STAR of the show

I'm am thrilled to pieces to tell y'all that Jackson had his very FIRST Christmas program this year! I was sooooo excited to hear about it and the days leading up to it I'm fairly certain were so annoying to him how often I mentioned it. I just knew that this would totally be his time to shine, and boy was I right...

If you've ever spoken to Jackson for more than 3 seconds you know that he is completely outgoing, VERY social and extremely loud. This should not come as a shock to anyone because if you know Jack and I (and my family) you know we are all of the above. I like to refer to it as, genetic confidence. 

Let's just say that Jackson, and James for that matter, will most likely never have to attend a Toastmasters meeting. Like ever. With Jackson this is something I typically have to curb in public and am constantly telling him, "Inside voice please!!!" but I just knew once the kid hit the stage, it was his time.

 He of course was so relaxed in front of the crowd and knew exactly when to get every one's attention. In between songs during a very brief pause, Jackson started shouting at the top of his lungs, "We wish you a Merry Christmas, we wish you a Merry Christmas, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year". Everyone burst out into laughter, turned towards Jack and I and started clapping for him. He reveled in the attention. 

 Needless to say I was stopped by no less than 35 people (parents, directors, teachers, grandparents, Jackson's peers, etc etc) and told that he was most definitely the star of the show and he was so incredible. 

Jack and I knew this already, but we're so very proud of Jackson and so thankful for such an outgoing little guy. James is most definitely following in his brother's footsteps too. While he isn't old enough for a Christmas program, I can assure you he will also have it 'in the bag' especially with such a rock star older brother :). 

Happy and Thankful

Thanksgiving for us began extra early this year. I decided at the last minute to go to El Paso a week before the holidays began because I was dying to be home. I know, I go to El Paso all the time, but for me it's never enough! I'm thankful for an understanding husband and parents who pretend not to get sick of me :). 

We kicked off our departure with a birthday celebration for Abuelo and then jumped in the car extra early the next morning for the "lovely" 9 hour drive. 

 Jack joined us in El Paso the following week and we celebrated Thanksgiving morning at the annual parade...

We didn't stay too long as it was insanely crowded and the boys were starting to get hungry, (story of our life)...

 We opted to have lunch at a nearby park because the weather was absolutely perfect and let's be honest, we'll do just about anything to rid these boys of every ounce of energy possible...

 They had a blast and even asked to finish their lunch in a nearby tree...

 Which, by the way is a genius place to feed children. Jackson and James loved being in the tree but at the same time were too afraid to move for fear of falling. Jack and I were of course close at hand, but it made for an extremely peaceful lunch...

 and then, the reason for the season....THANKSGIVING!!! 

 Food, friends, and family--check, check, check...

 Pristine and picture perfect no? My mom is an excellent host...

Overall an incredible Thanksgiving and beautiful holiday. It was so great to spend so much quality time with family and friends. I didn't want it to end, which is why I'm also thankful for Christmas :). Until then! 

Brazil

As mentioned in the previous post, Jack and I took a much needed, well-deserved (especially on Jack's part) couple-only vacation. My mom was gracious enough to lend a helping hand (with both boys, mind you!) and so was our dear family friend, Tia Marisela (for the first few days).

I'm not going to pretend that this was in any way, shape, or form an easy undertaking. The planning that went into every single detail of leaving both boys behind and my incredible mother watching them, was TRULY an act of God. Food was prepared, clothes laid out, wills were signed. It was immense. How easy it was to watch just one kid but two?! Mami, thank you, times a million! I promise to give you some breathing room before the next vacation :).

But back to Brazil. It was an epic adventure, only way to put it. We were a little hesitant because of the crime, poverty and they had just had their country's elections, but our minds were quickly put to rest the moment we embarked onto Rio De Janeiro. I've been fortunate enough to travel all over the world and Rio De Janeiro is probably one of the most beautiful (if not the most beautiful) cities I have ever seen. The streets were pristine, the Cariocas (the locals) were so kind and the rhythm of life in general, was absolute perfection.

Thankfully the Cariocas are a proud people and proud of their Rio and it definitely shows. Also, thankfully the World Cup had just commenced and the city is undergoing grand renovations for the Olympics so I imagine it'll be better than ever after 2016.

The trip itself was a time for Jack and I to reconnect and relax and we sure did. It was heaven, AND I'm glad him and I are still him and I sans our boys. It didn't stop us from talking about them 24/7 and watching videos and pictures of them on our phone though. They are, after all, our everything :).

So anyhow, I'll spare you any more details and words and instead show you what all we experienced. Enjoy!