Kieran y Gabriel's Aikido Test

Belen's Aikido Test

Chase's Aikido Test

The Garden

The Chef

Scarborough Affair

Paging Doctor Singh

Kieran discovered two bug bites that were itching him terribly at dinner. The doctor in the house decided to take charge to take care of her brother with soothing creams and many bandaids!

A Christmas Memory

I found this wonderful picture of Belen and Grandpa.

Strawberry Fields...

My little gardeners helped with our strawberry patch today. We have about 25 plants and five different varieties. Hopefully we can enjoy them this summer if we can keep the birds away....

Belen's India Fiesta! :-)

Oh, what a party! Belen and her friends had a fabulous time exploring the wonderful world of India. Their imaginations took them to Delhi, where they rode elephants, they celebrated Diwali and finally enjoyed the joys of throwing colors for Holi! Ok--I almost burned out my Cuisinart by making colored powdered sugar, but it was worth it. It was the highlight of the party. The girls all took home "goodie bags" full of candy, bangles and bindis. One of Belen's friends comments that she was still playing with her sari a couple of weeks later.

Gabriel At The Science Fair

This is the first year our elementary school held a science fair for fifth graders. Each student had to select their own experiment, provide a hypothesis, and show the results. Gabe chose to grow pea seedlings in various types of soil to prove which medium is most fertile.

Chase's Free Throw Skills

During his team's fundraiser, Chase scored the most free throws of his team....and here's why.

Santa

More car conversations......
Mom: Belen, shall we go see Santa tomorrow?
Belen: Yeah, but I haven't made my list.
Mom: We can do that when we get home and we'll go in the morning. Have you decided what you'd like him to bring?
Belen: Well, I think I shouldn't ask for too many things, because if I ask for too many things then Santa will have to bring the same amount of things for the boys.
Mom: That's a good point.
(pause)
Belen: Do you think Santa knows when my birthday is?
Mom: I don't think Santa keeps track of birthdays.
Belen: I think he went to Santa class, because he looks kinda smart.

Boy Crazy

Driving home from aikido a conversation occured.....
Chase: Next time at aikido, Belen is going to tell Adrian he's her boyfriend.
Mom: No, she's not.
Chase/Gabriel (in unison): YES, SHE IS!! She does it all the time!! he he he
Belen: No, I don't! Only if they're handsome!

Belen's Halloween Party

Halloween Treats

Belen's First Day of School

The Chocolate Girl

Crossroads Mall had a mini Indian festival with vendors and performances all day today. We fell into it by accident since Belen had a hair appt. but we did watch some of the performances and had mehndi applied to our hands. While it was drying Belen rode the carousel several times and I sat down to people watch. All the Indian women with their colorful saris, it was a joy. One woman, carrying a camera, asked her friends, "Who is that chocolate girl?" There was a dark little Indian girl walking by in a bright green lehenga. I watched the woman walk towards her and then turn in circles, looking perplexed for the parent of the little "chocolate girl". After asking everyone in reach, she looked at me, questionably....."Is she with you?" It was Belen she had been looking at, wanting to take her picture for some smile campaign. Of course Belen stepped up and gave her best.

Today's Harvest

So I have a green thumb after all.....

Camping in Seabeck

Sweet Philanthropy

Belen lost her first tooth! And to make the event even sweeter, she promised her daddy (Poppi as she now calls him)she would give him any money the Tooth Fairy left because she thinks he needs it.

Fourth of July In Boston

Despite the heat wave, we did walk the city to see the Old State House, Paul Revere's house, and Harvard, of course. After that, all the kids wanted was the hotel and pool.

Belen's Favorite Book

We've been waiting for her to read--no pressure! Last week I picked up this book and she read almost the entire book,to my surprise. This is her third time, and of course she gets silly for the camera.

Gabriel's Concert Extended....

Sorry, the videographer's arms got tired so we missed some of the Beatles songs...

Gabriel's 2010 Concert

Belen Counts in French

She can count to at least 20, but her silly bug is preventing anything further than 10.

Everything You Need To Know About Metamorphosis

Who Does What

The kids were debating over the monthly chores and Gabriel decided to write them on the white board. Belen of course had to add her wishes on the board as well (it's the one with the heart, in case you didn't figure that out). We did not give her any coaching on spelling.

Disneyland 2010

This is the only photo of Chase where I could get some cooperation. Gabriel is next...don't expect any pictures of him for the next three years.

The Happiest Place On Earth?

Only if you're under twelve. Luckily this month there's a wine tasting event.....That's healing the blisters on my feet. It's an old family remedy.

Easter III

Easter II

Easter Hunt In Action

Easter 2010

The Easter Bunny got smart this year an gave quarters instead of the plethora of sweets that he normally brings. There's been some debate today about the Easter Bunny being a he or she. We decided it was transgender.

Bollywood Bound

The lovely lehenga that Abuela and Grandpa brought back from India has one little girl headed for the star studded stage.....

Happy Birthday Belen!

Belen was lucky enough to celebrate her fifth birthday with both sets of grandparents this year! She received wonderful gifts. Several horsies she wanted, a guitar, a beautiful lehenga and aquamarine from India, and lots of hugs and kisses from her adoring fans.

Belen Lost Her First Tooth!...and she's rich