Arrival and Tin Marin

After counting down nine weeks, we were finally on our way to El Salvador to see all of Edwin's side of the family! Backpacks full of coloring books, markers, books, and stickers.

First McD pitstop in Ellensburg.... still very excited.

Bedtime is usually between 7:30 and 8:30, but here they are at 10PM.  They wanted to pull the carryon suitcases themselves, even though they also had their backpacks.  

Enjoying the playarea at the SEATAC airport.

Now we were at fifteen minutes after midnight. Natalia kept asking, "Are we going to blast off now?" When the airplane did finally start that deep rumble you always hear when it IS time for "blast off", she and Tory were so excited they kept bouncing in their seats.  They tried hard, but were unable to keep back the shrieks of pure joy as the plane lifted off.  Thankfully, about 15 min. into the flight, they leaned their tired heads against their pillows and drifted off to sleep. Tory only slept on that first flight to Houston (about 3.5 hours), but Natalia also slept most of the 3 hour layover.  However, getting on that second airplane, woke up all the juices in both girls again.  We were back to the bouncing, sparkling eyes, and squeals of joy as we lifted off the ground once more, this time knowing our next stop was the last one. 

Once we arrived, we were greeted by that familiar blast of humid heat. Tory marveled at seeing the airport during the day, since we usually arrive at night. Natalia's memories were not so good - everything seemed new to her.  When she saw Edwin's older sister, Claudia, she asked me why Mama Carmencita (Edwin's mom) looked so different. So began the familiarization of different family members. We enjoyed the cooling down of AC in the car, plus a good rain storm to welcome us back to the tropics. Arriving at the house, we were able to see the rest of the family, and enjoy some pupusas!! YUM! 

The next day, Tory was completely fascinated by a strange activity being preformed by Mama Carmencita... she watched, entranced, as some clothes were wet down, and scrubbed vigorously by hand, then rinsed again.  Since it was her clothes being washed, she eagerly accepted an invitation to join in in the fun. 

Naturally, Natalia was not one to be left out of all the fun!

Playing in the garage

After a morning of fun, we had a much anticipated visit to the Children's Museum, Tin Marin.

Fun with BUBBLES!!!

The pretend grocery store is ALWAYS a big hit!

The butterfly garden

Learning about different colors, allows you to add a hand print to the beetle bug.

We are off to a good start!

Glasses and Silly Pics

Edwin went to the eye doctor and Natalia wanted to try on his new glasses.  Tory was also quite enthralled with Edwin's new glasses.  After a trip to Claire's, she proudly sported her own pair, even wearing them to school. I told her to make sure and tell her teacher they were fake, so she wouldn't worry when the craze passes and Tory forgets to take them to school.

We also went to a camp site by the river to celebrate a friend's birthday.  We had a great time seeing old friends.  The girls rode their bikes, threw rocks in the river, and we all had some fun taking silly pictures.

Tory found a couple rocks that were heart shaped!

Musikgarten

Most days I would drag both girls to their music class, and wonder if it was worth the hassle.  Almost every time, they would exit their class with a big smile of accomplishment on their faces. 

I cannot thank Ms. Linnea enough for the immense influence she is in the lives of my girls - musically, character building, and Spiritual influence. Peace, Love, and Joy are evident in her life!

Tempura

We had the privilege of experiencing a piece of Japan in the Tri-Cities today! After living in Japan for almost two years, Andy and Sarah learned a lot about the culture and language, including how to make tempura! I had never tried it before.  Yolanda had and she says it beat any she had ever tried before.  It was amazing!! So delicious!! But it wasn't only the incredible food.  Sarah laid out the table beautifully, with dishes they brought back from Japan. Andy set up a very fun play area in their back yard for the kids. Again, I thank Jesus for the blessing of friendship, and being able to share these special moments....

It's the Little Things....

I have had a great year with my Natalia.  I still get to keep her close for another year, but time is just flying by!  Here are some cute pictures of her taken this month.

She loves it when Daddy face paints!

I named the boy Potato Head "George" one day, and she always calls him that now.

Loving the sprinkler action with Analise!

Playing with the puppies at Grandma's House.

Cherry, the Robin. Loved to death.... R.I.P.

It is so funny (for now) how much Natalia just loves make-up. Here is one for Memory Lane.

I have to get a picture of how Natalia looked after she did herself!! And another picture of what my eye shadow box looked like when she was done.... 

Mother's Day Cards

For memory's sake, I wanted to post pictures of my beautiful Mother's Day cards my girlies made for me.  Natalia made hers in the childcare at our gym.  They also set up tables, and served fruit and cookies for Moms to sit and eat with their kiddos!  

Tory made hers at school. Both girls really enjoy drawing, and I am impressed with their skills.

A couple people couldn't make out #2: My mom misses me [when I am] at school.

And #6: My mom doesn't like messy rooms. (Ha! Wishing for cleanliness now, and I will be missing the messes whey they're gone, right?)

Stacey Visits!!

I rarely go down memory lane, but having the opportunity to do so with Stacey's visit was quite fun.

Going to college was such an awesome experience for me.  One, if not the biggest reason for that, was meeting such great friends. A huge impact on my life at that time was meeting other missionary kids. For the first time in my life, I met others who immediately related to certain experiences, or feelings I had from growing up as a minority in a foreign country, especially as a missionary's kid.  Oh, how we laughed! I was first introduced to "You Know You're an MK when...." and for some reason, I felt released. 

Anyway, two MK friends I met were Jen (who grew up in the Philippines), and Stacey (from Portugal). We were only able to share a room for one semester, but it was such a blast!

Stacey would invite me to come with her on different road trips during my four years at school, since I could not go "home" during breaks, such as Spring Break or Thanksgiving, and such.  Her parents were "Stateside", so I had the blessing of visiting her family a few times.  During summer breaks, Stacey would fly home with me and hang out in El Salvador for a few weeks, after the mission trips were done.  Oh, the stories we could tell.... it would be fun, but I am trying to get to this post. :)

When Stacey called to ask if she could come up and visit, I was so excited!  We have been in contact here and there, but to spend a few days together.....YAY! As mentioned in a previous post, Stacey casually mentioned she wanted to do a 10K while in town, just for fun. :) She had always been a great motivator for being active... got me started on Tae-Bo way back when.... and now she got me thinking about trying out running for the first time in my life. 

She flew into Portland, so we got to walk around the downtown area.  She was impressed by all the greenery to be seen in a major city. 

We then headed toward the Dalles, where we would be doing the 10K the following day.  Naturally, we had to stop at Multnomah Falls! Unfortunately for Stacey, yet fortunately for me, the bridge was under construction, so we were not able to hike to the top of the falls....

Not to be deterred, however, Stacey found a different trail to hike.  We decided 1.8 miles shouldn't be too bad to go see the Triple Falls.... and we would take it easy.... I had to bug Stacey about how much my calves hurt after that hike.... Just good preparation for our 10K, right?

We waited and waited and waited.... but she never could find the right shot.... so she became part of OUR shot..... :)

Here we are before the 10K began.
I started realizing by this point how many selfies I took to avoid plain, scenery pictures. 

Thankfully Stacey is a good sport, because I would get winded and just go from my trot to a sudden walk.  She would be talking, and suddenly I would be gone.  So she would slow down and walk with me, and suddenly I would take off again, with no warning.  I never have been a good communicator.... but I do listen well! :) Per Stacey's advice, I began to at least say, "OK." or even grunt, so she would know I needed a break. What a great friend! :)

After all those selfies, you'd think I'd take a few pictures of her visiting with my girls and Edwin. Or visiting my parent's hobby farm.... 

What a precious gift friendship is! Thanks for the great times, Stacey!