the past few weeks...

You may have noticed that the last few posts have just been pictures, not much writing. Part of that is because I spend all my spare time and computer energy working on my project for work and work for my class at Fuller which is "Globalization, the Poor, and Christian Mission". But honestly the past few weeks have been hard. There have been many fun times, but overall tough because Elvis is still in El Salvador. We are working on 4 weeks now of being apart (our all-time record), which was only supposed to be 1. But, his company just hasn't gotten around to buying his return ticket yet, which means we are miserable being so far apart and the worst part is just not knowing when we will be together again. Sorry if I sound melodramatic but that's how i've felt lately....a little mopey, pessimistic, melodramatic even though I know this isn't the end of the world. I just feels like it when you're not with the one you love.

Anyways, like I said, these past few weeks have had their redeeming moments, such as spending every day with Suzy and spending a long weekend with Marty and Sara and Anna. The girls are at such a fun age where they interact more now.

Also, we took Suzy for her first glamour shots. I mean, professional portrait (do they even do Glamour Shots anymore? i hope not). We went in all tough and determined to only buy the $9.95 package. But then they overwhelm you with 800 perfect shots of your beautiful baby, along with a guilt trip over any picture you decide not to keep. How can one stay strong in such an ambush?? I did my best, and only cracked to buy one sheet of an extra pose. I figure we did not need 5,943 wallet photos anyway. Here were the winners (sorry, these are just photos of the real photo because i didn't buy enough for them to give me the CD):

Mr. T or Mr. E?

First haircut!

snow in wallace!

christmas/new years update

Suzy and I are finally back in Wallace after an extraordinarily fun holiday time! We had a great time seeing friends and family and going up to Virginia to spend christmas at Marty's house, but we have been traveling a minimum of 2 hours every single day since last Tuesday, and it's good to be back. Elvis had to go back to El Salvador yesterday to do some presentations at work of what he has been learning at Myrtle Beach, but we expect him back next week for about 4 more weeks of training.

Like I said, we had a great time seeing friends and being at Marty's house for Christmas. Suzy got some fun presents, one of her favorites being a bike. Another favorite was that Marty and Sara directed a production of the 3 Little Pigs for her (starring Elvis as the big bad wolf!) which she got a huge kick out of! Yet another surprise gift was that Suzy and Elvis both got to see the snow fall for the first time on Christmas morning! However, I think the best gift for her (and me!) was that no one had to work during those days so she was able to play with all her favorite people. Elvis being on vacation for 2 whole weeks was such a treat for both of us!!

For the New Year weekend we went to the beach where Suzy had a blast running down the beach after the birds and wearing me out chasing her so she wouldn't dive right into the water!

Here are some pictures of the holiday fun:

getting into the Christmas spirit....

quick update

So, Elvis is officially on vacation now for the first time in over a year!! We are here at mom and dad's house enjoying a couple of days before we all head up to Virginia to celebrate Christmas at Marty's house. We are hoping for a white Christmas! It would be the first time Elvis and suzy have seen snow.

New update: Suzy is walking like a pro now! She and i went to myrtle beach to spend the night with Elvis for his bday, and when he walked in the door, she walked from one end of the hotel room to the other all by herself! And she hasn't stopped since. What a great surprise bday present for Papi!

feliz cumpleanos elvis!

Today is a special day as it marks 27 years that Elvis Ronald Henriquez Mancia has been in this world. I can say without a doubt that he has brought light to this darkened world with his grace, humor, wisdom, insightful teachings, merciful heart, servant's attitude, and gentle spirit. He's a outstanding husband and such a loving daddy. Plus, he's pretty nice to look at too ;-)

Te amo Elvis! Feliz cumpleanos!

A visit with the Vuljanics!

Suzy and I had a great visit with one of my dearest friends from college, Brooke, and her two amazing kids, Aaron and Lydia. Suzy loved Brooke's cooking (as you will see) and loved hanging out with these cool kids. Aaron, being very wise for his age, said, "Suzy is cuter than these grapes." Thanks Brooke for having us! Can't wait to play with yall again!

Birthday Bash!

Suzy celebrated for several days, starting on Wednesday when Marty, Sara , and Anna came down along with Sara's parents. David, Lucy, Lulu, and Nissa also came down that night so we had a house full of fun and lots of baby girls! Suzy is 1, Nissa is 10 months and Anna is 9 months. Suzy had a ball playing with the girls! here are some pictures from the days before her bday.

Suzy started off her birthday with special bday pancakes:Thankfully, she got a great nap that day and woke up right before her party so she was ready for all the excitement! Her party was owl-themed, including the plates, decorations, and most of her sweet bday gifts were owl-related as well. Thanks everybody! Here are her owl cupcakes:

Suzy and Anna provided the musical entertainment for the party:

Even Granny and Memaw were able to come for the fun!

(look for Memaw under the cupcake pinata!)

Suzy also entertained everyone by taking some steps on her own:

She was a very happy bday girl!

Happy birthday to the sweetest, funnest, biggest personality-ed little girl i know!

Thanks to everyone who drove so far to celebrate with us!