that he was getting closer to 4 in 4 months. So they decided to bump him up to the higher age class. Less girls and more boys.. but I personally think he was more comfortable with the girls since they were more friendly. Either way, he still loves school just as much as the first day. And even gets sad on the weekends when we tell him there is no school on Saturday of Sunday.. I hope his excitement for school continues for a long time.