Life Update

I'm finding it harder and harder to keep up on the blog. Life is super busy, especially the past 6 weeks. We have squeezed in a three night trip to the Rivera Maya, one night in a cabin with friends, and numerous hikes, outings, soccer games, and hosted meals with friends at our house. On top on of that, our family was literally sick the whole month of February. The twins were on antibiotics the first week of February for Bronchitis and the first week of March Sam was down for the count with strep throat. So, while I pen many a blog posts in my mind, actually sitting down to type and edit photos is a different story.

So, here goes a quick update/picture post of our past couple months:

 We're thankful for friends! We hosted 21 people for the Super Bowl!

 The kids all had a day off of school for Mexican Constitution Day, so we explored the Huesteca with friends; the kids were thrilled to ride in the back of the truck! 

 Our Mexican friends took us on a dirt road and showed up this super cool slot canyon.

The kids (and Ben) enjoyed throwing rocks into the slot.

And then, of course, they had to do some climbing. (Sam) 

 Seth

 Josh

 Super safe.

 The kids (3 families, 9 kids, one teenager not pictured)

 Check out the contrast of textures on these two slabs of rock next to each other. 

 After our exploration, we had a carne asada together at this cool rancho.

Ben watched the kids for me one Friday so that I could participate in a Back2back women's retreat. I was so thankful! It was a wonderful time of worship, learning, and getting to know some of the women of the organization better.

Beautiful setting for a retreat. 

 The highlight, however, was Beth Guckenberger was the keynote speaker. She is the founder of Back2back, a phenomenal speaker, and author of some really great books. 

 I totally had to get a groupie picture with her, as I'm a super fan! 

SMCA school days have been fun. In February we celebrated the 100th day of school by having all our kids dress up like old people. It was hilarious! 

 Josh, Lucas and Elias

Me and my kindergarteners.

 All the kiddos...they had some great outfits.

 Such a fun group of kids! 

 Everyone also brought 100 pieces of a favorite snack to share.

We also celebrated Dr. Seuss week with lots of great books, theme days and crafts. 

I made "oobleck" for my class and they loved it! 

All dressed in green for "Green Eggs and Ham" day with a candy snack.

Poor Sammy was so sick with strep throat and an ear infection.

One or two days weekly, the twins have a soccer game in a different location throughout the city. This means lots of driving for me, but also some beautiful mountain and city views during the games. The twins have improved greatly and it's been so encouraging to watch. In fact, they both scored in two games in a row. Sam is no longer playing goalie and playing in the field is a much better fit for him. 

 View at San Roberto school

 Same evening, just later in the sunset

 Same location, different mountain.

 Same location, city view. 

 Game at ASFM, where both boys scored.

 Same location, view in a different direction.

Both twins participated in a classroom presentation called, "Mi Mexico Lindo y Querido," (My Mexico lovely and dear), which entailed them writing and giving a minute and a half speech--all in Spanish. They both did excellent, but Sam's team actually won for his classroom. His team then gave the presentation again in front of a panel of judges and all the participant's parents. We are very proud of the advancement both Seth and Sam have made in their Spanish skills!   

Sam used his old knight's costume to dress-up like Christopher Columbus. 

 After their presentation, the judges asked each team some questions. I was shocked when Sam jumped in and answered (everything was in Spanish!)

 Sam and his buddy, Nico.

 Sam's team

 Sam's artwork was also featured.

And finally, a panorama of the sunset the other evening while I was on a walk around our neighborhood.