Fun times with the Piro family and Bibi's brother & fam

We had a great time in Buenos Aires staying with the Piro family and also doing a bit of Christmas shopping with Bibi's brother, wife Sandra and baby on the way, Giuliano.

Blessing five families for Christmas

Our latino group pulled together lots of gifts and delivered them to five needy families in the comunity. All of our kids participated in the event and they handed out the gifts themselves. Everyone was very blessed!

Catching up! Pierson Christmas 2010

Before flying down to Argentina for two months, we enjoyed a beutiful Christmas with Ampee & Amee at their home. We all had a very merry Christmas ...

Relaxed Sunday at home

We have a new guest resident in our home for a few short months. Her name is Carolina Trisca, a fellow Argentine currently residing with her family in Montemorelos, Mexico. Her boyfriend, Nestor Celaya, is a native Visalian and they've been dating for about a year. She is visiting Visalia for a few months, taking ESL classes and learning as much as she can about this culture. We're super excited about having Caro living with us until the end of November.

Last weekend in August - Camping at San Onofre Beach Campgrounds

Last weekend was just spectacular! Our Argentine friends and us all got together for our yearly tradition of weekend camping. The kids played really well together and the adults got a chance to catch up, make great food and do fun activities together. On Sabbath, we hit San Onofre Beach for the day and had an unbelievable time just hanging out, playing frisbee, jumping in the water for a little bit or taking walks. We felt yes, tired but recharged & excited to kick off a new week afterwards

Precious moments

Pure LOVE

Bri playing around in Kiara's clothes ... funny girl

Kiara's first official meal eating by herself at 16 mo. It'd been long coming but Mommy & Daddy were hesitant. Lauchi did great with her rice, tofu & veggie bowl. She cleaned it up without making a mess. Great job, Lauchi!

Carmel-by-the Sea

A little taste of heaven on earth again this year. Our family retreat to our collective fave spot. Three days of sea breeze, beach walks, good food, good company, and many beautiful sunsets

Last pics of Yosemite

The Allens came by to say hi and all the kids played together really well

Swimming & Yosemite Fun

We all hit the pool before our short trip for a fun Yosemite weekend along with the Pierson gang, Gortons & Trujillos

Sabbath morning at the cabin. Thank you Chris & Andee for a great weekend enjoying your family cabin!

Big girls enjoy fun crafts

Photo shoot with Jan Nelson from janiphotography.com

Surprisingly cool evening, perfect for making lasting memories together with Jan Nelson. She did an exceptional job and was very patient with the girls. You can see more family pics at: www.janiphotography.com/blog/

Meeting Shylah Laine Pierson!

On Monday, July 19th (close to midnight) we were finally able to meet our sweet niece Shylah Laine here in Visalia! It was awesome to play with her for a few minutes as she got settled in shortly after arriving home from the airport. She's a beautiful blessing!

Hosting Ken, Crystal & Shylah

Bonding with mellow Shylah

Mateo's birthday and the Soccer World Cup

Mateo turned 4 at Chuck E. Cheese on June 27th! Brianna, Kiara and the rest of the gang loved to celebrate with him!

Kiara, in soccer World Cup mood (Argentina smashed Mexico 3-1 that day!) Unfortunately it was to be the last victory. The following Sunday, we suffered a massacre in an unfortunate game against Germany: 4-0

Kiara is a budding reader. Mommy and Lauchi read up t 10 books a day!

We're back! Catching up since mid-June

Amazing Vacation Bible School Pre-School Team 2010

General Sherman Trail Walk with friends - June 26th

Dinner with Shekoyans and Buits at the Lodge near General Sherman

Brianna, Kiara and rest of pre-schoolers singing songs from VBS for Church - June 26th

Our month of June was jam packed with swimming, play dates, Vacation Bible School (thank you Mateo & Marina for coming with us too!), a great trip to the mountains, and great developments at our newly opened Hapy Surgery Center. We also took care of Ampee & Amee's house while they were gone on a trip to Kenya, Africa. We were excited to hear all their safari stories when they got back!

RESIDENCY COMPLETED & PREGNANT!!!!

I'm so very proud of my smart brother, Rony, who just last week completed his Sports Medicine Residency WITH FLYING COLORS, has already finished a Masters in Sports Nutrition AND is about to also complete his second residency in Clinical Nutrition. Years of hard work & sacrifice have paid off so beautifully ...

and by that, I mean, that they are also EXPECTING THEIR FIRST BABY!!!!
Sandra is 6 weeks along and her due date is February 6th, 2011 (same due date we had with Brianna except 5 years ago).
CONGRATULATIONS, APA & SANDRI!!!! WE'RE SO SUPER EXCITED ABOUT THE LITTLE BUNDLE OF JOY TO COME. BEST NEWS FOR US TOO!!