Growing up...little by little

My baby boy, where have you gone? You're big, and strong and moving on. Your smile, the way you scrunch your nose. The way you delight when it snows. Please stay little for just a bit more. Never mind, just grow. There's more in store. 

Halloween...a little late

Who could forget Halloween 2014. Me, apparently. Here we are, in all our glory. 

It's here!

Snow! It arrived in the wee hours of the night and we were so excited waking up this morning. I saw Ignacio peering out our window at 5am with wide eyes. Hats, boots, gloves...all drug out of the closets the night before with nostalgia for how big feet and hands have grown in a year.  Santi went out on the windy balcony and really enjoyed figuring out what this white stuff was. Emilio had his snow boots on with his pajamas and was ready to go by 8am. Too bad he didn't have to be anywhere. It is days like this I am thankful I stay at home. Snuggled up in my pjs with the kids and a warm coffee. No deadlocked commute, staring at tail lights for an hour. No fast goodbyes in cold wind. And then you add the advantage of condo life and you get no shoveling. Pretty good deal. Just the opportunity to enjoy the day with those I love most. 

I love this time of year. I feel little again. I can sense that excitement in my chest and the anticipation of the season. Once fall folds over and retreats, I am ready for winter to come in all her beauty. It has also just become such a magical time for our family. So many traditions and sacred rituals have been built into his time of year. I think the combination of cultures only enhances that. So today I am thankful. Thankful for snow and warmth and good coffee creamer and lazy days. 

Falls in fall...

A beautiful fall day we just couldn't spend inside. I couldn't get over the colors in the wall behind me. Spectacular. God's paintbrush. 

Love this group of people. To think it all started with a twirl on a dance floor. 

My boys. Our boys. I can't believe we have three boys. 

Santi grunted down every stair and stopped to smile and those going up. His smile at seeing the waterfall was amazing. Talk about living the present moment. He was just walking steps to walk steps. No destination in thought or mind. Just pure joy at seeing what lay before him. 

Wow. This is one special kid. 

The falls. 

Love being next to this guy!

Hours of hiking left us with this on the way home. TIRED!! 

God is good. 

Adventures with boys.

Before heading to the library the boys spent time doing each other's hair. Interesting final products they were both pleased with. 

Playing vet at the library kept this guy bust for hours. By the way, apparently my fish died and my dog broke his leg. 

Mama Ama is smiling! She bought this for Ignacio almost 7 years ago. 

We are getting a little excited!

I love this kid. So smart and loving and strong...willed. 

Guess who!

Papa is home from work!!!! The usual scene of high energy fun. I don't know how he does it. Best papi EVER!!!

Starbucks date with Mommy. 

Then there is this one. Loud, funny, adventurous and loving. Fits right in. 

Three boys, two sticks, one rock. All I love, all I need. My family, together and in love. 

Apples

This year we headed to the apple orchard...a now time-honored tradition. This year was extra special because we spent the day with some old yet very good friends. I was reminiscing about how we were at the same apple orchard just a year ago and the baby was a teeny tiny newborn. He stayed in his little car seat the whole time except for the few moments I took him out to nurse him under an apple tree. This year he was walking and ready to go. And to make it even more special we got to spend the day with friends we hadn't seen in over eight years. Because sometimes spending time with people is more than than just about the time or the people.  It's about connection and caring.  We laughed and ate and walked and then went home. What a great day. 

Apparently

Apparently it is easier to climb once you've taken ALL the clothes out.