I love having three happy, healthy and energetic kids!

Yesterday I took Stella out to ride her bike for a while. She's really starting to get how it all works. She loved having the one on one time and of course being able to ride her bike. I can't believe how fast she's grown up. She's so independent. She loves making choices and feeling like big girl. She loves to play with her big brother and is such a big helper. I love her spunky personality.
Tonight I was playing hide and go seek with the kids before they went to bed. I love hearing them count half in english and half in spanish. I love how Isaac looks straight at me and still can't find me. I think its hilarious how they both hide in the same spot every time and act shocked that I can find them. Being a kid is great!

We also found one of Joaquin's ticklish spots. He laughs really hard if you tickle his right ribs. It's really cute. He's getting bigger and more interactive everyday. I love it!

It's about time...

Wow. It's been a while since we've posted. And a lot has happened.

Drew's parents came to visit.

We blessed Joaquin.

Now I have no clue where to start. We had so much fun with Drew's parents. We met them at the airport Sunday morning and took them straight to church for Joaquin's baby blessing. I'm sure they were beyond tired and exhausted but they were great sports dragging their luggage on the subway. Drew blessed Joaquin and then we were able to enjoy the primary program. I love the primary program. Isaac was very animated and into it. Before I had told him if he sang loud he could have a treat. He definitely earned it by coping the primary president's every move. It was really cute.

Later that evening we tried to let grandma & grandpa rest a little before we shipped them off to Barcelona the next morning. We wanted to give them a chance to see more of Spain and stay in a nice hotel to try and get caught up on sleep. (It's a really tough time change.) Wednesday we gladly welcomed them back. It was so nice to see how Isaac & Stella really warmed up to them so fast. They really love their grandparents. I'm sure Joaquin does too.

While they were here we went to a few museums, visited Retiro park, went to the Zoo, and explored Madrid. It was so fun! Thanks so much for coming. We really love you guys and miss you tons.

We also have friends! A new family moved to Spain a few weeks ago and we've been hanging out at parks and everywhere else ever since. It's been great. They have two little boys the same ages as Stella & Isaac and they all play really well together. I'm so excited to finally have a friend with kids here. It feels great.

We also had an awesome Thanksgiving Dinner with friends. I love everything about Thanksgiving. The pies, turkey, cranberry sauce, more pies, mashed potatoes and gravy, slush...I could go on forever. I love it and especially spending time with friends and family. I love how friends can become family.

After we ate we also chilled, played some Wii, watched movies, ate more, played settlers and watched the BYU v. Utah football game. Go Cougars! It was the perfect ending to a great night!

Now we can really start celebrating Christmas! I'm so excited. I love Christmas. I have most of my Christmas shopping done but you can always find more. This year we're also going to Paris and Euro-Disneyland. I can't wait. Three of my favorite things all in one; Christmas, Disneyland and my family all in Paris!

So hopefully I can stay on top of posting. Three kids ca keep you really busy. With Joaquin sleeping through the night I can't use my favorite excuse that I'm tired. We love everyone and miss you tons!

He does smile!

Here's our first "good" picture of Joaquin's smile.

Merry Christmas!!!

Did you know there are only 50 days until Christmas? I love Christmas. I'm so excited. And yes, we've already started decorating and Christmas shopping.

Isaac is loving school. He's some much more comfortable with the Spanish this year. He comes home and teaches all his new songs. I love it when he does the hokey pokey in Spanish! He's still having a hard time with school lunch though. Here's a letter his teacher had translated just for me...
ucvyyuiopl980omnnbvcczdfghjzdserftghjnbz zxzfxbxvxbxnxvc vj nvjfkflrflrropso[offkvh ud6excvvvjopiii99-=oukhjklklklklklkkll/;nc/.,..,.,.,.,......m/;;;kjjhgfdadwerry.,.,.......bvnmjffk m kvm kvlhkgkhin k k.,..............................................bvncjfltl;ljkjjfjvnfjvmjgmvkgmvkmvgkmgvfm

That was Isaac's version of the translation. Really, the letter said:

"Isaac has only eaten fruit at lunchtime, because he didn't like the food. And yesterday he only had an apple. Regards, Mari Luz"

Poor kid! If they would just let me bring him lunch we wouldn't have this problem. Luckily for the next few months the school schedule has changed due to construction on the school. So he finishes school at 2 everyday and can come home and eat. Then back to the notes.

Stella went to her first day of nursery/primary on Sunday. This is a huge accomplishment for the girl. She has some serious attachment issues. I was so proud of her. Hopefully this is just the start and she'll love it. We'll see.

Joaquin is getting so big. He's not even 3 months old and already his 3-6 months shirts are tight. I don't really know how this happened. The other two were so small for so long. But he is sleeping a lot better. He only gets up once in the middle of the night! I'm definitely loving that. Sleep is so good.

We also had a new family move to Madrid from the US. Hopefully they can find an apartment close. They have two cute boys the same age as Isaac and Stella. We love new friends!!!

I'll post pictures soon but Merry Christmas for now!!!