Christmas Photos

Here are a few pictures I took of the kids. The bottom one is one of 2 pictures that turned out after taking over 35 pictures of the kids in my yard. It is amazing how difficult it is to get all 3 kids to look at the camera at the same time and not at each other or at the surroundings. Merry Christmas to all!!!

Christmas Spirit

It can be hard surrounded by sun and sand to get in the Christmas mood. This year we were fortunate to have Louis's parents here in Roatan with us. They helped me and the girls feel much more festive. We decorated sugar cookies, and loaded up the Christmas tree with butterflies and our family ornaments. The girls received a big box of wrapped gifts from Grandma and Grandpa Blake so Kiah spent an afternoon organizing them all under the tree. This year so insisted that our little Honduran nativity set be facing backwards so the backs of all the characters were facing us. No matter how many times Tina fixed it, she would return and change it again. Even without snow and sleds, the girls were able to get excited for the holidays. We even went to a local Christmas party where our realtor friend TJ was Santa. The girls sat on his lap and received a gift (pre-wrapped and labeled clearly by mom). It has been a really great month spent with family and friends!!

Kenda's Birthday...sorry it took so long!!

For Kenda's birthday, she asked for a Little Mermaid party. Makiah helped me take a batch of cupcakes to Kindergarten. She was so excited for us to come with a party hat and cupcakes in the shape of the number 5.We found a great pinata (only in Honduras would you find one this size), and we invited some of her friends from church over for an afternoon beach party and games. Daniel, Arianna and Diana had plenty of energy to make it a really fun party. The kids played on a huge dragon that Grandma Sweets provided and then ate hotdogs and french fries. Afterwards, we had cake and ice cream. Kenda loved turning 5 and is enjoying feeling a bit more grown up.

Gabe's Growing Fast

For those of you faithful bloggers who follow our lives, I thought it would be nice to put some updated pictures of Gabe. Babies seem to grow so quickly in the early months and Gabe is no exception. He is getting so much stronger and more active. He rolled out of his swing today and off of his play blanket yesterday. He has such an infectious smile. It is rare that only his mouth makes a smile. Rather his whole body and face crinkle up and he smiles all over. We have been blessed wtih such a great easy-going little boy.