2013 is almost over and I wish you could understand the words of "Viejo Año" a traditional Christmas song from the jungle I come from.
The song is sang to the present year, whom is sad because he is about to be all gone. It explains how people throw things away because they are old, and more so if they know a new one is coming. But the singer tells the year " Don't cry, have a drink (I'm assuming apple juice) I will remember you, for all the good times I had in your days"
Or something like that, I am awful at translating. It makes me think of this year and how in ways I am so glad it is over but in others I really don't want him to go. Just right after he leaves I will have to face the reality of my little tiny baby turning two. Why does she have to grow up? if we put a penny in a jar for every time she makes us honestly happy (and by us I mean the rest of the people in the house) we would put Donald Trump to shame.
2013 Has been great on Luisa, her ability to express herself is unbelievable. Her vocabulary is impressive and she is not afraid to use it. She has the ability to understand a command, if she is really upset because we are not giving her something, we can look at her and explain why, and how we are going to make sure she is ok, and just like that she says "Okay Mommy" and goes on with being happy. She loves for everyone to take turns, specially when Daddy is hugging and kissing everyone goodbye before he goes to work. She adores her sisters and knows that they will do anything to make her happy.
She is very friendly and shy at the same time. She is very polite, always saying thank you and please (although this week has been crazy the opposite, a phase, right?) She loves to go to our Grocery store and look at the fresh fish. Her excitement is unreal, she squeals, she laughs and cries all at the same time. She says "fishy fishy, hello fishy, how are you? go night night" so much that the fisherman gave her a little dead fish in a bag to keep!
We love her, everything and anything she does, we love her and are so blessed to have her in our lives.
2013 has been the year of discovery for Victoria, she found out that not only Elena is book worm. She has an amazing teacher who gave her confidence and tools to read with fluency. She's also discovered the art of writing, she makes notes all the times to us, letting us know how much she loves us. She also makes signs when she is upset with us and let us know her feelings and posts them on the walls. She loves to write menus for our meals and make cards for her friends. She's also found that she is pretty good at drawing. She has attention to detail and makes the funnies portraits of our family and what is happening around her.
She likes playing with boys as much if not better than with girls and has discovered that boys are more fun because they are not as "fussy" She loves hugs and is absolutely addicted to sugar. She's grown but loves to be the baby whenever I ask. She's discovered the fun in riding a bike, but mainly on taking "family" bike rides.
She is a blessing to our family, she brings us together and reminds us that all we have to do is "Believe we can do it, and then we will be able to do it"
2013 has been the year of keeping up for Elena. She has too keep up with the demands of her baby sister ( "Enaa read this book, this book!), with the demands of her younger sister (Elena play with me please!), with the demands of her mother (Elena, put your clothes away, pick up your books, fill up the pitchers, hug me, cuddle with me!!), with the demands of her daddy ( Elena did you read all the books of the world yet?), demands from her teacher (Elena do all this homework) and much much more.
She joined the swim team for her school and loved every minute of it. She's improved a lot and is excited to keep practicing. She loves to snorkel with her Dad and play the piano. You can always find books around the house with the most interesting things in them as book marks. One time I found a shoe inside her book as a book mark!
She loves doing everything, she loves her friends and playing with them, she loves to sing in the choir and she loves to cook. She is amazing in every possible way, and she makes us so proud every day.
This year she's been heartbroken, her little best friend has moved away and just found out her other best friend is leaving next year. She is dealing with it in a healthy way and is making plans to keep in contact with them.
This year she's turned 8 years old and she has been baptized. It was such a special day and she made it herself absolutely unforgettable.
We love you Elena, thank you for being such a good example to all of us.
2013 has been the year of David. I don't have g turned 30! I've grown my hair all the way down to my waist! I've quit drinking milk, I've done a small triathlon, and I've been teaching the girls the Beattle's songs
What I've loved the most has been watching my little people be, watch them laugh, watch them overcome their obstacles. I can say that I am happy with my life.
2013 is almost over and before it goes we want to tell you, thank you for being part of our lives, thank you for your love and support. May the new year bring you even more joy than 2013 did (even though he tried hard).
Have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!!
And may you remember to write 2014 on your checks instead of 2013 :-)
(do you still write checks?!)
With Love,
David,Belky, Elena and Victoria.
