A quick visit to see the Carreños

The Carreños are a family that we have known since living in Venezuela. Alejandro and Beatriz were in the primary when I was in the Stake Primary Presidency and their dad was in the high council. They traveled with us 3 Sundays a month and so I got to know the stake leaders' children pretty well. Now the kids are all grown up. The Carreños are now living in Irving. It's hard to believe these kids have only been in the states for 5 years listening to their English. We had a great time visiting with them this past month! Gavin especially loved their little dog, Casey.

Visit from Great Grandma Wickham!

It was such a pleasant surprise to have Great Grandma Wickham come down for a surprise visit. We were summoned to my mom's home to enjoy her company. Lily was especially excited to see another Grandma. She loves her grandma's. We had to take the opportunity before church to catch everyone in a four generation shot!

Making cookies with Mom

This is our favorite Sunday afternoon activity. Making cookies with Mom. Gavin especially loves to help me out. Lily just doesn't want to give up the spotlight of attention or maybe she just wants first dibs at the batter. Jessica is typically the most help - but then she has the most experience.

Golden Girls Mini Camp and Texas Football

Jessica and Lily got to go to the Mini Drill Team camp this summer. As part of the camp they were invited to go on the field with the Golden Girls and do the camp dance, walk around the track and stand on the field as the football players ran through the Tiger. They also got to sit with the Golden Girls during the first quarter. Gavin loved the Tiger mascot the most. This was our family's first football game. We've been to a RRHS game since then and a BYU tailgate party this month. I thought - wow - this is a lot of Football for the Marcano family in one year. So for those who know us at all - you can be proud that we've made it through two half times this season!

First Day of School

All the kids are in school this year. Gavin especially was excited about a backpack like Dora has and Lily is excited to go to school with her Daddy. Jessica is on a different schedule in the district where I work so her first day was the day after Lily's. We're all getting used to getting up at 5:30am-6:00am to get to school on time.

Baptismal Days

On July 11, Jess was baptized and confirmed. The week before we attended a baptism of the son of our friends that is about her age. They came to hers the next weekend. In addition we had friends from up to 7 hours drive in for the event. It was very special for her. The spirit was strong although I was emotional regardless. I'm very proud of Jess and her decision to be baptized. She reports that it was "the best day ever!" I'm sure she won't forget it.

Summer Time

Two weeks without a nanny. Phew. We've survived, but we miss Brianne. She's where she needs to be though so we support her.
Meanwhile - I'm full time mom again for the time being. It's nice having Jhonny around for a long weekend. We got the kids a wading pool yesterday and got it home with the help of a neighbor and their truck. I didn't want one that would "pop". The kids are enjoying it. Lily has decided it's her "special" day and she gets whatever she wants. Not true, but it's nice that what she wants and what we've given her are one in the same.
We saw Karate Kid yesterday. Two thumbs up. Different with hints of the original storyline. Jaden Smith is a lot like his dad. Kind of fun to watch a minnie Will.
Jessica's baptism is in three weeks. We're looking forward to it. I hope it will be nice for her. She's growing up so fast.
And so is Gavin. I can't believe my little boy is two. He is so sweet and cute. I love his language and the new words he comes up with every day. He loves to say, "Here you go," and "It's stuck" and "thanks!" and "I want that."
I'm gaining a couple of kids this week for some friends and losing one for a few days to Grandma's house.
Tomorrow is father's day. So I've got my work cut out. Back to making more. . .well that's a surprise.