The Fouth

We joined the downtown Matthews festivities on July 4th. It was our first time going to a parade. Although this was not a "real" parade. Each kid/parent decorated their own bikes, wagons, strollers, etc and walked down the main street towards the park. The girls had a blast despite the extreme humid hot weather. They had ice cream, popcorn, chips, juice...they loved it!!

Kyle was in Indiana visiting his parents and his grandma who recently had a stroke and not doing so well. Although we missed him, I'm glad he had  a chande to go see them. I made sure I sent several pictures via txt, so he could see what his girls were up to!

 

She never looses an opportunity to dance
 

Me and sweet girls
 

A little snack before the parade 

Happy to live here and enjoy the freedom we have!!!

Sweetest Smile Award

Jacqueline won the "Sweetest Smile Award" at hter ballet class. She is holding her award outside of the ballet school while eating candy that was given out after the class. I don't think she really cared about the reward as much as the candy! Like Mom like daughter-- We LOVE our sweets!

My princess has being saying lately quite funny things or just plain random stuff that I have no idea where she hears them. Below is a few:

- "This sounds like rock and roll music" (mind you that she wasn't even listening to music!)
- Walking into our house, she sais: " Oh what a nice home!"
- After the 4th of July festivities: "Today was a very long day"
- She asked me who gave me my wedding ring. I told her that was my prince, her Daddy. Then she said: " Where is my prince, so he can give me one of those?"

Jacqueline and Julia

One more picture I forgot to post 

Jacqueline's New Friend

Two of my dear friends (Sarah and Bill) came from Virginia  to spend a few days with us. Bill and Sarah read scripture in our wedding ceremony. She is from Brazil and Bill is American and they have 2 kids (Julia and Rafael). Jacqueline loved playing with Julia! I love that our girls enjoyed playing together and had so much fun!

 They loved playing dress up and watching princess movies. Julia also speaks Portuguese. Just like Kyle and I, Bill and Sarah are also raising their kids bilingual

A contemplative Jacqueline 

It was such a treat for me to see them! I look forward to the time we can get together again.

Father's Day Outing and Around the House

 We had a very low key Father's Day. Kyle didn't wanted go out to eat lunch anywhere and rather just be be at home since the girls have being a challenge in restaurants. Plus father's day is such a busy day. After church, we ate left overs at home and the girls took a long nap and we had some time to plop. But dinner time came and we were both craving hot dogs...we ended at hot dog/burguer place near our house.

This is the first father's day that I don't write a card for Bob. I missed writing him a card. I was a bit sad on father's day. I thought of him and how I wish I could had hugged him and had told him once more what an amazing stepdad he has being to me. How my life is better because I knew him. How he always made me feel special. How I was so grateful that he loved me like a daughter. He taught me so much and he will be forever in my heart!

One of Vivian's favorite foods  now are french fries. What's not to like, right?!

We attempt to take a father's day picture...Vivian kep trying to scape

Then Jacqueline tried to scape

Finally both girls sat on Kyle's lap (for a quick second) and I was able to snap this picture. Don't they look miserable?!!!  They don't ever want to stop playing and exploring.

A rare moment in our house. Sitting still doesn't happen much around here

Underneath the dining room table sometimes is a hiding place, sometimes is a castle and sometimes is both!

A very relaxed Vivian

Cousins and Fun in the Park

My brother and his family came to Charlotte for Memorial Day Weekend. Daniel and Amanda went biking riding while the girls stayed here. Jacqueline loved playing dressed w/ Isla. and sitting in their "royal chairs" 



 I think Vivian was done snuggling :>





One Sunday afternoon we went to the park after naps. Vivian loves watching the ducks in the lake



My two year old is full of personality. Everything he big sis does, she wants to do it too. They play a lot, but fight a lot too. But they do love each other tons!

Dada looks like a giant near the little creature! Love my husky husband! 

Let's Fly a Kite

I was so proud of our little girl this morning as she performed in her first ballet recital! I was kind of emotional  (no tears, but almost) :>  I already know I'm going to be a mess in her high school graduation!!  She looked beautidul and she was so excited!!

These are the "before" pictures. We got there really early bc we wanted to get good seats and didn't want to stand in line forever.

So cute posing!

I was afraid I wasn't going be able to get good pix of her during the recital since they had a "no flash" rule. So, I took some of her before it started. 

This is during the actual recital. She was a bit shy at first. Her class was the 3rd one to perform and they danced to the song: "Let's Fly a Kite".

Then she got rid of the stage fright!

Every ballerina deserves a bouquet of flowers after performing!

I was so glad my Mom was able to go! She "illegally" filmed  while I took pictures. :>

Dada with his girls

Can't wait for next year! We're going to have 2 ballerinas performing!!


Now two last pictures in black and white that I forgot to upload...

I love her face in this picture. This is SO her!