Splashin' Fun

We had a great time visiting with our friends who are in town from Oregon (we became close while both of our families were living in Ireland).  Lina and Isandro were so happy to be reunited with their buddies Knox and Abram!

Pint Sized Shoppers

Watch out!  Crazy driver here!!

Holly Doll

Words can't describe how much joy this lady brings to my life!  She is such an inspiration to live life to the fullest and to be so thankful for all the wonderful things I have in my life, most importantly my health and the health of my family.  To be thankful for the little things... I LOVE YOU, HOLLY!  xoxoxo my bff for life!

The brightness in Lina's eyes to be able to see her "aunt" Holly was so sweet.  You could tell she was so HAPPY to see Holly, as Holly was to see Lina!  

Holly's a strong woman!  ;)

LOVE

Walking is Awesome!

Someone is really enjoying his new found freedom!

Apple Lovers

Hanging around the house, and Benicio was playing and wandering around, just doing his own thing.  After a little while I wasn't hearing his baby babble anymore, so I went to look for him.  I found him sitting in the corner of Lina's room with a whole apple in his mouth.  When he saw me he laughed, as if he was getting away with something!  Little apple sneaker!  Then Lina joined him and he shared his apple with her.

Gotta Beat the Heat!

We got spoiled the first month and a half of living back in AZ, as it was great weather even through the month of May.  Some mornings were even a little "chilly".  But when it was over, it was really over.  Now if we want to go to the playground near our house, we have to do it before 8 a.m.  This was just a few days after Benicio turned one, and he really started going with walking.  He's really enjoying this new talent.

Nopales

For Benicio's first birthday weekend, Manuel's parents came to AZ for the weekend.  As always, they brought a ton of food even though we told them it wasn't necessary.  His mom is always cooking, and Lina seemed to really enjoy watching her tata cleaning and removing thorns from the nopales (cactus) for a delicious meal that was later devoured (maybe not so much by the kids since they aren't used to eating that, but we sure love it).