In February, we all went to California to take a little break. Mami went to the Teachers Conference and got some soul nourishment while the boys went to the snow and had a great time together.
Here's Jose's attempt to win an oscar this year...hehehe
And here is the real deal!!
martes, 22 de marzo de 2011
El desierto de los leones
We started a new tradition in our house. Sunday is "Walking Day"
Now that we are here in Mexico, we want to explore as much as we can while we are here.
We found this amazing place almost by mistake....the kids and I were by ourselves, since daddy who is better at finding directions than I am, was not around.
I decided we would go to a place I already knew...but as it turned out, when we got there, looking for a place to walk among some pretty trees, a guy told us to keep on going up the road because it was a much better place and longer hike.
I took on the challenge an kept on driving...asking for directions along the way and finally we got to this amazing place. The kids kept saying..."mommy, it feels as though we are going back home in Los Gatos Mountains" and it did feel and smell the same. The smell of pine trees filled the air and we all had big smiles on!!
It was a long hike, the kids and I loved it and we also got to see an old convent and its amazing building and beautiful gardens. Definitely a good find!!
There were many places to hide and the walls really impressed Santiago, especially the fact that all the materials used to build were natural and everything was done by man power.
At the end of our walk, we rented a horse and a donkey for the kids to ride on the trail.
Unfortunately, the donkey was very stubborn and decided to stop in the middle of our way.
Daniel got tired of waiting for him to move and got down. Since the donkey was determined to stay there, I tied him to a nearby tree and went to tell his owner where he was.....
That sweet and stubborn burrito reminded me of Mary's little donkey!
We had a good laugh and kept on going on our adventure!
On the walk, we found many trees that we could climb on and Daniel showed us his new tricks that he's been learning at school....he is quite a tree climber!! When I got a little nervous, I just looked the other way...he looked pretty confident and I know my fear of heights is not something I want to pass along.
We also discovered that there are lots of gnome homes in the forest and the kids spent a long time gathering sticks and decorating the entrance to some of the homes...a brand new carpet (leaf) for one, a new chair made out of sticks, etc...It's very sweet to watch them work together!
Now that we are here in Mexico, we want to explore as much as we can while we are here.
We found this amazing place almost by mistake....the kids and I were by ourselves, since daddy who is better at finding directions than I am, was not around.
I decided we would go to a place I already knew...but as it turned out, when we got there, looking for a place to walk among some pretty trees, a guy told us to keep on going up the road because it was a much better place and longer hike.
I took on the challenge an kept on driving...asking for directions along the way and finally we got to this amazing place. The kids kept saying..."mommy, it feels as though we are going back home in Los Gatos Mountains" and it did feel and smell the same. The smell of pine trees filled the air and we all had big smiles on!!
It was a long hike, the kids and I loved it and we also got to see an old convent and its amazing building and beautiful gardens. Definitely a good find!!
There were many places to hide and the walls really impressed Santiago, especially the fact that all the materials used to build were natural and everything was done by man power.
Unfortunately, the donkey was very stubborn and decided to stop in the middle of our way.
Daniel got tired of waiting for him to move and got down. Since the donkey was determined to stay there, I tied him to a nearby tree and went to tell his owner where he was.....
That sweet and stubborn burrito reminded me of Mary's little donkey!
We had a good laugh and kept on going on our adventure!
On the walk, we found many trees that we could climb on and Daniel showed us his new tricks that he's been learning at school....he is quite a tree climber!! When I got a little nervous, I just looked the other way...he looked pretty confident and I know my fear of heights is not something I want to pass along.
We also discovered that there are lots of gnome homes in the forest and the kids spent a long time gathering sticks and decorating the entrance to some of the homes...a brand new carpet (leaf) for one, a new chair made out of sticks, etc...It's very sweet to watch them work together!
miércoles, 9 de marzo de 2011
Wood working class
In February, Santiago started taking woodworking classes with Federico. He is a wonderful carpenter and has a great disposition and a good dose of patience to work with kids. His very first project in class was a blackboard with its frame. It took them a couple of hours, but Santiago was so excited he did not want to stop. They made the cuts, sanded the wood and painted it with chalkboard paint.
The blackboard is now hanging in Santi's room and will be used for homework and lots of free drawing.
He also helped in the making of the bunny's cage and has even been using power tools to make trees for the nature table!
Daniel, of course also wants to participate and do whatever brother is doing. Fortunately, Federico and Santiago have been kind enough to allow him to hammer a few nails and do small "jobs" for them.
Kid's chore chart
I'm so happy I finished a chore chart to help remind the kids about their daily chores.
Since Daniel doesn't read yet, I thought a chart with pictures instead of words will be helpful for him and fun for mama to make!!
I took a big piece of felt and then sewed pockets to them with pictures of the chore to be done.
Here is the final product!!
It is now down stairs hanging in a very visible place!
To us, it is very important that the kids have responsibilities, not only does it help me, but it is helping them develop their will. I have to admit, many days it is a struggle to get them to do them, especially Santiago who is no longer in that imitation stage. But I know that if I insist and help them be successful, they feel like they are contributing and being active members of our small family.
Since Daniel doesn't read yet, I thought a chart with pictures instead of words will be helpful for him and fun for mama to make!!
I took a big piece of felt and then sewed pockets to them with pictures of the chore to be done.
Here is the final product!!
It is now down stairs hanging in a very visible place!
To us, it is very important that the kids have responsibilities, not only does it help me, but it is helping them develop their will. I have to admit, many days it is a struggle to get them to do them, especially Santiago who is no longer in that imitation stage. But I know that if I insist and help them be successful, they feel like they are contributing and being active members of our small family.
Ixtapa
This is the way we started our trip to the beach, on the first week of January.
We decided to still go to the beach eventhough Daniel was already starting to feel sick...having similar symptoms as Santiago. Since it was a very short plane ride, we went ahead and left thinking he would get better soon. When we arrived, Jose also started to feel bad and so Santiago and I went around the hotel and checked everything out while Jose and Daniel rested.
Luckily, they did not feel as bad as Santiago did and did not last as long.
Then it was my turn, I also fell sick for a day or so and then finally, we had a few days of our vacation when we all had a chance to enjoy the beach and the beautiful city!
The beach was beautiful!! The sunsets were spectacular and we were so lucky, even on the days we did not feel so great, we could still go down to the restaurant, eat and watch the sunset from our table!
Not bad at all!!
The ocean has always been for us the best healer and it did help all of us, especially now that we feel nature deprived!
The kids did a few paintings each since there were days when we could not go in the water because our bodies needed a little more rest and time to heal. It was very hard for them, but in those days, we painted,played in the sand, built sand castles, burried ourselves, which is a favorite activity for the kids and I. Santiago read a few books also, which is his FAVORITE activity this day. I'm missing the US public libraries, where we can just borrow a book...this days, his "reading" hobby is becoming quite expensive...hahaha...but so worth it!
The weather was perfect..no too hot..and there were plenty of flowers in full bloom!
The last few days, when we were all feeling better, we went horse backriding on the beach.
It was amazing!!!
The weather was perfect and we had a very friendly tour guide. Santiago was in heaven and loved showing us what a great rider he's become. Horses have become great companions for all of us, thanks to Santiago we have been spending a lot more time with them and have learned to connect and understand their cues and moods. Their eyes are so expressive, they don't need to talk and can transmit an incredible sense of peace! Thank you Santiago once more for sharing your wisdom with us!
lunes, 7 de marzo de 2011
Feliz Ano Nuevo
I know....it's a little late to be wishing everyone a Happy New Year, but...better late than never!!!
I have been very busy with many things and have not posted in a very looong time.
But now...here is the scoop on what we have been up to all this time:
The New Year came and with it, a wonderful visit from Baba and Bibo (aka abuelos).
We all enjoyed having them and the kids were more than excited to have them visit here in their house in Mexico!
The first day they got here, we took them to a Restaurant with a great "mariachi" show. The kids, and especially Bibo enjoyed the music!!
Daniel now says he wants to be a "mariachi" when he grows up.
The food was excellent...soo much that even Jose had a bit of soup and here is the proof that he actually did eat it!
On the way out, Baba could not resist the big "chicharrones"
Unfortunately, after this outing we did not do much, because Santiago and Bibo got really sick.
Bibo had a 2 day stomach flu and Santiago was in bed with very high fevers for the rest of their stay!
And this was the way we received the New Year, taking care of those we love, not so bad. Somehow, when the kids are sick, something special happens, our bond becomes stronger, we can slow down, look at each other and reach very deeply within our souls...we are very present!
Still, it breaks my heart to see them in pain, but I know their bodies are working hard at getting stronger and somehow, I find the courage needed to help them move through their sickness.
I have been very busy with many things and have not posted in a very looong time.
But now...here is the scoop on what we have been up to all this time:
The New Year came and with it, a wonderful visit from Baba and Bibo (aka abuelos).
We all enjoyed having them and the kids were more than excited to have them visit here in their house in Mexico!
The first day they got here, we took them to a Restaurant with a great "mariachi" show. The kids, and especially Bibo enjoyed the music!!
Daniel now says he wants to be a "mariachi" when he grows up.
The food was excellent...soo much that even Jose had a bit of soup and here is the proof that he actually did eat it!
On the way out, Baba could not resist the big "chicharrones"
Unfortunately, after this outing we did not do much, because Santiago and Bibo got really sick.
Bibo had a 2 day stomach flu and Santiago was in bed with very high fevers for the rest of their stay!
And this was the way we received the New Year, taking care of those we love, not so bad. Somehow, when the kids are sick, something special happens, our bond becomes stronger, we can slow down, look at each other and reach very deeply within our souls...we are very present!
Still, it breaks my heart to see them in pain, but I know their bodies are working hard at getting stronger and somehow, I find the courage needed to help them move through their sickness.
jueves, 3 de febrero de 2011
Santiago y Benito
Santiago continues to enjoy his horseback riding lessons.
Jose made this wonderful video. Thank you honey!!
Jose made this wonderful video. Thank you honey!!
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