A Whole New Meaning to Thankful

Our first real road trip is now behind us. For about the past 10 years, for Thanksgiving we fly to Chicago and spend it with Matt's parents, brother, sister-in-law and nieces. But with two more bodies to pay for, flying was not an economical choice. So we took to the highway for a 9-hour trek. Truly, the kids did great, or at least as good as we could expect. Andres was the only one who got a little antsy about an hour outside of Chicago. And when he gets antsy or tires, he jabbers non-stop and says "Mami" or "Papi" a lot. When you turn around and ask, "What?" he simply replies with a big grin or shrugs his shoulders and turns his hands over, palm-side up as if to say, "I don't know." Cute the first few times. But once you hit about 15-20 "Mami's" or "Papi's" well, I'll just leave it as it's cute at first. ;)

The kids loved the city and I think Luke was very excited to show them around. He did such a great job explaining what everything was and really kept Maria and Andres interested. Besides seeing Matt's family, the highlight of the trip had to be taking the kids downtown and seeing the Macy's window displays that move. It was topped off with a long, but worth it, wait (1 1/2 hours) to see Santa. But it was unlike any Santa visit I certainly ever had! We were in a room all by ourselves with Santa and could take as long as we needed (hence, the 1 1/2 hour wait). I was worried that we would wait all that time and the two little ones would be afraid of Santa. But here's another case where I think having a big brother's lead to follow helped tremendously. They both jumped right up on his lap and told Santa what they wanted. (Ok, we helped a little--well, a lot!). Then, Santa gave the three kids a lecture about how they needed to be good, etc. We LOVED that Santa! To top it all off, they got a GREAT picture with him--a rarity.

Luke and I were afforded the opportunity to fly back to KC to go to the Kansas vs. Missouri game with my dad. (Thanks, Dad!) And I am proud to say that my Jayhawks definitely made our red-eye flight home worth it! (We had to leave for the airport at 6:15am) There is no greater defeat than the one over a Missouri Tiger. Well, the NCAA title game against Memphis was pretty darn close.

Since Thanksgiving, we continue to be entertained by our children. Maria's dance class had their first watch night, and of course, she was adorable. I was shocked at how well she did. Just by watching her, you would never know that Spanish is her native language. She understands everything so well and follows directions beautifully. Now, if she speaks, well, there's no doubt that she's learning English, but she is trying SOOO hard! Luke has started his first year of basketball and he is outstanding. Although he is the smallest on the team, he plays like one of the bigger kids. His defense is fantastic and I believe he was one of the high rebounders in his first game. As I have said before, don't be surprised if you hear about a pesky little 5'9 guard from Olathe, Kansas, making the Jayhawks basketball team. (A mom can dream, right!!??) Andres isn't actually "involved" in anything but trouble. :0 He is extremely curious about everything. He's already broken two ornaments on the Christmas tree just trying to look at them and take it all in. Unfortunately, his #1 vocabulary word right now is "no." But I think I have also thoroughly confused him as I keep asking him, "Are you supposed to say no to Mami?" Well, the poor thing wants to say "no" but I just told him not to. He looks at me with this face like, "What is wrong with this lady?" His second favorite, and newest word acquisition is "mine." Oh yeah, we are clearly in the terrific two stage (with threes just a few months away). Still no interest at all in potty training. He did tell me he dirtied his diaper the other day. I thought that was a breakthrough, but he's not done it again.

We continue to thank God each and every day with our three, beautiful children. Maybe throwing in the holiday craziness has helped but we are finally starting to feel the demand of having three kids--tired a lot, everyone is getting used to each other and more sibling antics are going on. However, I would have it no other way. This is such a blessed time right now and we are looking so forward to celebrating the birth of Christ with all three kids. It will definitely be a Christmas to remember. We hope yours will be, too!

Maria has so much fun with her cousin Kate and talks about her all the time

Luke adores his cousins

Isn't she a beautiful, little girl?

As good of a family photo as we can get. Dre rarely cooperates.

Watching the Thanksgiving Day Parade in the hotel room

Maria's first subway excursion in Chicago

Andres enthralled with one of the windows at Macy's

Another in front of one of the windows at Macy's with Cousin Kate

Nana Judy and her girls

Santa

My two elves helping to put out the Christmas decorations.

Dance watch night

The one person who makes Maria's face light up like no other--Tio Todd

First basketball game was a success: 34-20

Dre helping Papa Bill celebrate his birthday