Last Christmas (2008), Francesca was just a newborn baby and the Christmas before (2007), we were eagerly anticipating Mateo in Colombia to bring him home. So this Christmas, I was able to truly enjoy being with my family and cherishing the moments that now are our memories of this Christmas.
Christmas Eve
Cousins
(From left) Grandma, Uncle George, Uncle Doug, Donna, Ryan, Crystal, Francesca, Jaimie, Jose, Mateo, Aunt Nelly, Bobby, Emma, Jessica, Clint, Elaine (not pictured - Grandpa Jim, who was taking the picture)
Grandpa and Francesca
Mateo and Clint buildingChristmas morning
Mateo waiting to go downstairs and see what Santa brought!
Grandpa and Grandma spent the night because of the storm. It was a first for them to stay at "Hotel Cogua" and we had a memorable, sweet time together.
Francesca loves her bugs
Cars and bugs
"Pup tent" t-shirt glows in the dark
Someone looks very excited!
Mateo's new favorite game
Opening stockings
Monsters vs. Aliens - the movie - was what Mateo most wanted from Santa. He even told the Santa Christmas ornament hanging from our tree that was his wish!
Santa brought Francesca "Baby Signing Time" - a video series that teaches babies how to sign. We've already watched it and it is so cute! Mateo is already learning many of the signs. Our goal on Francesca's IFSP for 2010 includes working on sign language to help her communicate.Christmas Day - Opening Presents
Francesca and Aunt Nelly have a laugh
Francesca admires the Christmas tree
Aunt Nelly, Bobby and Emma gave Mateo a SUPERMAN figurine. You can imagine how excited he was!
Francesca opens her first present on Christmas Day
Grandpa Jimmy Olsen, Mateo and Superman
Cousins
Mateo helps Grandma open her present...
... she likes it!
Emma opens a present from Edelmira and Jose - GRACIAS! "Wow!"
Como me ven?
Mateo opens his present from Francesca - Diego Rescue Pack
Gracias, Francesca!
Bobby's grill mat
Mateo loves his computer ... now if only we had the right batteries!
Aunt Nelly helps Francesca open a gift from Grandpa and Grandma
She likes it!
Emma's gift from Mateo and Francesca
Daddy's new coat
Yea for presents!
What is it!? A play kitchen for Mateo and Francesca
Mateo and Grandma play in the new kitchen - the first thing Mateo made were fried eggs - huevos fritos - Abuelita's favorite! La favorita de la Abuela Edelmira ;)
Checking out the new Blackberry phones - and of course, Mateo in his Superman pajamas playing with his new Superman.Clint and Mateo box together
Jose and Jim duke it out
Rolling with Grandpa
Giggling with Grandma
