Gabriel in Pre-K

Gabriel started his second year of school in August at the school where I work! He loves school, is doing really well, and especially enjoys coming to school with me and seeing me throughout the day. There are actually 6 students in his class that are are children of staff members, so I'm sure his teacher just loves everyone dropping by. :) Half way through Pre-K and Gabriel is soaring! We are so proud of him.

One of his writing assignments displayed in the hallway outside of class. It says "The dinosaur likes to play soccer".

New York Trip: Part 2

Since we were heading to NY for Grandma Cila's funeral, we were able to spend time with family and see some places I have always dreamed of seeing.

We stayed with Ed's sister Damarie, her husband Joe, and her two boys Junior (with Gabriel)and Gianni (with his girlfriend).

Here we are on our way to Ellis Island.


A little tour inside. It was really interesting!

Gabriel and some kids from the past.

Joe was kind enough to let me take this picture. He really enjoyed seeing everything and Gabriel and I enjoyed walking through all the rooms iwth him.

Ellis Island

A picture of New York City from Ellis Island.

On our way to see Ms. Liberty

Us in front of the statue. Notice Gabriel pouting and Kiera was crying. Neither had a solid nap in days. It was not the best day, but I wouldn't have missed it and it was my last day there since I had to return to work.

Ed and his sister Damarie. It had been many years since they had seen eachother and I know they enjoyed it so much.

Since we were in NY/NJ Edward's cousin Laura came to visit (she lives in CT). She came after I had gone home, so I'm not sure where they went exactly, but Edward said it was some science center. Maybe Laura can comment and share with us. ;)

Auntie Laura and Gabriel having some fun.

Kiera in front of some fish.

Laura and the kids.

Thanks, Edward, for taking pictures! I am so proud of you, but there were none of you and Laura! (I know what you are going to say. "It's never good enough." ;))

New York: Part 1

Grandma Cila with Ed, Susan, Edward and I at our wedding in 2005

Last August Edward's Grandma Cila passed away in New York City. She had been struggling with some health issues and had been in and out of the hospital in Florida (while visiting her daughter) and after nearly losing her life there, she amazingly got better and was able to come home to New York. It was about 6 months later that she passed away in her apartment that she had lived in for nearly 45 years. Edward's dad, Edward, myself and the kids went back to New York for the services.

Grandma Cila had only met the kids once, and it was 2 years prior when Gabriel was 2 and Kiera was just 2 months old. Grandma Cila also came out for our wedding in 2005, but other than that we didn't spend much time with her. She only spoke Spanish, so aside from communicating through Ed every once in a while, we didn't speak too much to her either. I am sad that we didn't know her better, but I am so happy that we saw her in New York a couple years ago when she was healthy and she was able to spend time with the kids. Her and Kiera really bonded!

Us with one of Edward's cousins and his wife

All Hache's - It was a little interesting to meet most of the Hache's. There are a lot of them! Mostly we were just happy to be there for Ed and the rest of the family during that difficult time.

Colby visits

My nephew Colby came to AZ last summer for a quick visit with his Mom's family. He was actually pretty sick while he was here, but we were able to sneak in a quick get together at the park. It was really warm that day, but we had fun none the less.

Colby and his mom Nicole. What a great picture!

Gabriel's Preschool Performance

Gabriel had a final preschool performance at the end of last school year. He loved his teachers, especially his music teacher and it was a great finale to an amazing first year of school!

Gabriel walking in looking for us. He has a "bubble" in his mouth.

The kids all waving to their parents before they start.

Gabriel with his teacher Mrs. Shultz and Mrs. Peterson. They were both great teachers and he learned a lot at preschool.

Gabriel and Addisen enjoying their post performance snack. They loved going to school together and miss each other now that they don't spend time together like they used to.

Mrs. Gray is the director at the school and the music teacher. Gabriel just loved her so much and we are thankful she brought a smile to his face every day (even if it is a pretty silly smile ;))

Glee Live!

Leia and I are big "gleeks" and we went to the Glee Live in Concert show back in May. I don't care what anyone says, it was awesome! If they return, so will we!

Summer of Golf - June 2010

The kids love to golf! We spent many a Saturday mornings or weekday evenings at the driving range just hitting a bucket of balls.

Keoni's Birthday May 2010

Happy 2nd Birthday, Keoni!

Cousin Keoni is just 3 weeks younger than Kiera and this year we celebrated his birthday at the zoo with family. Then we went to the park to bbq, play some more and enjoy some cake! It was a warm day as you can tell by all of their faces, but they had a blast anyways.

Cousins!

Zebras

Keo enjoying some grapes and a rest.

Kiera and Keo checking out some animals.

The kids swinging at the park after the zoo. They were not worn out like the rest of us!

Kiera and Edward playing some soccer.

I made Keo's birthday cake and I thought it turned out pretty cute!

Keo blows out his candles!

Terri's Birthday

We celebrated Terri's birthday back in April! Terri, Holly and I enjoyed an evening out for sure, but then we always do.

2010 Catching up and the kids' birthday party.

Although I have posted in many months, it isn't because I haven't thought about it. It is simply because of time, the lack of a camera, and the need for a break. It has been so long since I sat in front of my computer and wasted away some time catching up on other's blogs, and I realize how much I have missed keeping up with everyone. I bet some are wondering if they will ever keep up with me if I don't post (I'm thinking of you, Lauren!). So, here is an attempt at cathing you up for 2010. Also, I got a new camera for Christmas, so now there are no excuses.

Gabriel is 4 and Kiera is 2!!!

We did a joint birthday party in 2010. We went to a new trampoline place in town and the kids had a blast. It was the perfect place for them to enjoy celebrating their birthdays together, and since we invite all the same people I find it difficult (and more expensice) to do two separate birthdays. We'll see what this year brings.

I made them each their own trampoline cakes and the people on top. It was my first attempt at making people, but they look great from far away! Gabriel isn't a fan of chocolate cake, so he got funfetti and Kiera got chocolate (her favorite).

The four of us! I can't believe how much the kids have grown since these pictures. I look forward to another great birthday for both of them this year!