They're Coming Home!

Old friends: Mike with Bryant, Linda, and Jeff

Some of our offspring

Mike, Gaby and Jojo have had a terrific time in TN, and now it's time for them to come home.  I know  Mike has been rejuvenated by spending time with family and some of his old friends.  Gaby and Jojo got to see the children of Mike's old friends at a fun birthday party one Saturday.  I know Gaby had a wonderful time because he hardly spoke to me on the phone these past couple weeks!  He'd ask to speak to Christian, "Mommy, I already talked to you!"  And Jojo is saying some new words like 'pizza'.  I'll post some photos from their trip soon. 

Christian and I had a fun weekend.  On Friday we spent time at the mall playing in the indoor playground and we met with Tanya and two of her children.  Then on Saturday we went back to the mall so Christian could meet with Santa to ask for for a DX game player (Santa is a little low on funds this year, but we'll see what he can swing -- and why is he here before Thanksgiving?!). 

Then we went to Borders to buy a study guide I needed when we noticed there were lots of kids in pj's wandering in the children's section.  Pretty soon Mrs. Claus and her elf stopped by to read 'The Polar Express' (we have the movie and it stays hidden with the Christmas stuff only to be viewed during that time).  During the part in the book when the kids get their hot chocolate, in walked staff from the cafe with hot chocolate for all the kids who were listening to the story!  They had a craft which consisted of making a paper chain, after which the kids paraded around the store with their bells (only those who believe could 'hear' the bells ring) while holding a portion of the chain.  By the time the kids walked back towards the children's section, there were many disconnected chains and a few tears were shed by the little ones. 

Afterwards, Christian and I went to the Rio Grande Botanic Gardens and Aquarium.  We got splashed by the stingray as we watched from above the tank!  We found the secret slide in the ant colony.  And we watched the trains go by in the gardens.  It seems lately I've neglected to bring my camera when great moments like these arrive.

That evening Christian worked on painting his Santa globe with Grampa while Yaya and I went to see an excellent movie: 'An Education'.  We can't wait to see the upcoming Almodovar film with Penelope Cruz called 'Broken Embraces'; the trailer looks good.  What can I say about 'An Education'?  There's truth to every character, as my mom said.  It's a bittersweet love story based in the early 1960's England.  I'd recommend the movie to anyone.

And yesterday we wrapped up our weekend by meeting Yaya and Grampa for lunch after Mass.  We also visited Uncle Frank who is in the late stages of a Parkinson's-related illness.  Christian was very curious about the breathing apparatus that Uncle Frank now uses.  It's a horrific disease that attacked a once very active man.

This week we will be celebrating Thanksgiving with my friend Tanya's family.  We're looking forward to a fun, relaxing visit (she has the honor of cooking the turkey). 

Hope all is well.