Happy Holidays!

So we are back from our Holiday Hiatus. So much to write... Where to begin? Let's see.....

Bella's Birthday
So she is finally 3! She thinks she is now big people. She had an Ariel birthday party but in true Bella fashion she left her birthday party to have a nap, a 3 hour nap! That's my Bella.
She specifically ordered a yellow cake with chocolate frosting with Strawberries on top with sprinkles and Ariel. She was so happy. Luckily she had cake before she fell asleep.

Christmas
We spent Christmas Eve at Ramiro's grandma's house during the daytime making tamales. Ramiro and I both got promotions this year in the hierarchy of tamale making, ascending to masa maker and meat filler. We were so exhausted that evening. But I, having self-promoted myself dare not say a word.
That night was spent with my family and a traditional Puerto Rican Christmas dinner. Roasted pig, Rice and Pigeon peas and pasteles (Puerto Rican tamales made with plantains instead of corn) Notice no veggies were served. We skipped the traditional Yuca... which Ramiro endearingly calls "Yuck-A" My mom and dad were in Peru this Christmas so we figured.....

Christmas Day was low key. The girls were amazed that Santa ate all of the cookies that they had left. They tore through their gifts. Gaby was super excited about her McDonald's Cash Register. "It was just what I wanted" Never mind that he also brought her a bike. Bella was happy with her Graco set for her doll. Now her baby also has a swing, a car seat and a high chair. Maybe now she'll leave my baby alone.

The Nutcracker
The girls and I went to see the Nutcracker Ballet this season. Saying that they loved it would be an understatement. I don't know what was worth the money more. Watching the girls literally sit on the edge of their seat or watching Gaby get up and dance ballet during the Snow Queen's solo. Gaby of all people!

New Year's
New Year's Eve was as exciting as you would expect from people that have 3 kids 4 and under. We went to Ramiro's grandma's again. This time for Mexican Bunelos (elephant ears) and hot chocolate. We were home in time to ring in the New Year. What were we doing when the clock struck 12? Ramiro was upstairs with Gaby who had woken up from a bad dream and I was online ordering our Six Flags season passes for a discounted price since the offer expired 12/31/06. Yep... we lead a glamorous life!

So thus ends another holiday season. This weekend we will be celebrating Three Kings Day, Puerto Rican tradition where the children receive more gifts to honor the day when the 3 kings gave Jesus the 3 gifts. Hey, anything to keep the party going!