the 4th

(notice: Benton in the background covering his ears during the fireworks.)

Yes, we celebrate the 4th of July in Mexico. 

Our dear friends hosted a fantastic party for all of us Americans. There was great food, people, a bike parade, an appearance by George Washington to remind us why we celebrate the 4th, and fireworks. It was a wonderful way to celebrate the 4th of July.

I just love the beautiful sky in the background of some of these pictures.

We were poured on minutes before this BBQ was about to begin.

But, the weather was perfect for all the festivities and the sky was breathtaking. 

Happy 4th of July!

Tori's 9th

 Tori turned 9 this week. She woke up to a new bike...chocolate mousse cake for breakfast...and a day filled with bike riding and swimming.

 Tori you are such a great help to me. You love taking care of Ada and you are very good at it. You are such a responsible girl and I can always count on you.

 You were chosen to be the oldest of our family for a reason. We wouldn't have it any other way. We love you so so much.

 Your excitement for your new bike made all your siblings so excited to ride their bikes and that is what you've been doing all week long...from sun up to sun down.

 Letting you ride around town made me nervous at first but then I realized that you aren't my tiny baby anymore. You are a responsible girl...growing into a young lady.

 Your sisters and brother love you so much. Happy Birthday Tori!

HATCH REUNION- COLORADO

 Tori was lucky enough to ride down with Uncle Frank and Aunt Cathy to meet up with Grandma and Grandpa Hatch for the Hatch Family Reunion.  She had so much fun. The first day they participated in an "Amazing Race."

 The second day they got to go the lake. Tori got to go Jet Skiing.

The third day they went to Denver, Colorado's Water World. She is having a great time staying up until 1:00am every night for "platica." She is really enjoying the Hatch "ambiente". We miss her around here but she said she hasn't had enough fun to come home yet.

Alex's first gymnastics competition

Spring Board

Bar

Beam

Floor

Awards

Tori's Party

Tori's birthday falls on a month where everyone leaves town to start their summer vacations.

I've learned to have her party a few weeks early to catch all her class mates before they part ways for the summer.

Tori had a ANGRY BIRD pinata...donuts...water balloons...and ice cream.

It was fun for the kids to get out of class early and celebrate with Tori.

Terrible, horrible, NO good, very bad...morning

This morning my beloved 19 month old spilled water all over the floor...

dumped out my drawer of plastic dishes...

dropped a glass of milk...

bathed herself in brownie batter...

spilled eggs on the floor...

wiped her face on my pant leg...

all while I was preparing breakfast!

Then I opened the oven to check on my chocolate chip zucchini brownies only to discover that the center was not cooked through...and I dropped my knife right into the baking brownies. It sunk down to the bottom of the pan. 

The wonderfully playful dog has also left us a beautiful landscape of chewed up garbage covering our entire yard!

Lovely day!

And it's only 7:30AM!

Class Ceremony

 Benton completed his first go-round of Pre-School.
Everyday he would insist on packing a treat for everyone in his class.

They held a little ceremony... Luau... really.

They performed a darling dance then received their certificate of completion. 

 Then they all jumped in the pool and enjoyed a nice lunch prepared by the parents.

Congratulations my little Graduate!