Our Lady of Guadalupe

James and I joined our neighbor friends for a performance in the big city! The "In the Heart of the Beast" puppet theatre held a performance at the Minneapolis Basilica. It told the story of Juan Diego and the Virgin appearing to him.

 

But first these Aztec dancers thrilled us with their dance and drumming. I've seen them dance before but just a few dancers at a time. This must have been the entire company plus their children. Huge ensemble.

I was okay taking pictures of the Aztec pre-performance but I put away my camera for the actual play. I wish the other people had... Slight vent... When did it become okay to take many, many pictures and not enjoy something? And with flash! My son was learning from these people. He asked me twice for my camera so he could take pictures, seeing all the other people doing it. No.

A few more pictures AFTER the play.

 

The puppet characters were interesting. Real people under there, very artsy. The play was bilingual, but really more Spanglish.

 

I'm glad we went! We had fun with the Solbergs!

 

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Spelling

I really concentrated on helping James study for his spelling tests when I saw a low score come home in his folder. I didn't realize at that time that it was a pre-test I was seeing, and not an accurate reflection of his performance at school.

So we studied. He copied his list and we read through the words several times.

 

 

He did well again!

 

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The month of Sneaky

I miss Sneaky.

But then I don't.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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San Diego Vacation, Day 4

We weren't expected at Tia Kiki's until the early afternoon so Jim took us to the Cabrillo National Park. James really enjoyed exploring. I really enjoyed seeing the ocean and seeing the smiles on my boys' faces.

Family selfie!

 

I wasn't appropriately dressed for exploring sand cliffs and tide pools so I relaxed at the top of the hill while the boys climbed down with the crowd to see the tide pools. (I have seen a thousand tide pools in my childhood. I do regret not seeing James' face as he explored though.)

 

 

 

The boys are waving.

 

 

Jimmy should have been a model (:

 

 

 

 

 

Later at Tia Kiki's...

Our San Diego family came to see us. Grandpa Frank, Grandma Julie, Jamie (my stepsister), Carrie (stepsister), her husband Vern and their son Cameron, my Grandma Rachel and Grandpa Frank, and of course Tia Kiki and Tio Berto hosted. There was a great BBQ and plenty to eat!

I didn't take pictures throughout the day (I kinda forgot) but I did snap a few at our goodbyes.

James and Great-Grandma Rachel.

 

James and Great-Grandpa Frank

 

 

Me, Grandma Rachel, and James. (I look like a giant!)

 

James and Grandpa Frank

 

Tia Kiki and James

 

Sorry I didn't capture more!

We had a great time with our familia. I loved that Grandma Rachel only spoke Spanish to James and he understood much of it. He was super well-mannered. Tio Berto kept him busy enough with a cool Lego program on his computer, but I know he really enjoyed the time spent with his family. He has learned that family is the most important thing- better than toys, video games, anything!

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