Little copycat

This little one sat down at the piano this morning with her little play phone right after Austin sat at his desk. When Gloria and I started talking near her, she turned around and gently shushed us, "Shhh, I am in my morning meeting." She was leaning over her phone pretending to concentrate on her meeting. SO CUTE!

 

 

Food bank again

We were finally able to make it to the food bank again with our neighborhood group after some scheduling issues and the place closing for a week when an employee tested positive for COVID. It was a great experience, and we had such a bigger group that we finished in half the time!

 

 

 

Airsoft and Hex Bugs?

Caleb has been one of Stephen's best friends ever since he arrived accross the street from us 3 years ago. We didn't even finish exchanging names before the boys ran off and started playing! Sadly, his family is about to move to another country thanks to a new Air Force assignment. It will be a very sad time for our family. In the meantime, the boys have been soaking up all the together time they can. They also decided to do chores and bake sales together to earn money and buy toys together that they will divide up when Caleb leaves. These ended up being Airsoft guns (which Austin and I were originally opposed to but now that Stephen is familiar with gun safety we are allowing it) and Hex Bug sets. They are having tons of fun with both.
Luckily we have the perfect wooded park nearby for Airsoft wars...

 

 

 

Birthday fun

Cecilia's little friend around the corner had a birthday today. In effort to celebrate COVID-friendly, her mom rented a giant water slide to put in the front yard and allowed people to sign up for times to come in small groups. Everyone had so much fun!

Shooting adventure

This morning, Austin took Stephen, his friend Caleb, and his Dad to Somerville for shooting. They had a really fun time and came back all smiles and sore shoulders!

 

 

 

 

 Apparently, Caleb's dad is an incredible shot. He hit his target every single time! He was super sweet and treated the group to tex-mex for lunch afterward. What a nice outing for the guys.

Cooking together

I tried this "keto muffin" recipe Sunday that I renamed "mini quiche" because that is basically what it is. Then Mariana and I started brainstorming yummy flavor combinations like caprese or pepperjack and bell pepper, etc. So we decided to make some more together. They turned out delicious!

Fishing trip

Austin, Lito and Mariana went fishing again today. Mariana and I went shopping after their last trip and found a real fisher woman outfit for her. So pretty!

 

 

 

 

Apparently Austin was the only one to catch fish again (He is definitely Lolo's grandson)! But he decided not to keep them since they were on the small side and only 3 fish. Maybe next time!

Happy Independence Day!

We spent the 4th at Lito and Lita's house with Tia Becky and Mike. Anastasia opened her First Communion gift.

 Cecilia played with the AG dolls and swam like a fish.

A family game of Mexican railroad dominoes

 

Community service

I have been trying to think of a way for us to serve those around us in need during this unusual time (besides sewing masks which is not our forte). With all the activities cancelled, the older girls have a lot less opportunity. They usually do service activities with 4H. So we decided to volunteer at the local Food Bank every other week. They are super careful about keeping volunteer groups apart and safe. So it's a great chance for us. We even brought along a neighbor who really wanted to help too. We had our own room where we were sorting and bagging produce to be given out to needy families.