The Cookie Helpers
I had help making cookies Saturday evening! We have a little ritual when making cookies. First everyone has to wash hands very well. Next we have to taste the chocolate chips to make sure they are "good". Then I give a little ball of dough to each child to shape the cookie and place it on the baking sheet. When we finish, they can lick the sweet cookie dough that has lingered on their fingers while the cookies are in the oven baking. Last, the hands must be washed very well again. Later cookies and milk (or coffee for the adults) are enjoyed by all.

Last weekend was sunny and spring-like. Then the weather changed Monday morning, as it sometimes does just as we think spring is on the way. It began to snow and almost everything was closed down that day. Tony often went outside to take care of the driveway but I was inside the house. Tuesday was a little milder and then this morning it was snowing again. Tony took some pictures:

Winter in Michigan is very long so we like to get away to a warm place for awhile. Last week we spent in Playa del Carmen in Mexico. Our hotel was the Riu Playacar and it was excellent. The sea was so beautiful; food was delicious; such a lovely escape from the snow and ice at home. We spent our days relaxing, enjoying the sea, eating too much, taking long walks, and reading. Now we return to real life!

We spent the weekend with Cathy and Scarlett.


Scarlett is very sweet with Grandpa

Scarlett and her mommy














We always like to read books together

Today we went to the Auto Show in Detroit. The cars looked so beautiful! Ford and Toyota had especially impressive displays. General Motors and Honda looked good; Chrysler's cars were minimal with not much new going on. Here are some pictures of Tony enjoying himself. The Auto Show is kind of like a big toy store for men.

We went to the park and Alejandra enjoyed swinging. Gabriel can be seen in the background.

We're enjoying some wonderful days with Marta, Gabriel, and Alejandra. (Steve is on a business trip this week.) The weather is beautiful. It is usually 80 to 85 degrees in the daytime but there is always a comfortable breeze. Evenings are cooler, usually in the 60's. I think it's snowing at home!

Memories of Thanksgiving, 2009





Gabriel in the teepee




The table is ready.






We had a very special dessert.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Here are some of our Thanksgiving foods.

During the taekwando class the instructor invited the fathers to join their sons in a match. Steve is in a blue shirt toward the back of the group. He and Gabe enjoyed taekwando together.

We enjoyed visiting Gabe's tae kwan do class. Here he is in his uniform. Doesn't he look awesome?

Here's Marta modeling some new dresses. Isn't she pretty?

We are so lucky to get away from Michigan's colder weather and spend some time in southern Florida with Steve, Marta, Gabe, and Alejandra.



I was invited to a Thanksgiving celebration at Gabe's school.

The Runners

Saturday was a beautiful day, warm and sunny for November. We enjoyed some time at Cascades Park.

Tyler and Matt enjoy each other so much. Ty is almost ready to crawl and can either roll all over the room or pull himself by his arms. I was thinking that the next time I see them, Tyler will be walking. Kelly and Tom are really busy with these two delightful little boys!

We just spent a wonderful weekend with Tom and Kelly at the lake house enjoying Matt and Tyler.

Wherever I go, I find children happy to help with cookie making:







Grandpa has a talent for getting babies to take their naps:








Matt and Tyler are so cute together:












The most beautiful smile in the world: