Holiday Parties

For the first time in a long time, Esteban and I had some alone time. We went to the holiday party at his job and had a great time. It was such a relief to know the kids were safe and sound at home.

The following weekend was the kid's holiday party. Here's the Santa picture.
It was a Princess and Pirates theme. Here's my princess.
Taking a break for ice pops.
Daddy and his little pirate.
The most treacherous pirate of all...I don't know what they were thinking when they painted Maya's face, but here she is. My princess?
Ahoy Mates!
Mommy and Daddy

Maya's Playdate

Poor Maya! Ever since the boys arrived, she's been having such a hard time adjusting to the change. She's more of a drama queen now than ever. Every day she's outraged over one thing or another. "He hurt me. He's touching me. Leave Maya alone. Get out of my room." She decides every morning whether or not she's talking to any one of us. It's frustrating to deal with her, but I try to remind myself that since her brother's arrived, all my time has gone towards their adjustment thus leaving very little time for her. So I thought it best to get her out of the house for some alone time and we met up with our friend's for a play date. We took the kids to the mall and let them play in the playground for a while.

Here's Maya posing next to the Chipmunks at the movie theater.
I'm sure she would prefer this stroller so much more than her own. Sorry Maya...
A spin on the carousel...
This wasn't her first time, but for whatever reason she was frightened. This was the best "cheese" she could muster up.
Here's Nicole with Kayley and Ivy.

Day at the Park

Because Mr. Esteban Ricardo is such a popular kid, he get's invited everywhere. Today, he was invited to a birthday party and I felt bad for the other kids so I took them out to the park. They had such a great time. Jayden loves the slide, especially curvy ones...
Antony and Maya come down together...
He was diggin' the tire swing.
And the jungle bars...
Then we went for a walk down the pier to the lake. Such and affectionate kid...
Here he is trying to love on Maya, but she's not having any of that.
I said, "Cheese" Jayden!
A big thumbs up.
The many faces of mommy and Jayden...
Such a sweet angel...
There's my practical joker!
Precious Maya.

Thanksgiving Weekend

Unfortunately, I barely got pictures at Thanksgiving. Being new to the world of having four kids has rocked my world and I barely remember getting the camera, let alone taking pictures. This year, I cooked more than ever. Here are some of the highlights. My turkey was overdone thanks to using the turkey bag. Thanks Mom. My stuffing was a disappointment thanks to the lack of choices in the chorizo department. Publix, I don't think I can forgive you for that one. And the rice turned out great except for the gandules. Note to self: Don't try to "ablandar" gandules the same day you need them.

Super hits were the corn souffle and the sweet potato casserole. And of course, you can't go wrong with sugar cookies, pumpkin pie and this year's pumpkin cheesecake was a hit!

Here's a picture of Jayden wearing his get-up from the Love Feast at his school the week before. He was obviously not happy to don his masterpiece.
It was nippy out, but the kids were happy to play outside anyway. They're so cute when they aren't fighting.
My new dynamic duo! You have no idea what I go through with these two. LOL!
The new hangout is Antony's bunk! In fact, where's Chooch?
I love my sissy!
A little down time...

Sebi's Second Birthday Party

We packed up our things to go to Mari's for the weekend for Sebi's second birthday party. We spent a good chunk of the day cooking and prepping and at the end of the day, we were the only guests. It was a very intimate gathering and we had a ball! Plus with my new 'super sized' family, we ARE a party! Maya learned pretty quick how to pull up onto the stool and make herself at home in front of the crudité.
We posed with our Mickey Ears! We had cake, ice cream, cookies and brownies. It was a feast and the kids were thrilled.

Everyone helps to blow out the candles.

Dynamic Duo!

Maya is just as happy as can be.Chooch doesn't care as long as nobody takes his spoon.

Sebi is diggin' in!

Please don't tell me Jayden is trying to make bubbles with the melted ice cream in his mouth.

Antony's favorite pose...

The boys try their hand at Wii...Me and Sebi snuggle up...

Maya gets comfy cozy.I beat Sergio and Ricardo's butts at Wii Bowling! Yes!

Mari getting things ready in the kitchen.

The First Couple of Weeks

For Jayden, having the boys around was like having the brothers he always knew but never had. They are like peas in a pod and instantly bonded. Poor Maya lost Jayden's devoted attention temporarily. But they are all adjusting well, thank God. Maya is the princess and everyday, she decides whether or not she's happy with the boys that day. Jayden seems like he will never get over his excitement. Antony is completely settled in his new space and Ricardo is very happy and grateful for all his blessings.
Titi spent the weekend with us and was an instant hit with the boys. Here she is showing Sebi Ricardo's room.

Cute!

Sebi Dude!

The boys take a break from soccer for a picture.

Jayden and Ricardo

The boys come home after taking the bus home for the first time.

Hanging out before bed...

Maya digging around in what's to become the TV Room!