It is the beginning of 2014 and two and a halve months since our return from Switzerland. The time went by fast and with a big blur.
Going back to my last blog entry's first sentence where I mentioned football games, concerts, holidays and birthday party's, now I try to remember what happen with the help of pictures and Donna's memories.
We arrived home on Saturday October 5 and we went next day, October 6 to Daniel and Gina's new mansion to celebrate Eliana's first birthday!
Happy First Birthday Eliana
Before
After
A very happy birthday party with lot's of people
The proud parents and Eliana
Grandma was happy too
She loves her new toy's
They learn fast how to open presents
Ice cream Birthday cake, my favorite.
It is so nice to have the whole family together.
Time to open my Presents
It describes me perfect
My favorite football team.
enjoying all the nice birthday wishes
and a mystery package
Awesome, a brand new laptop.
some Tiki torches for next summer.
With 2 down we anticipated 4 more birthday party's to go in the next 2 months, but first we spent the next few weekends going to watch Luke playing football. It was well worth, because this third grade football team was well trained and a pleasure to watch winning game after game. They lost only one out of approximate 10 games and by only two points. They also ended up winning the third grade super bowl! Congratulation and a big hug for Luke.
A couple of times we took Luke to the 2 hour training sessions
Luke wearing jersey #67
No wonder they are a winning team!
The team after winning the Super Bowl 2013
While Luke did great in football, Jacob accelerated in music and he made 2nd chair for the alto sax in the all district honors band!
Congratulation Jacob!!
Where do you get that musical talent from
The concert is about to begin
During all this busy time, we had Halloween and just like last year, our neighbor Joyce and Ed came to see use for a chat and some drinks.
They have the right spirit and dress up for the occasion!
We had a great time
and on leaving we made another date for next year!
Lately we been blessed with taking care of the children inclusive Nitro. Jacob and Luke stayed over a few nights on the weekends and because they both had birthdays in November we took them out to Dave and Buster all day for food and playing games.
We are happy to be trusted a few hours at the time with Eliana, when Gina and Daniel have some business to attend. It is such a delight and privilege to take care of her. the best time is when we have all them together.
I am becoming a pro in this
See, she wants more
Having lunch in Dave and Buster
We all had a good time
They just love this machines
Even I got into it
This is easier
Donna took them on a walk in the neighborhood
Eliana with out exception is always happy!
The boy where happy with there birthday gift and just one week later, on November 23rd we celebrated Gina's Birthday. I made her favorite, a ceviche like seafood dish. Of course I cooked some other food that day, but can't remember what it was.
3 days later, Daniel and Gina left for a mini vacation with Eliana to Minneapolis. It was Thanksgiving and Donna and I had a wonderful Thanksgiving with Brian, Windy, Jacob and Luke.
The sad thing is, I can't find not one picture of this last week. Anyway, it is December, time for me to bake Christmas cookies. Lots of them, actually I made over 1000 of them. for all the family, friends and all my neighbors.
I made all the same cookies as last year except this
Hazelnut Pralines
Here we go, one more Birthday party for this year. It is Windy's big 40!!! We all came together in our house for the Birthday dinner. We had pork Marengo with Tropical Rice. ( Rice with sauteed diced Mango, Avocado and Tomatoes. It was delicious, but the kid's did not care for it !
Check out this beautiful Candle
Eliana is helping with the birthday presents
Sorry Windy, its your day but Eliana gets all the attention
I guess, it is still her privilege
At least your husband and I took care of you.
I decided instead of a sit-down Lunch we will snack on some finger food. I had some Christmas deviled eggs, ham, prosciutto, salami, assorted cheese, smoked salmon, iced shrimp, and of course, beef
tartar with melba toast. Windy brought some chicken salad sandwiches. As you see, plenty of delicious food.
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas from the Princess
What a great Family
A perfect Christmas picture
Christmas deviled Eggs
They're waiting to open presents.
Eliana hanging with Grandma before going home
We are coming rapidly to the end of the year, and they all decided to give the chef a break and have the eight annual New Years Eve party at Ackermann acres. Everybody showed up around 6 pm, even Brian, Windy, Jacob and Luke. Only the Lombardo's were missing. We all had a great time, good food and drinks. Brian, Windy and Jacob left early and the rest of us stayed over night.
Eliana is not very fond of the party hat
beautiful dress Gina
Grossvati is reading a book to the Princess
Eliana loves her cousin Jacob
Windy and Karla love watching the kids playing
Here we go, just can't leave it alone, helping out in the Kitchen
Luke is taping his brother and Eliana
We all finished that big nice bowl full of sangria
After Eliana went to bed , we where playing games
Grandma is helping prepare Eliana for bed
We all had Taco Pastore for dinner
with home made Salsa
HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM ALL OF US
