September on an iphone

Where in the world is my husband?

It's a question I am asked frequently... weekly lately! Here he is in Arauca... not the safest place in the Colombia. He road that helicopter behind him over terrorist infested jungles to get to a base in the middle of nowhere Colombia. The base was built smack dab in the middle of the most highly concentrated FARC and ELN area of Colombia. The government basically looked for the worst area and built the base there. Mike was safe as there are a huge amount of guards and weaponry, but still it made me a bit nervous. Especially when the helicopter couldn't bring them back to the city when it was supposed to and they ended up having to stay overnight at the base! He shared a room with 3 other guys and the thin mattresses they "slept" on didn't even have sheets. Not expecting an overnight trip they didn't have any clothes other then the ones on their backs there so it was an interesting night! All I can say is we are so incredibly blessed to have what we do. The soldiers at this base are assigned for one to two years without their families and the possibility of being killed in action is very high. They go out to the surrounding towns trying to win over the hearts of the villagers daily. This is very dangerous since all the people in the towns side with the FARC and ELN. It makes sense... the Colombian government basically abandoned them to the terrorist groups during the worst of the civil wars and the two organizations became the government. They provide schools, homes, food, protection everything. The rule of law there is don't steal or you'll be shot in the head. It made for a very peaceful occupation until the Colombian government discovered oil in the region and decided it was time to fight for control of the area. The problem is no one living there wants them there so it's a very difficult and slow flight. Like I said, we are extremely blessed to be Americans and have a relatively peaceful country. One of the huge benefits of living in Colombia is being able to feel that gratitude every day and to see our children realize how blessed they are as well. So glad Mike is home safe and sound!

 The little piglets are SOOOO cute!

On the helicopter... these guys have their guns out and are watching for any ground activity that might be potentially threatening.

Jay needs a little attention too :)

 Look at this kid! Have you ever seen a cuter little 6 year old? I can't believe he's turning 7 in about a week!!! Jay continues to be a perfect little first child. He is such a special kid, so sensitive to others and such a huge help to me. Mike has been traveling the past 2 weeks and I don't know what I would do without my Jay.

 He and Amaya had school canceled a few weeks ago. Snow day? Nope, not in Colombia. It was canceled because there were too many protests going on around the city! When I told him school was canceled he asked me why. I told him it was too dangerous in the city to get there. He said to me matter of factly, "Oh right, because of the papabombas." Papabombas are essentially homemade bombs. What a different experience he's having! Now don't get scared... I don't think there were any going off anywhere near his school or near where we live but he had obviously heard people talking about them at school.

 The kids had a great time playing with each other all day.

 Mapunzel, you didn't let down your hair!! The kids both thought this was hilarious.

 The day after school was canceled Jay ended up getting strep throat (following in his Uncle Cory's footsteps Jay gets strep at least 3 times a year). He was playing with the ipad in his bed when Amaya decided to join him. He is so sweet, letting her play with him.

 These two DO fight but they also love each other so much. They wanted to sleep in the top bunk together one night. It's funny because the bottom is a full size but they wanted to be in the top together! Reminds me of Cory and I when we were little. I always snuck up onto the top bunk with him :) Jay was so cute the other day. He woke up on Saturday morning and Amaya wasn't in the bed so he went to look for her in the living room. When he couldn't find her he came running into my room (she was in there with me). When he saw her there he sincerely said, "Phew! I was so scared, I couldn't find Amaya anywhere!" He is amazing.

Here the 3 littles are on a "special night" we had when Mike was gone. We do these a lot when daddy is gone... movie and popcorn! The kids think it's so cool.

Tonight Jay lost his THIRD tooth!! My little guy is growing up so fast. I love him so much I think my heart might explode! I'm so proud of him and so SO SO grateful he is mine.

Eva's Blessing

We had Eva's blessing on July 30, 2013 in our home. Physically present were mommy, daddy, Grandma Jill, Megan, Martin, Jay and Amaya. Electronically present were Nonna, Papa, Grandpa, Rob, Melissa and Brooklyn.

Eva's blessing was given by daddy. "Eva Leanna Connelly, we bless you with a sound mind and sound body and good decision making power and good decision making ability throughout your life.

We bless you with the knowledge that you have a family who loves you very much and a support system that will serve you through your entire life.

We bless you with the ability to comfort others and bring a light into the room and to help others see the positive side of life.  Your optimism is contagious to others and will serve you as you serve in various callings and as you progress through life.

We also bless you with the ability to make good decisions in the gospel, that you may live a worthy life and may be a strength to your brother and sister and teach them through your example what they should do in their lives.

We bless you to have a desire to learn and to have a desire to help others to learn and progress in their lives as well." 

My little Amaya

One day before Amaya started back to school I took her to Parque Chico with Eva strapped in my Bjorn. I snapped a few pictures of Amaya on my phone because she is too adorable to resist :)

 She is fearless at the playground!

She was pretty excited to start school though because her best friend Ariana is in her class! She hasn't cried once since starting. She loves it! Here she is in her two different uniforms. She wears the sudadera Monday, Wednesday and Friday and the little Madeline dress Tuesdays and Thursdays.

 Amaya loves to spin in our office chair. I have no idea how kids can spin in circles forever and ever without getting dizzy! I guess she was pretty tired after starting preschool because she fell right asleep as I was spinning her! She didn't let go of Mapunzel though.

Later she and Eva took in  show together. She loves her baby sister!

My beautiful girls.

Amaya is always taking care of Eva... she wanted to be sure Eva had something to play with too ;)

All about Eva

Photo shoot time! This girl is 4 months and absolutely perfect in every way. I still can't tell what color her eyes are going to be but I don't think they'll be blue like Amaya's. Other than that she sure looks a lot like her big sister! She had her 4 month check up yesterday and is healthy and growing well. She is 14.4 pounds and she's in the 50th percentile for weight. She passed her developmental screening with flying colors. She currently loves grabbing at toys, waves them around, blows bubbles, laughs, "talks", socially smiles, has a very strong neck and even has rolled over a few times. What a big girl! She had 3 shots along with her checkup yesterday which was pretty sad :( She is normally the happiest baby but last night she was screaming at the top of her lungs every time she moved her little legs. I finally got some Tylenol in her (she's not  huge fan) and she seemed to feel better after that. Today hasn't been as bad but she hasn't been her normal self so she must be still feeling the effects of the vaccine. Hopefully a good nights sleep will help both of us. I sure love my tiny tine. She brings joy to everyone around her and we are so blessed to have her in our home!