2010 - In a Nutshell

The best word to sum up our year is: Patience.

It has been a major year of change, learning curves, growth, and experience. As the three of us grow together, we continue to learn who we are as individuals and as a family unit. Patience is our “glue”.

It’s comforting to know that we all have a mutual respect, love, and admiration that make our family “work”. While our blog is mostly about all the things we do for our amazing son Benjamin – it only captures a fraction of our lives. It’s the little things like eating dinner at the table, going on family walks, enjoying a movie, reading books, or playing games that matter the most. Our lives continue to be fulfilled by our son’s curiosity, joy, and love.

Thank you Benjamin for bringing so much joy into our lives.

New change for 2011: The tone of our blog will change as Benjamin enters pre-school next month. It will be a big, positive change for all of us.

Now, we are off our soapbox and onto the details of a very busy last month of the year.

Brazil just got their first Gymboree franchise and so our little guy has been taking some art classes to burn some energy.
Benjamin and his friend Cole.



Needless to say, he had a blast.

We have a small “petting zoo” in our neighborhood.
They usual goats were not around the day we visited; however, Benjamin was thrilled to feed/see the bunnies.



Our neighborhood park.

What makes it so “Brazil” is the abundance of mango trees. We have been known to grab a mango off the tree for an after play snack.
A neat house for the kids to play.



When we tire of going to the beach, we play at home on our balcony. Plus, the clean up (aka - no sand) is a breeze.

Our condos were decorated with visions of snow which is cute, but comical, since it is so very, very warm here.


Benjamin was very curious about Santa this year. He couldn’t get enough visits with him. He was apprehensive at first, but he loved a peek, a visit, and photos with the big guy.

Papi's company hosted a children’s party with loads of swimming, food, and Santa. The day was warm but full of fun.

It's official: This is probably the world's "hottest" Santa. Note, Benjamin is in his summer gear.
Did Benjamin have fun? Indeed.

Finally - Christmas!

Benjamin left cookies and milk for Santa and carrots for the reindeer.
He was delighted to see they were eaten.
Discovering the train set he asked Santa for on a visit just a mere two days prior.


Stocking goodies!




Food:

El Pallomar. One of the few Mexican food restaurants in town.
This one has a façade that resembles Frida and Diego’s house now a Museum near Mexico City.
What we enjoy about the restaurant is that it offers a “close” attempt to Tex-Mex and an incredible view.

The soft techno music adds an interesting flair, relaxation as well.

Yes, time and time again – we have made references to Benjamin’s favorite yogurt shop. We go at the very minimum – once a week.

The cups pretty much sum up our blog entry well.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

We hope you have enjoyed a “peek” into our lives and will continue to join us as the adventure continues - this time in 2011.

Till next year.