Second Grade Open House

Today we got to participate in Daniel's new second grade class during the school's open house for parents. Vovo Daddy got to experience it too and we were all impressed to see Daniel in his class, with his new friends and teacher.

We started the morning by walking Daniel to school. My dad has been with us for over two weeks now and for the last week, he has walked Daniel to school and picked him up alone every day. Vovo Daddy insists in carrying Daniel's backpack for him every time -- he is spoiling his grandson!

Second graders meet in the gym and then are taken to their class by their teacher.

Daniel and his new friend Ethan

Unpacking, getting ready for the day

It's a good size class, 21 students.

Every morning they start with a language review quiz.

We were impressed at how they all did their work quietly!

When you are done with the quiz, you can read while you wait...

Don't take more photos, mamae! 

Celebrating Luke: Church Dedication and 2nd Birthday!

Our sweet Luke has turned 2! He is such a joy! These past 2 years have flown by, but we have enjoyed him fully and thoroughly. He continues to be the bright star of our house, just like the meaning of his name. 

It has been special celebrating his birthday recently with my dad who is visiting from Brazil. The day before his actual birthday, September 27th, we dedicated Luke at our church. As parents, we vowed to do our best to bring him up to know and love Jesus, to pray for him and set a Godly example. We will try our best Luke! 

Luke would not stay still for one minute and even tried to get off the stage. We were very thankful that our Pastor prayed he would use his abundant energy well!

On the day of his birthday, which was a Monday, I took the day off and enjoyed presenting him with his Strider (balance) bike! He really likes it, but so far only uses it for a few seconds at a time. :)

Happy boy!

Later on on his birthday, we had fun opening presents from our family abroad.

Thank you vovo Stephen, vozinha  and Granny for the trucks and books!

Thank you tia Fafa, tio Juju and Zolinha for the bowling pins!

More practice with papai!

More fun outside during his birthday week!

OK, I really need a haircut now mamae!

Last Saturday we had a small birthday party for Luke with our Laurel neighbors -- it was a reunion for us and so much fun!

Mamae cut my hair!

The kids were certainly creative with their playing!

And Luke loved wearing Daniel's old fireman jacket! Guess what he will be wearing for Halloween this year?

Dinner time! The kids had fun eating on their own!

Silly photo!

Luke sat next to Vovo Daddy!

We sang Happy Birthday in three languages: English, Portuguese and Polish!

He loved his birthday cake! Focused intently on the taste and wanted lots more!

And now here he is, just yesterday, as a happy 2 year old.

Dear sweet Luke, we love you so much! We thank God for you every day and are so blessed and honored to be your parents! You are such a sweet, happy, energetic, charismatic boy, and because of you, our mornings are brighter. Happy birthday!!