Happy Birthday Santi!

Santi hermoso, you are five.   You who were my baby just a short time ago.  Now you are officially a big, kindergarten boy who loves to run and play and do handstands in the grass.  I love you so much.  Happy Birthday sweet boy.

Cancun

Seven

I love your smile, I love your jokes and laughter.   I love that lizards and bugs you chase after.  I love how you read.   I love your big hugs.  I love that you're starting a club for friends who love bugs.  I love your gappy smile and those giant teeth coming in.  I love that you're amazing and always have been.  I love you Alex, my precious boy.  I'm so happy you're in my life.  You are such a joy.

Happy 7th Birthday.

A day at the park.

These pictures are from the spring.  I finally got them off of my phone and onto the computer.  They are probably from April.  That's why Alex's tooth has magically reappeared in his mouth.

Santi didn't want them pecking at his shoes, so he stood on the bench of a picnic table.

Alex B-day Party At School

Alex had his birthday party early so it could be at school.  His birthday isn't until July 19th.  I can't believe he'll be 7 already.  Wow.  His friends were so cute.  They all practiced their English with me.

Dino Cupcakes

With his buddies

A sweet birthday hug

Santi skipped out of his class to come to the party.

With Miss Darling their teacher

Boys Table

Girls Table

The enormous T-REX piñata!

Santi hit it hard!

Waiting for their turn.

Father's Day

Sharing some coffee.  Alex doesn't love it, but Santi asks for some everyday!

Santi said he knew the best Father's Day present for Papi.  A hug and a kiss!

The best Papi ever!

Boys

It would have been longer but the battery on my camera ran out.  

Life Goes On

We are counting the days until school is out.  Only 13 more.  I used to take Alex to school at 8 a.m. then drive Santi there by 9 a.m. but there is a huge construction project going on between home and school, so now I take Santi with me early and we hang out for a while in the car.  He finds things to do, like wear my sunglasses.  

Dreaming of you

My beautiful grandmother, Marian Alta Truesdle Griffin, passed away last night.  She was surrounded by her children, husband and a few friends who sang hymns to her until her very last breath.  I know it is no coincidence that when she died they were singing a hymn called Blessed Assurance.  There is a line in it that says: Perfect submission, perfect delight, visions of rapture now burst on my sight.  Angels descending bring from above, echoes of mercy, whispers of love.  That is when she left, during the angels part.  That is not coincidence, it was a gift.  And now she's in heaven, surely hugging her brothers and father and mother and dear friends.

The last time I was able to visit was when Alex was one.  I know she didn't hold it against me.  Once I came to Mexico it just got a lot harder to get there.  And now with two children it is almost impossible.  We wanted to go this past winter since we were in Georgia, but made the decision not to, foreseeing the very long car ride with a very whiney four year old.  

I don't have any regrets.  I spent every childhood summer with her and many Christmases as well.  I'm so glad I knew her.  Her gentleness taught me so many lessons over the years that I didn't even know I was being taught.  Everytime I woke up before dawn to go to the bathroom or because of a nightmare, there she was, reading her Bible and writing in her notebook.  I guess when you raise six children you learn to wake up very early for those few quiet moments. If I wanted to make something she would help me figure it out, whether it was a craft project, some cookies or something sewn.  She was so patient with me, and all her grandchildren.  

Last night I dreamed about her.  All night long I dreamed about her quiet gentleness and considerate kindness.  I dreamed of her laughing about something funny one of her grandchildren did or said.  I dreamed of her in her kitchen canning vegetables and baking cookies.  I dreamed of her in her garden and hanging clothes on the line. I dreamed of her whistling a song.  The words quiet, gentle spirit come to mind.  All night long I dreamed of her and I awoke thinking how much I want to be like her.  

My uncle wrote yesterday that she graduated from life.  I would like to say that she graduated summa cum laude; with the highest honors.  She leaves behind a legacy of love.  Someday if I even resemble her a little bit, maybe I'll graduate with honors too.

Mother's Day

Santi and Alex had a festival at school for all the moms.  This is the poem Santi said with his classmates.  He was obviously the leader and counted to three to start them off.  He was also the most enthusiastic :)  Alex sang a really cool song and got to sing into the microphone with another boy.  I didn't get it on video because I wanted to enjoy the moment.

Abuelita's birthday

He finally lost his top tooth today. 

Best buddies with the same tooth missing!

Santi's domino tower

We made a rainbow cake for Abuelita's birthday today.

Alex added the sprinkles.

They were waiting for Abuelita to come so they could yell suprise.

Santi helped her blow out the candles.

Dia del Niño

Children's Day was on April 30th so at church on Sunday all the children got to swim.  It's fun to have church at a hotel sometimes, like when we get to use the pool.  Alex and Santi had lots of fun and Alex even swam without using floaties.  The water came almost up to his chin when he was on tiptoes but he managed.  I had a ton of pictures but accidentally erased them.  Both my boys swam all day.  I think they would've stayed even longer if a thunderstorm hadn't started!   

Towards the end of the time we were there only a few kids were still swimming.  One small boy started drowning in the deeper end.  Alex was close to him and when he was alerted by an adult, he grabbed the boy and brought him to the side of the pool.  I was standing right there and didn't even notice until other parents started yelling and Alex grabbed him.  Alex was so calm.  I am so proud of him.  The night before we prayed that God would protect everyone swimming and that no one would be hurt.  I am so glad nobody was and that Alex got to be a part of keeping someone safe.

Egg Hunt