Papi #1

The June fun continues with Father's Day! The kids & I enjoyed preparing things several days (and at least 1 gift nearly a month) in advance. Papi had to be at church early to run the sound system (7:15!) so we set everything up after he left and before we headed over to meet him at church for 2nd service. What fun it was to surprise him when we came home for lunch! :)

From JT

From JA

From JMC

From Mami - biography of H. A. & Margaret Rey, the authors of Curious George

A cute poster stating many of the reasons we love Papi, signed by all of us.

JA, JT, & JMC saw ideas for their cards on my Pinterest board, and the older two made their cards on their own. I helped JMC a little, but he did most of it himself, including the message on the inside. :)

Best celebration of the week!

Today we went to a nearby lake, and had the best celebration of the summer. Some of our best friends met us there and we had a picnic. It was just perfect. The kids played at the edge of the lake, while the moms chatted and the dads played catch while they kept an eye on the grill.

JL really wanted to join the game of catch.

Mrs. S & Mrs. K putting together the rope toss game.

A couple of the boys joined the dads' game of catch.

All of the kids, except JL, played in the mud at the edge of the lake.

Such a cute 2 year old!

the grill master :)

After lunch, we packed up and headed to the beach (just on the other side of the fence.) Then, this happened:

JT has been waiting to be baptized for well over a year. We wanted to be sure he understood the decision he was making, and that he was able to articulate his thoughts about it. So very proud of Papi & JT for choosing to live for Christ, and for making public their decision through baptism.

After the baptisms, most everyone jumped in the lake and played for about another 45 minutes or so. The water was fairly cold, so some chose to play in the sand, and some enjoyed playing in the waist-deep (for some) water. :)

Once we got home, JL, JMC, & I took naps, and Papi, JA, & JT went fishing. They stayed out until 6:30, but came home with dinner! We were all excited to eat the delicious fresh fish they caught, and no one complained at all about a late dinner, it was just so delicious!

My baby is 2!

JL turned 2 this week! I can't even believe it. She's potty training (and does pretty well when we're at home) and talking up a storm. She loves to read & be read to, and sings throughout the day. Her favorite drink is almond or coconut milk, and her favorite food is meat.

JA & JT really got into the celebration for JL. They decided to go in together on a gift, and found a baby doll that is just perfect. We ended up getting most of her gifts centered around the baby doll - a doll stroller and doll sippy cups from Papi & I, and a pet doggy for the doll from JA, as well as a "Baa Baa Black Sheep" from Papi & I for her favorite nursery rhyme. JL was absolutely in love!

Throughout the day, every time we would say "Feliz cumpleanos," JL would respond, "a ti!" It was so cute. We tried saying, "Happy birthday to JL" but she she still didn't quite grasp that it was her day. :)

The kids made a bunch of posters for he occasion. 

Picnic lunch outside the zoo.

Just after this photo, it began to just pour! So, we changed plans and wen to a nearby children's museum.

Well, I was all set to bake a cake, but our oven is being temperamental this summer. It is summer, so it's really not a big deal, except when it comes to birthday cake baking. :) Anyway, when you are gluten & dairy free, you can't just run to WalMart and pick up a cake from the bakery. So, we went to our local gluten free bakery, and Papi chose some yummy treats for us. Pumpkin donuts, turtle cheesecake, and apple fritter cake. JT chose to have some of the cherry vanilla coconut milk ice cream that Papi made the other day. As you can see, JL really enjoyed us singing to her. :)

It was a great day! I'm not sure if JL understood that we were celebrating her birthday, but I do think she had a wonderful day.