Wednesday, April 16

Catching up...

I haven't been on the computer much lately, but dedicated this evening to playing catch up. Surprisingly, I haven't missed it as much as I thought. It's good to have a computer break for a few days. Makes me realize there is so much else that can and should be done with my time. (I just used the word "much" way too much!!)

So, since I have been catching up with my Texas friends online, I will also catch all of you up on our life...

Life is good here! We have been thoroughly enjoying our new home. It's spacious, which is a blessing & a curse. The kids are scared to go in one part of the house by themselves and yet, it's nice to have all the extra room. But, I'm sure it will all become familiar to them eventually.

Most days after Nick gets out of school, this is the scene here:
And I love it!

Typically, 3 out of the 5 school days, we have atleast 3-4 additional kids come spend the afternoon here. It's great! The kids have a blast together & they completely wear themselves out. Sam & I have always desired for our home to be fun for our kids & their friends. It's so easy at this young stage in their life, but as the kiddos get older, I pray their friends continue to want to come to our home to hang out. One of my favorite quotes is a line from Yours, Mine and Ours: "Homes are for free expression, not for good impression." Amen!

And, speaking of homes... we had a small housewarming party last weekend. We invited a few friends over for a cookout. The kids had a blast playing & swimming in the backyard. We are truly blessed with wonderful friends here in Subic!

Three Superhero Friends

Karaoke Time

Nick & Cade - Best Buds

ABC Song Concert

We have also been taking advantage of the great beach weather! Nothing like spending a lazy Sunday afternoon chilling out at the beach only 15 minutes away!!

Espinosa Family - Sunset at Camayan Beach, Subic Bay

Kids Dancing on Stage

Beach Bums at Sunset

There are so many national holidays in the Philippines, and we just recently took advantage of another one by taking the kiddos to a nearby water park. This is our second visit to this park & it is so worth the very cheap admission fee. I foresee many more trips this summer!

Nick & Cade

Rebekah & Sydney - Waiting for Samuel to come shooting out of the water slide

Cade & Samuel

And, of course, we couldn't go too long without another lovely mishap from my most graceful child, Nicholas! You know it can't be good when the school nurse hunts you down & finally calls your cell phone... after calling home & after calling Sam at work. Unfortunately, I was playing tennis & left my phone in the car. Lesson learned. So, when I arrived to get Nick at school that afternoon, this is what he proudly showed me:

Apparently, he fell off some climbing apparatus in the playground & took a nasty fall to the head. What else is new? His teacher was so worried that I would be upset about it. I assured her that this is just par for the course... 2 sets of stitches; a black, possibly dead tooth; countless black eyes; numerous raised knots on his head; a gazillion cuts, bruises, scrapes, etc. As I have always said from the moment Nick started walking, the child will trip on air! People think I'm just being silly or exaggerating. I promise, I am NOT!

The kids have all had school presentations lately, which have been so cute! As soon as I can get some video downloaded, I will post them on here. Nicholas played the part of the "Jealous Advisor" in the story of Daniel in the Lion's Den. And, he was adorable! The twins just put on a play today called, "Neighbors in Space". It was all about the Solar System. Sydney was cast as planet Saturn & Samuel was cast as planet Uranus. (Poor guy. His parents are so immature & kept giggling every time he practiced his lines.) They all did great & impressed me by even getting up on stage in the first place. They are all coming out of their shells beautifully!

One last priceless picture of Nicholas...
He is the absolute cutest cowboy I know!

6 comments:

Heather said...

So glad things are going well. I had been wondering about you guys!!

Feeny Family said...

Hi Mrs. Espinosa! I loved looking at the pictures of all the kids and seeing what you all are up to.:-) Glad that you are enjoying your house and everyone out in Subic. Hopefully we can see you next time you come to the water park here.:-)
Take care!
~Meagan

Lynn Leaming said...

Loved getting to catch up with all the pictures. The beach looks beautiful. The kids are just growing so fast. Give them a hug for me.

Stephanie said...

It's so good to read your update! Your house looks beautiful! I'm glad you guys are doing well!

Lindsay said...

Looks like you are just having a fabulous time anywhere you are. That is so awesome you live so close to the beach - and invite so many over to your house. What an amazing blessed experience you are having. We look forward to your return - thanks for keeping us updated on your life.

Akilez said...

I hope Nicholas feels better.