My parents 40th Anniversary Alaskan Cruise

on the plane headed to Alaska

My parents have been caring for my grandmother for about 4 years now. 

They have had multiple opportunities to go on cruises with my moms family but never went on one because they didn't want to leave Elsa.  I decided that this was the year they were going to go.  Miguel and I worked it out so that we could go care for Elsa.

The journey was long but they were excited to go.

 My aunt Lilliam and Barbara and her precious girls.

 It wasn't an easy journey

But they made it! 

 My uncles Rico and Luis my Moms brothers hanging out.

 First stop Ketchikan.

Lot's of beautiful Totem poles.

 My dad was having leg pain thus him being in the wheelchair.

The cruise doctor told him to stay off of it.

 Love the sense of humor.

 They got to watch a lumber jack competition. 

The Canadians won.

 My Aunt Belkis and Uncle Luis celebrating their 36 wedding anniversary, Tio's birthday, and retirement for Belkis.

What a special time!

 Belkis and Lilly Sisters!

 My parents got all dressed up for formal night.

 Beautiful ladies inside and out.

 Love this picture.

 Once they arrived to Jeneau my dad was to have a MRI of the leg done.

Because of the findings they had to return back to Florida.

 Their trip was cut short but I am so glad that they made it to Alaska and got to share a few special days with family.

Lucia is 9!

Hard to believe that my sweet Lucia is 9 years old.

Where has the time gone.....

Lucia is truly a joy in our family. She is the peacemaker and enjoys playing with both her brother and sister.  

Lucia is VERY kind, she always wants others to be happy and tries to fix things when things have gone wrong.  

She gives the best hugs and snuggles.

She loves roller coasters, swimming, riding a scooter, running, playing outside.

She is still loves Wolves and really any animal.

Last year in the SINGLE digits!

Lucia loves to laugh and make jokes.

Lucia is an artist.  She loves to draw and create things.

Lucia is a hard worker.  She tries her very best on all her school work and it shows.

Rice Crispy creation!

One of her gifts was these stuff animal hammocks.  The girls favorite toy is STUFF ANIMALS.

We call them Stuffy's.

We sure love you Lucia.

Thanks for being such a wonderful sister, daughter and friend.

Love you ALWAYS.  XOXOXOXOOX

Lucia's Surprise Birthday Party

Because I was not going to be present on Lucia's actual birthday I decided to throw her a surprise after school party.

Boy was she surprised!

 I'm glad that I have gotten to know all our neighbors and have their phone numbers that called for a quick gathering after getting off the bus.

Love that everyone got in the spirit and put the party hats on!

Some snacks, with ring pops, and punch balloons called for a good time.

 Then when Papi got home we celebrated again!

 We sure  LOVE you Lucia and happy 9th birthday beautiful girl!

WE love you Lucia XOXOXOXO

All her friends signing to Lucia:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rndAzgbBzuM

First Day of School!

 It was the big day!

6th, 4th and 1st grade.

 Future Vet, Horse Trainer and Engineer 

I can't believe how much older they look.

Gramma Jan was able to see the kids on their first day of school.

I was headed the following day to help watch my Grandmother while my parents were going on a Alaska Cruise.

 All the kids on our street. The Elementary school!

 With Noah our neighbor and friend.

 Trying to hold back the tears....

 Middle school bus comes next.

Violet with the sweet girls Auni, Morgan and Brianna.

The report from school was great. They had a wonderful day.

We had a surprise birthday party for Lucia, next post. After some cupcakes and treats

 Noah got in his scouts uniform to sell popcorn.  The whole crowd headed out to help him. 

It's still amazes me that ALL 3 of my kiddos are in school.

Wish time would slow down just a bit.  

Meet the Teachers

It's the start of the new school year and here in our area they split the grades up.

Pre-K-4th grade

5th and 6th

7th and 8th

9th and 10th

11th and 12th 

all in separate buildings.

This will be the last year for Benicio and Lucia to be at the same school, which I will be honest makes me sad.

The kids were very excited to meet their teachers and see their new school..

Violet did not have a meet the teacher night.  She will have 3 teachers this year. 

We loved this musical sculpture at the elementary school.

and the cool robot!

Here is Lucia with Mrs. Razzano

4th grade

Benicio with Mrs. Zorn 

1st Grade

One of our church friends got us turned onto to this candy and we couldn't resist this treat.

Major break thru with Violet's wardrobe this year.

She actually wanted jeans!

Love this back to school outfit on her!

I got the opportunity to go back to school shopping with each of the kids and we sure had a lot of fun together.

Super proud of them and I'm praying that they will have a good year filled with lot's of learning and new friendships.