On Friday, Joela turned 2. She had 15 friends along with family members come to her Dora-themed birthday party on Friday. We had it in a recently painted room. Everyone colored a Dora page to give to her. They ate snacks and received little Dora prizes. Joela liked the games we played and the gifts she received. After a nice traditional lunch prepared by Mama Luz, I cut the cake (first one I´ve ever baked and decorated) and Joela ate her first ever piece of cake. It was fun. Happy Birthday, Little Girl!

Photos with Papa Jorge, Mama Luz, Abuelito (he and Joela are good buddies), and some of Josué´s siblings and their families. Joela played with her first sparklers.

Josué and I loved having Joela decorate the tree with us (there are a lot of ornaments on the bottom branches)! She put up the cloth nativity set and enjoyed rocking Baby Jesus and having the others, including the camel and sheep, kiss Him! Two years ago she was in the womb, last year in the States; it´s special when it´s your own home and traditions. Even if it´s hot! I baked cookies (for the family and for my literature class). We read some Christmas stories, sang carols, and talked about Baby Jesus using the crèche.

We opened some of the presents. Then we took a walk, Joela on her new tricycle, to Mama Luz´s house (thankfully the day was overcast). That evening, our Club kids presented their choreographies and carols at another church, so Mama Luz, Oscar, Joela and I tagged along to support them. At midnight, the whole Ahuite family ate dinner together, welcoming in the birth of Jesus. We handed out presents.

Christmas morning, we finished opening presents (sent by my mom and Denise) and watched Dora´s Christmas. We made a gingerbread house, spent time with family, played with Joela´s new toys, and rested.

Thanks to all who sent Christmas cards to us and to sponsored children.

We are getting ready to light some sparklers. And preparing for a lot of loud noise in just a few hours. Happy New Years 2013! May you be blessed with a deeper walk with Christ this new year.

Hover your mouse over the photos to see the kids´ names.

Oscar enjoyed his Christmas present, from his sponsors–new shoes!