Portland

This past week Julio, Samuel and I went to Portland, Oregon. We were there for the Covenant Church's Annual Meeting. Julio and I were there to work, while Sam enjoyed the time playing. Julio was recruited to translate for Spanish-speaking participants during the morning and evening worship services. I was coordinating the nursery and helping to oversee the administrative part of the children's ministry. They were long days and nights (8am-9:30pm) but it was a great time to see old friends and meet new ones.

Sam was in the nursery with me and loved playing with all the new toys and new friends. I'm so thankful for our friend Tabitha who came from Chicago to help me out! Sam did great traveling and adjusted quickly to the time difference, which was a blessing.

Sam enjoyed the nursery all to himself the first day

Playing with his new friend, Tyler

We're all a little tired and now trying to do laundry and get ready for our big trip to Colombia.

Gymnastics

So in looking for different ways to keep Sam active and busy this summer, my friends told me about the mom's, pop's and tot's gymnastic glass that the Chicago Park District runs. It's one hour a week for 8 weeks and it basically gives kids a chance to explore, interact, and exercise.

Samuel had his first class last Mon. night and I was a little nervous as I didn't know how he'd react to being with a big group of kids in a new place as he can be a little shy. But, from the moment we got in the gym his eyes lit up and he had a permanent smile on his face. He had so much fun! He tried everything. He loved jumping on the mats, swinging on the rings, bouncing on the trampoline, etc. Julio and I were exhausted just trying to keep up with him.

He would say "bounce, bounce" as he walked across the trampoline

We had our second class on Mon. and once again Sam had a blast. He did better at following the teacher's instructions and practicing somersaults. It's so much fun watching him grow and learn new things.

Birthday Weekend

On June 5th, Julio celebrated his birthday! So mom and dad came from Minnesota for the weekend to help us celebrate. We had a great time together and Sam loved having his grandparent's undivided attention.

Being silly with grandpa's hat

My parents watched Sam all day Friday, while Julio and I worked. Then later that evening I took Julio out to celebrate his birthday while Sam hung out with his grandparents. We went out to have some yummy Colombian food and then off to an outdoor concert at Ravinia. It was a perfect night to be outdoors!

Playing at the park with grandpa

Our favorite Colombia Restaurant - Sabor a Cafe

Julio enjoying his dinner

Enjoying the concert - I love the musical Camelot!

Then on Saturday we all celebrated together with a yummy home-cooked brunch! Later that afternoon we went over to celebrate another birthday, Sam's friend, Josiah, turned 2. Julio continued the birthday celebration later that night by watching the Colombia/Argentina soccer game with our friend Kavan.

Sam and Josiah love to hug! Sam calls him "Siah"

Lot's of birthday fun at Josiah's

It was a busy weekend and it went by really fast. They always do!