May I have this dance?

Angel and I have begun the ever-important journey in teaching Ignacio to dance.  We are starting with Merengue.  In Venezuela most kids learn to dance from birth practically and Angel distinctly remembers learning to dance at the age of Ignacio with his mom.  I took that as a hint.  Apparently for a little boy to learn this couple's dance they need a girl...that's where I come in.  So we have begun!  I decided that the initial invitation by the boy is the starting point so we have been role-playing, in English and Spanish, on his approach and extending the invitation to dance.  He is a natural and even practiced his skills with Ariana, a family friend, when she was over.  Hand placement, rhythm, eye contact...the list goes on.  It helps that Sesame Street featured latin dancing and there was a very daper eight year old latino kid who had some MOVES!  I could see Ignacio's face light up and I reinforced it by saying, "In Venezuela kids dance like that too.  You're Venezuelan!"  He totally soaked the concept up and by the time Angel was walking in the door we had the music blaring.  What a gift from this far-away land he hasn't met in person but which clearly lives very vividly in his heart...and feet! 

More fall...falling into love.

 I tell Ignacio he has "sparkly squirrel" eyes and I think this picture totally captures that.  What a beautiful boy I have.  What a beautiful husband I have.  What a beautiful life full of love. 

The Three Amigos.  Since the boys are getting older the wrestling, Kung Foo and Ninja fighting in our house are on the rise.  Angel gets home from work and it is GAME ON!  Ignacio can get a little carried away once he is worked up but, for the most part, they are hilarious.  Angel is equally hilarious because he really gets into it.  Sometimes I think he really thinks he is a Kung Foo master.  Cracks me up big time.  It provides me a chance to wrap up dinner or do dishes after dinner is over.  Let's be honest...It provides me a chance to do something other than be "Ninja Mom" for a second!

Halloween has come and gone.  Ignacio was Superman.  This is him in his costume days after Halloween so you can clearly guess he continues to be Superman.  After MUCH consideration Emilio chose to be a pirate.  The selection was limited considering I didn't want to spend more than 10 dollars on his costume.  I think he really chose it because the hat had a skeleton on it and the kids are really into "bone monsters" lately.  Emilio wore his costume the whole day before Halloween and the entire day of Halloween.  But, according to Angel, when the time came to walk out the door to go Trick or Treating the little stinker wouldn't put the thing on.  Don't you love it when your maternal intuition is right?  Glad I only spend 5 dollars on the thing!

Enjoying the Fall

 My Emilio.  Growing up oh so fast!  Here he is all dressed up in his "fancy" clothes.  My snuggle bug, my pain in the neck, my heart!  I  just love him! 

 Our family at Angel's citizenship ceremony.  Over 1, 000 people attended and, while it was hard for Angel to make the decision, it was a celebratory day for us as a family.  No more splitting up while going through immigration lines at the airports!  Angel will always be Venezuelan, never American.  He became a U.S. citizen. And yes, there is a difference.

 We went to the apple orchard again this year.  Emilio was even big enough to get up in a tree himself.  I don't know how many he ate while we were there but it was a bunch.  It was a hot day for autumn so we enjoyed the last few days of warmth before the Minnesota fall set in.

Ignacio was awesome at picking the best ones.  He is getting so big and strong and smart.  Doing so well in school and will for sure be ready for kindergarten next year.  Just the thought of being away from him all day is sad but it will be good...for both of us!