Dennis

So there's this boy...

Dennis. 

He's SO nice and sweet and

 respectful and friendly and good.

And well, he likes you.

 

When you found this out, you informed him

that you have a love back home,

and you were not interested in a relationship.

Dennis hoped that maybe, just maybe

you might change your mind after awhile.

Or at least you could be good friends.

So he tried to hang out with you.

You always said, "no". 

When you did say "yes" you would invite everyone you knew 

to join you, so it would be one big fun get together 

with all the friends.

This night, he kind of tricked you.

We're pretty sure that he told your friends 

NOT to join the two of you for the show of lights

at the Botanical Gardens.

Thankfully (for his sake) he was just as promised...

a perfect gentleman FRIEND.

But this Mom is NOT sorry you have a safe, respectful,

Christian, guy friend who can show you around a bit.

We ALL know who makes you're heart beat.

Sarita + Antonio = Forever

Madison WI

We went to Madison to see Emily and kids, 

and to share the WI capital city with you. 

We left on a Friday morning in a mild snow storm 

and arrived there by late morning. 

We ate, the boys played in the basement, 

and then we played board games.

On Saturday, we went to the awesome Children's Museum.

We got to see and play with some really great stuff. 

You couldn't go on anything because of your arm.

But you really enjoyed watching the kids play.

We couldn't get enough of the Museum. 

We all loved it.

The fun was endless.

Eventually, we left to go out to lunch. 

On the way to lunch you got to see a picketting 

and the State Capitol Building for the first time.

We went to Ian's Pizza.

We all ate a giant 21" macaroni and cheese pizza.

it was amazing!

Back at Emily's we were all to exhausted that 

we got right into our pajamas...

the boys watched cartoons,

then they went outside in the freezing cold snow to play

in the dark with their head lamps on.

You napped and rested in our room. 

The boys had a snack and movie.

In the morning we packed, ate, said good bye, and headed home.

We had an awesome time. 

Juicin' it up!

You've always told me that 

in Paraguay you only drink 

freshly juiced juice.

Funny enough, I've had a juice 

IN THE BOX 

for many years.

I never juiced since Zeek was tiny.

We had so much fun making juice today.

And although all that sugar, or vitamin boost,

or something, is a little much for my system to handle,

I'm sure we will be making fresh juices more often!

:)

Eau Clair Aventures

 Last weekend you had another 

FES adventure through AFS.

You went and stayed with another family

in Eau Clair, WI.

Many other students from the program

stayed with new families in the same city 

at the same time.

You did different things with them all as a group.

One thing you did was ice skate.

And you fell and fractured your elbow!!!

We had to pick you up early and take you home. 

You are being very good natured about it.

You just laughed and said, 

"well, I never broke a bone in the U.S.,

so I guess this is a first for me!"

The doctors decided that you will not have to have a cast.

But you will have restricted movement for the next several weeks.

That means no Gym class for you!!! 

Whooo-hoooo! ;)

Zeek & Jay

You are SO good with kids. 

Even when you aren't feeling great,

you always smile and play!

They sure do love you for it.

Jay stayed over this weekend,

and you spent HOURS with them.

Making cat costumes, 

and letting them decorate your face with stickers. ???

All three of you had so much fun together. 

It's so nice to have someone big for them to abuse enjoy! ;)

Wrapping it up in NC

The rest of the time we were in NC we laid low, relaxed, 

hot tubbed, ate and enjoyed our visit. 

Greg flew home to return to work mid week, 

and you, Zeek, and I stayed a few days longer.

Kitty Zeek and Gra made cookies, of course.

Zeek played with his toys.

Zeek and Gra played outside.

You and I sat on the porch and enjoyed the warm sun.

We made lots of cards...

and a great big mess of Gra's office!

And then there were the lakes.

Just up the street from the house there are two small lakes

with wooded trails all the way around each one. 

We all went and walked around them. 

Even the dogs.

We walked around to the dock.

We hung out by the water.

Zeek used his science kit stuff to 

aid in his explorations.

You even got in on the fun with him.

You carried your first spider, ever. 

A daddy long legs. 

We took photos. Of course. 

Gra and Pepere sure loved having us in one of their places. 

We were so Blessed with safe travels, good health,

and family time on our visit.

The whole vacation was just right!