Once the little guy was asleep, Santa’s helpers got to wrapping the presents up and then getting cozy watching “Its a Wonderful Life” (that movie never gets old).  We woke up early in the morning and Mateo’s face was priceless once he saw all the presents under the tree. He had been a little skeptical of this “Santa Claus” cat but all reservations went out the window once he got to opening presents.

Mateo got everything from Legos, Nerf guns, Pirate ships, an Army outfit, a huge Trampoline from Auntie-Claus, and some G.I Joe toys.  Daddy got a nice pair of fancy sneakers, a new Laptop and clothes for work while Mommy Claus got a fancy new coffee maker and the Dyson vacuum she’s been oogling for quite some time. Even the doggies got some Xmas toys as well (that barely lasted 3 minutes).

Overall we had a great time celebrating and finished with a wonderful Christmas dinner Mommy Claus cooked up.  We gave grace to God for another beautiful year together as a family, prayers for our son Cristian, and wishes for a healthy and joyful 2012.

Season’s Greetings~ Jay, Norma, Mateo

Rest of XMas Pics here in the Gallery.

Mateo had fun playing with his cousins Diego and Brianna and eating Titi Hilda’s yummy food (hello.. albondigas and arroz con leche). The weather was great, except for the last day when we decided to go to the beach with Titi Carmen and it was overcast.. we still had lots of fun and Mateo loved playing in the sand.

We both missed Daddy very much and were super excited to see him back in Ohio.  Maybe next time we can all travel together… and visit more often.

Thank you Titi Hilda for taking care of us…

Superheroes were on the menu this Halloween and there was something about Spider-Man that Mateo was 100% fixated on this time of year. So a muscled-up Spiderman costume was in order. There was a fun Halloween party at the PreSchool we attended with a Parade (indoors due to rain this year) with all the kids dressed up in great costumes. Everything from girl Pirates, Strawberry Shortcakes, Princesses, Lightning McQueen and everything in between was on deck.  The kids had some yummy cupcakes and then we were off for some fun trick-o-treating.

Here in Columbus, the cities rotate on what days Trick-o-Treating takes place and I think that’s a kids best dream since neighborhoods travel to other neighborhoods to get in 2-3 days of non-stop Candypolooza! Our neighborhood was packed this year and I could’ve sworn I saw a couple of 3 & 4 year old little elbows being thrown grabbin for candy :)  Mateo had a great time and got a bagful of the sweet stuff.  Too much as a matter of fact. But another fun holiday in the books and the preparation starts for the “Operation Santa betta bring me some Toys” 2011.

The rest of the pics are here in our gallery.

Rest of the pics here in the gallery.

The kids played games, jumped on the trampoline, climbed pretty much everywhere, rode the zipline, went bubble-chasing, jumped into the ballpit and a had a puppet show too boot. I think the toddlers had a good time running around and an even better time having their parents chase them from play area to play area. After all that jumping around – we ended the day with all the kids sitting down for some Spider-Man birthday cake which was super-yummy.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Thank you so much to all the parents who came in on their busy Saturday (especially during the Ohio State game!) and an even bigger thank you for all of Mateo’s friends that came to join him on his birthday. He very much appreciated all the nice gifts and has yet to put them down.  We placed all of the pics from the event here in our family photo gallery.

Never far from our hearts is how special this day is as well for his twin brother Cristian – we miss you tremendously every day and wish you the happiest of 3rd birthdays as you watch over your brother from up above.  – Love Mommy, Daddy & Mateo

Weather was great for the first three days so we took advantage and set up our tents quickly to get settle in.  Norma got to making her tasty Chilli while waiting for the rest of the families to arrive, with Jr. and Justin getting in the latest in the wee hours of the morning.  The cousins were happy to see every one all over again and excited for all the activities to do on the weekend.

On Friday, as is customary, every family takes a turn making meals and Chris and Kelly threw down a hearty campground breakfast.  We then went on our first excursion and took off on a family hike to the gorge, which was picturesque with the falls and pools of water all around us.  The hike did kicked most of our butts.. so we split into those who roughed it back and those of us who – lets just say some cheated on their way back by getting a ride to the site.. We came back and settled in for lunch to relax and then dinner by the campfire.

The next day we had another good breakfast and a few of us decided to go out to the lake for a boatride while half the family went out to the big camp pool to soak up some sun. The boat ride on the lake was fun, where everyone had the opportunity to drive the boat, including Mateo, Olivia.. and Rico Suave (Justin). Its was a pure blast scooting all around the lake in our pontoon boat and the kids were petered out at the end of it. We came back and played a pick-up game of basketball for the boy’s bragging rights.

We had a great weekend, but ended up packing and taking down tents in the rain (because of hurricane Irene).  Other than the hurricane, and the crazy drive back to home through it – we all had a blast! See you guys again next year!

Tons more camping pictures are posted here in our gallery.

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The next day, we went on a (very long) walk to see the falls up-close and also took a ride on the Maid of the Mist boat ride and got soaked!  (much needed due to the hot weather!).  Our weekend ended with the best dinner I’ve had in a long time at Skylon Tower on the revolving floor (the picture of the three of us below says it all with the look on Mateo’s face :) ).  On our way out of Canada we took a drive through some vineyards, ate at a quaint little breakfast place over at Niagara on the Lake then finally headed back to the US and back home.  Thank you family for a the best birthday ever!

As usual the rest of the trip’s pics can be found here in our family gallery.

It’s always surprising when you see so many folks come down to celebrate the vibrant and colorful Spanish culture out here smack in the middle of the Midwest – hopefully it will continue to grow.

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Becoming a regular event – we celebrated the July 4th Holiday back at Grandma’s house to blow off some fireworks and share in our usual family fun. The babies had a blast running around and playing together.  They seem to have limitless energy and probably forced Grandma to a liberal use of BenGay due to chasing them around everywhere they went.

We spent the bulk of the weekend eating good Spanish food, playing dominoes, and going to the local theme park. The young ones went gaga at the waterpark and did not want to leave the wading pool section until their lips turned blue :) Then in the evening – Uncle Chris entertained the kids to the official Lackawaxen, PA Public District #4 Fireworks Extravaganza (in other words he bought fireworks from the corner store!) A spectacle it was nonetheless and everyone definitely enjoyed the show.  Another weekend in the books of good memories and good times. I leave you with video of the two cousins on their driving “date”:

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Lots more pictures here in the gallery.