Catchin' Up with Us

Wow, It has been a crazy past couple of months! We have had so much happen and done so much. I don’t even know where to begin. Since the last post in late June so much has happened and we have pictures of all of it. So, sit back, relax, and be ready for some pictures and a brief recollection of events.

Fourth of July:

Over the July fourth holiday (Insurrection Day as it is known across the pond), Rachel visited from Seattle and Katie came down from Chicago. We were at the pool for most of the time and had a good time just hanging out and getting some sun. Xavi liked the fireworks, more of the lights in the sky than the actual sound. But he enjoyed the 4^th and the visitors we had.

Jeremy, Shannon, Irene and Isaac Visited:

The Iwaszkowiec contingent from Kentucky came and visited on their way back home from Minnesota. It was good to have visitors and Xavi loved to have Irene and Isaac in his house to play with. Xavi and Isaac are sure to get into lots of trouble in a couple of years.

Family Picnic in Chicago:

At the end of July we headed up to Chicago for the annual family picnic. We had a good time seeing everyone and although Manday was cancelled, we had a fun party at Ruth and Tracey’s complete with singing, dancing, and overall great times. Xavi got sick over the weekend and so he wasn’t his usual self but did like seeing everyone.

Lydia and Neuza came for a Visit:

Lydia and Neuza came down for a visit and to go pick some peaches and blackberries. They stayed with us and it was a nice time. Xavi enjoyed the extra people to pay attention to him and really liked picking blackberries as they were right at his height.

Apple Picking in September:

In September we went back across the river to pick some more fruit, this time for apples. It was a long trip and a long day. It started off great, but the place was packed! It led to a lot of lines, hot, and Carlos tried to multiply the food that he bought and it didn’t work, so half of our party was hungry.

Xavi at the Botanical Gardens:

Xavi loves to go to the St. Louis Botanical Gardens are run around like a crazy person. It has lots of paths and fun things to look at and play on. He has been a few times and enjoys it every time he goes. Who knew?

Xavi attended his first official sporting event:

We went to some soccer games for AC St. Louis. Xavi really did well. The first game we went to with him was very hot and Xavi was a hot, sweaty mess by the time we left. He wandered around soccer park like I did when I was younger and had to watch Jeremy play, you wanted to run around and play. The second time was much cooler but he still was adamant about running around. I came prepared and brought a little soccer ball for him to kick around. It was great. He liked to cheer, clap and stomp as well. I am glad he likes soccer, which is good. I hope it continues.

Xavi too has started painting, playing with rice, and playdoh. Think it might be more fun for mom right now. Its great having kids and having an ''excuse'' to do the things we loved as kids.

We love our new house and have really enjoyed getting it the way we want and having all of our visitors, but I think Jeff's favorite part is the backyard and the fires we've been having. Xavi will sit with Jeff and they will quietly look at the stars. It's not often we can get Xavi to sit quietly.

Lastly, we just got back from Seattle and you can read a great post about the trip from Rachel’s blog on Soaring in Seattle (linked on the side). We will have our version up soon, but wanted to throw up a “Catch Up” post before we got into all that entailed. Enjoy the pictures!