The Greatest Daddy

This was taken mere minutes after a Daddy was born on February 4, 2006 at 12:32 am

Since then, he's had many sleepless nights, changed hundreds of diapers, bathed our precious princess almost every night of her life, cooed, talked, played and laughed with Bri like another little kid, walked her through her first prayer, and has been involved in every aspect of who our toddler is. In other words, he's grown up to be
THE BEST DADDY IN THE WORLD for BRIANNA CHERISSE!
WE LOVE YOU LOTS. HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!!!!
and HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO ALL OF YOU GREAT DADS OUT THERE!

Fun playdate with Lea

On Sunday, Bri and Lea had a day-long fun filled play date at home. Lea and her family go to Croatia every summer to visit close family and friends. Lea's parents have a non-profit children's foundation that helps underprivileged families in the Croatian villages. Every year, Lea's parents take MANY suitcases with donated items such as backpacks, school supplies, clothes, in some cases food to those in need. On Sunday, they had to pack about 6+ suitcases to take with them so we had the honor of having Lea with us pretty much all day. Here they are enjoying a yummy soy treat.

Playing with ice in the pool

Bonding at the jacuzzi

We all enjoyed a very sweet watermelon and AMAZING papaya Ammee gave us!

This weekend

Enjoying VERY YUMMY Cuban food made by Patricia. The tostones were gone in minutes!

At a friend's house barbecue ... Brianna is charming a new friend

Fearless swimmer in action ... she LOVED the goggles

Mischivieous little smile!

Family Communion at Church

About a couple of months ago we had communion at our church and we had a chance to turn it into a spiritual lesson for Brianna by having her participate in the foot washing ritual.

We explained to her what it means to wash one another's feet and why we do it. Bri was anxious to wash Daddy's feet and Mommy's feet as well. Then we washed her little feet, sang a song and prayed. It was so sweet! Our last pastor's wife loved what we were doing, took some pictures and sent them to us today!

Brianna enjoying story time during Sabbath School

The Huntington in Pasadena

We surprised Patricia (a skilled bonsai maker) with a visit to the breathtaking Huntington Library and Gardens in Pasadena. Below are some pictures of the beautiful Chinese Garden (below) ...

the Japanese garden with koi fish ponds

a view near the Jungle Garden

and an amazing Hollywood Juniper Forest bonsai

LA Zoo and more friends

On Monday we met up with more friends at the LA Zoo. We had an absolute blast enjoying the beautiful scenery and teaching our kiddos about all the different animals there. It was a perfect day to enjoy the zoo!

Camila (4), Victoria (5) & Bri (2)

Victoria (5) is very maternal and she took it upon herself to feed peaches to Brianna. Here Brianna gives her a hug and says "thank you." It was really sweet to see them interacting!

Gorgeous Andrew (3), Victoria's little brother

Meeting more friends

On Sunday we also met MORE Argentine friends ... the man to the right is one of Bibi's Dad's longtime friends from college days

Adorable Paulina, Martin & Fernanda's little angel (Martin is one of Amanecer's founder singers). Paulina, Brianna, Marcos & Lucas played very well together throughout the weekend. They run around and never seemed to get tired!

At night, we hit Downtown Disney and gave Patricia "the tour" of this amazing place. We all love hats, so we tried a bunch and smiled!
Fun times!

A HUGE dream come true

Our friends, Amanecer Vocal Group, singing at a Youth Conference at the Crystal Cathedral

Argentine Pastor Dante Gebel has been one of the most powerful spiritual influence in our lives over the past two years. We were very HONORED to meet him in person and get to tell him how deeply he has impacted our lives and the lives of people we know as well. We could sense he is an incredible man of God and thoroughly enjoyed all his messages throughout the weekend.

Having an appetizer with Argentine friends we hadn't seen in .... about 11 years.
Today was just beyond amazing!

Our "old" church family

We felt so blessed so meet most of our "old friends" at church in Grand Terrace.
Brianna loved the amazing Sabbath School program and visiting with Cristopher, Zane, Cambria, Kaydee and lots of new friends as well

Christopher ... handsome boy

For church, we took Patricia to see Loma Linda University Church and enjoyed taking pics afterward

It was a beautiful day!

A weekend to remember ...

Last weekend we went down south and spent some time with our friends H.P. and Diana Kang with their new addition to the family, beautiful Hannah

Buddies Zane and Brianna run around lots and played non-stop while the parents sat down and talked

Princess Hannah, two and a half months old

Tired? No! Just recharging ... Bri and Zane have energy to spare!