Christmas with the Isazas

I still find it hard to believe that Christmas has come and gone and 2010 is just around the corner. I'm not ready (probably because it means I'm closer to being a year older!). Christmas at our house was pretty low-key this year, which was actually nice. I haven't had a lot of energy and was grateful we didn't have to travel anywhere. My mom was with us and the plan was for the rest of the family to join us, but due to the terrible weather they ended up staying in Minnesota. So, that was sad, but at least we got to see each other over the computer and Sam could show off his new toys.



Christmas Eve we went to a local church and enjoyed some Christmas carols and the telling of the Christmas story. Sam was so excited because his friend Josiah was there...they continued to talk and giggle together throughout the service. Sam loved lighting the candles and singing "Silent Night." After church, our friend Damaris, and her children came over for a home cooked meal. We enjoyed our time together and the boys were crazy chasing after each other. It was a nice evening.




Christmas morning we woke up and took our time settling into the living room to open presents and Skype with the family in Minnesota. Sam now understands what to do when something is wrapped and enjoyed tearing into his (and others') gifts. We spent the morning being lazy and went to a friend's house for lunch. Our friends Arwa and Jeremy were so kind to invite us over to their house and they had made an amazing meal. We enjoyed our time with them and their family.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Wishing our friends and family a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

The guitar

Sam received a guitar for his birthday and he loves to jam out. Here's a little video we took. He actually looks like he knows what he's doing.

Christmas fun - Part 3

Since Julio was in Colombia, my mom came to Chicago to help take care of Sam while I was at work. Sam has been in heaven with his grandma here! So have I as it's given me much needed time to rest! Here are some of the highlights from our time together!

Mom and I went to see the Joffery Ballet's Nutcracker

Sam loves doing yoga with grandma and he's actually pretty good at it

Grandma took Sam out to play after our first real snowfall of the season

Enjoying the lights and animals at Lincoln Park Zoo!

Christmas fun - Part 2

The days leading up to Christmas have been full of activity! I've enjoyed some Christmas parties and outings with my co-workers. We had a nice Christmas dinner with some great entertainment and then a group of us was able to go downtown and check out the windows at Macy's and enjoy the Christkindlmarket. Luckily it wasn't too cold and enjoyed the chance to get out of the office.

Celina and I at the work Christmas Dinner

Sarah showing off her white elephant gift

Lunch at Berghoff's - classic

The window's at Macy's

Christkindlmarket!

Enjoying authentic german "snow balls" at Christkindlmarket

Christmas fun - Part 1

December has been FULL of Christmas festivities! And I have been bad about blogging about them. Seriously, there's been everything from cookie exchanges to friends hosting a dinner to downtown with my coworkers. Julio had our camera in Colombia (pictures of that to come), so I'm relying on friends to send me their pictures. Here are some from our cookie exchange! We had so many yummy cookies!! I contributed nutgoodies (think chocolate, peanuts, marshmallow!)





Photography courtesy of Sarah Johnson!

Sam's birthday party

Sam will be two on Friday! We simply can't believe how fast time has gone. Since Julio will be gone for his birthday we decided to do a small party last weekend. We had some friends over for pizza, cake and ice cream. It was a train theme, since Sam's been into trains lately. The only thing homemade was the train cake that I made. Sam was in his element. He was sooooooo happy! Of course his friend Josiah was there and the two of them adore each other, so they spent the evening playing and laughing. We're so thankful for our friends who joined us and who have been such a significant part of Sam's life.

These two have so much energy

These two little girls were oblivious to the crazy boys running around them!

Sam and his train cake

So many cool presents

Sam and Josiah playing nicely

Playing with papa after everyone else had left

Motorcycle

When we were in Minnesota, Sam tried on my brother's old motorcycle helmet. I couldn't quite tell if he liked it or not. The other day I was working on lunch when I hear Sam behind me say, "Motor cycle." He had found one of my big round tupperware containers and put it on his head. Then he went racing down the hall to find his little car (which is now a motor cycle). This is what it looked like.

Gingerbread House

Last week the seminary had a great Christmas dinner, which included the opportunity to make gingerbread houses. I was a little doubtful that Sam would get into it, but I was wrong. He loved putting the candy on the house. He carefully placed each M & M and marshmallow. It was so cute. Thanks to our friend Rachel for these fun pictures.

Happy Birthday

While in Minnesota, we seized the opportunity to throw a birthday party for my mom, who's birthday is today! Happy Birthday!

Thanks to my dad and brother, the details of the party came together and we had a great time visiting with family and friends who came to celebrate.

Here are some photos to commemorate the celebration.

Thanksgiving in Minnesota

It's still so hard for me to believe that Thanksgiving has come and gone! I'm watching the snow come down and wondering where time has gone. We had a great Thanksgiving in Minnesota this year. We flew which cut down on lots of the stress of travel and we were able to enjoy more time with family and friends.


My parents hosted Thanksgiving and it was a full table. Besides my brother and his wife, my Grandma Alice and Aunt Patti came, and a family that my dad knows from the program he volunteers at "Say Yes." Sam was not the only child, but had to share his toys with 3 other kids. It was a great time of eating, resting, playing pictionary, enjoying the fire in the fireplace. Of course my favorite part was the apple pie and ice cream :)





The day after Thanksgiving we pretty much just chilled. Sam helped grandma and grandpa put up their Christmas tree. We got a nap in and then got to see our friends the Schachteles. Sam was enthralled with all of Althea's toys. While he didn't pay much attention to her, he's been randomly saying her name ever since we got home. That night Julio and I even got out to see a movie - a real date! It is so wonderful to have grandparents around :)

SuperSam and the scouts

So, for the fall festival at the Seminary, Sam dressed up as Superman. Although we decided "SuperSam" was more appropriate. He was hilarious in his costume...he definitely played the part! My mom is here so she got to enjoy the party as well.

Striking a pose

Being silly with daddy

Playing with his partner in crime, Josiah

Playing some game...he loved the ping pong balls

Running with Grandma

Julio and I also decided to dress up this year and join our friends for their annual party. Julio wasn't too sure, but the Yees were kind enough to loan us some costumes...that Julio felt weren't too over the top :) So, we were the boy scout and the brownie.

SNL was the theme and Kavan, was "Omeletteville"

Liz always has such great costumes...she was Brian Fellows (Safari Planet)