Canoeing

Doesn't it look like I messed up the spelling on this title? Canoeing is a funny word but I promise it's spelled that way (I double checked). Anyways, that's just what we did this past weekend for a short burst of fun. 

Between Jackson's birthday party invites (2 in one day...exhausting!) and Jack having to work all weekend we only had about a minute of down/family time. So we decided to rent a canoe! 

It was something Jackson thoroughly enjoyed and when it gets warmer, we'll take him (and soon Dos!) out so he can jump in the water--which after all is what he wanted to do the whole time. If it hadn't been for the ducks I'm fairly certain he would have done it too. 

Incidentally, our poor cub has recently become terrified of all feathered friends. I can't say I blame him as he's been bitten by geese, chased by ducks and most recently witnessed his mom almost get her finger bitten off by a hungry parakeet in Guatemala. All traumatic events leading to his fear of fowl. Sad, I know, but it kept him the canoe! 

Antigua, Guatemala Pt. 2--Guate Love

The entire reason for our trip to Guatemala was to celebrate the wedding of my dear friend and Jackson's godmother, Sophia. She married Gustavo Ganem in what was an incredible ceremony and series of events that I feel very privileged to not only have been invited to but also participated in. 

Even the lion cub was invited and asked to participate! He was Sof and Gus's ring bearer and I'd say he thoroughly enjoyed his title. 

First up the welcome dinner on Valentine's Day...theme of the evening was 'angelic' but Jackson wore red because he was the heart of the party :)

The following night Gustavo's parents held an incredible rehearsal dinner at the Finca Filadelfia in the mountains of Antigua. It had some of the BEST coffee I have ever tasted (so did the whole city for that matter) and their mode of transportation was hysterical....

Hysterically awesome that is! I told Gustavo I felt like we were going to war! Jackson, in a word was in HEAVEN when he saw he was about to get on these massive vehicles. I don't think I've ever seen his eyes light up the way they did when we were sitting on these things. 

And then of course, the wedding!!!! 

 

As ring bearer, Jackson was asked to wear a navy suit and tie and boy did he look dapper! 

Jackson, Abuelo and Jack wore the same honeybee tie. Jack had a black version for a few years and we were lucky enough to find it in navy for Abuelo and Jackson. I think they looked pretty cute.

Walking down the aisle, first momma..

Then Jackson! 

He was supposed to walk down the aisle with the other ring bearer, but somehow ended up finding a pretty girl on the way and tagged along with her. Andrea, (bride's sister and maid-of-honor) was happy to oblige and besides saying, 'momma' 'momma' 'momma' a few times Jackson did a great job! 

Perfect right?! It was so beautiful! Jackson thought so too. Here he is thanking his dada :)

By the time the cocktail party rolled around our cub was d-o-n-e. 

Here he his outside of the cocktail party stuffing his face with one of his favorite snacks these days-- seaweed.

Needless to say we decided it best to call it a night for little J and send him along his merry way for a pajama party with his favorite primitos. 

Jack and I headed back to the wedding and just in time to enjoy the sun going down and a fabulous dinner complete with shows, party favors, speeches AND fireworks! 

 

We had such a lovely time and thank you Sophia and Gustavo for hosting us and letting us participate in such an incredible journey! Love you guys and all the best now and always in your marriage!

Antigua, Guatemala Pt. 1

We recently returned from an amazing adventure in Antigua, Gautemala for my best friend and Jackson's godmother's, Sophia's wedding. To say we had a good time is an understatement. It was magical! 

The lion cub LOVED the sights, the streets, and especially the hand made toys :)

 

His favorite part about the trip however was the time he got to spend with his 'primitos'. My cousins came in all the way from Honduras JUST to meet our sweet boy and he was in heaven! He got to spend time with 'Tio Hector', Samuel and Jose Miguel and I got to spend time with their moms (my cousins) Lya and Ada. And my aunt & uncle of course. 

Jackson enjoyed some pool time, major car crashing, and even a short pajama party with his cousins.  

 

We got to tour all around the beautiful and very romantic city of Antigua, eat yummy food and even see a volcano or 3! Jackson and I even tried to blend in with the locals in our choice of attire--we were major hits amongst the wedding guests and the locals ;)

 

Cousins...

 Cousins...

 My dad, his brother, (Tio Leo) and my cousin, Ada and I. Ada and I are both expecting boys and only two weeks apart in our pregnancies. It was so great seeing her and especially seeing her pregnant.

 The beautiful ruins at Casa Santo Domingo...

 Complete with mummies...

 And Lion cubs! Playing with his cars no less...

 St. Joseph Cathedral in the main square...

The Santa Catalina arch...

 La Merced Church...

 And finally, and what left us all in awe, the Lenten procession. Each Sunday during Lent, one of the local churches sponsors a procession through the streets of Antigua. Elaborate carpets made up of sawdust and decorated with flowers, fruits and vegetables adorn the churches themselves and groups of individuals are asked to carry statues of the Virgin and Christ carrying the cross throughout the city streets.

Seeing this was most definitely a spiritually rewarding experience and one that I will never forget. I'm so glad I got to experience this with my family and especially with Jackson.

 

He was just as moved as I was, (despite his face in this picture) and couldn't wait to tell Gigi about how he saw, La 'Virgen Maria'! 

It's moments like that make me feel like I'm doing something right with this kid ;)

Antigua, Guatemala--an AMAZING experience and BEAUTIFUL city. Lots of love, laughter and just plain fun was had by all...

 Next up--Sophia and Gustavo tie the knot in Antigua!