Bustin' a move with Thomas!

Liam and Neftali are having fun with this new toy!
Watch them boogie!

Christmas 2010

What a blessed Christmas we had this year! Not only was my husband home to celebrate with us (hooray!), but we were able to celebrate with visits to Grandma Elena's house, and Grandma Ethel's house. Christmas lasted a whole week this year, and what a memorable Christmas it was indeed.

We drove down to Springfield, stayed with Grandma Elena and drove to Eugene to have dinner with Grandma Ethel. I was also able to have coffee with a dear friend and colleague from the school where I used to teach, as well as pizza with the whole gang and our dear friends Matthew and Michelle Boltz and their daughter, Savannah (Nefty's best friend).

Traveling around with three small kiddos isn't an easy task,
and we weren't able to get to a few friends. But we truly hope all of our friends and loved ones had as special a time celebrating love and friendships - and the most important Gift of all as our family did.

Grandma Elena hits the jackpot every year.
Both Neftali and Solomon received new Iron Man 2 toys -
and stylish Iron Man jammies too!

Liam opening a present from Grandma Elena -

he knew exactly what to do!

Thomas the Tank Engine seems to be
a popular gift in our house each year. Liam
wasn't sure what to make of his coveted
(by his big brothers)
new toy...

...until he realized it's great for helping him to stand and walk!

Plus, it makes some pretty fun noises, pops out balls, and talks to him too!

Munching on a Christmas cookie?

A special Christmas visit with my Grandma,
the boys' only living great grandparent on my side. We had
a nice dinner (compliments of Costco) and then a great visit.
Of course, Grandma sent us on our way with treats for the boys
(and mom and dad too!).

Look at our pretty set up! Five perfect stockings hung on the mantle,
above a crackling fire. "Twas the night before Christmas..."

Christmas morning, with a few more presents
from Santa.

The Menendez Family, though you can barely
see Solomon, who is still waking up and wanting to
snuggle. (Mommy wants to snuggle too!)

Neftali and Solomon working as a team to unwrap

a gift for both of them from Santa

A gift-unwrapping duel - looks like Solomon won this round!

The boys received a cool trio of Spiderman puzzles
and a checkers game. We love our Marvel comic
book heroes!!

An educational toy (hooray!). A computerized map
that teaches facts about each of the 50 states. Can you tell
I'm a teacher?

Liam's on the move!

The Brotherhood

Daddy and Solomon
Look at those smiles!

Me and Neftali - isn't he a handsome little man?
(Looks just like his daddy)

As expected, the boys are growing so fast. Neftali and Solomon are the best of friends - even while they're sleeping!

Soon enough, the three boys will truly be the three amigos!

Christmas already?

It's hard to believe it's already Christmas...again. How does the time fly by so fast? At least this year, we are back together as a family. It's amazing how, with each year, traditions and celebrations become more meaningful as the children grow and have a greater understanding of what goes on around them. The boys are more aware of Santa, as they are to the REAL REASON we celebrate Christmas. We purchased our tree through our church and brought it home one Sunday. When we got the box of decorations down, Nefty and Sol couldn't wait to get started with hanging the ornaments. It sure was sweet! Now that the house is ready for Santa, Solomon tells me he wants Santa to come. And of course, like any parent would, we remind him that Santa will only come if he obeys mommy and daddy and plays nice with his brothers. :) Only 12 days to go!

Wouldn't this make a great Swagger Wagon commercial?

Hanging the ornaments with great care

Trying to untangle the lights

What a team!

The finished product! Wow... and check out those 5 stockings on the mantel!
We are so blessed!