Labor Day Holiday

Today we had the day off and Daniel's school was closed. It's also the last day when the outdoor pools are open, despite the continued hot weather. So we got to enjoy swimming outdoors for the last time this year! I really made an effort to go; I was tired after an uncomfortable night last night but I had to enjoy my last time swimming pregnant, which has been a wonderful and interesting experience (it feels different and floating is much easier). Swimming this past summer has been a big part of our lives and we will always remember it as the summer when Daniel learned how to swim. He now needs to work on perfecting it (we will continue with his swimming classes through the fall), but at least we feel confident he can stay afloat, which has been a huge achievement. :) 

 

 




Slight "outie" at 37 weeks!

Back in May: Daniel's Pre-Kindergarten Graduation

On the last day of May, Daniel graduated from pre-Kindergarten! We were amazed at how special the ceremony was -- his teacher, Ms. Cooper, did a great job! They sang lots of different songs and even had a skit about being kind to one another. Of course I was emotional seeing Daniel graduate, looking so grown up. But it was particularly touching because I knew that he would have to say good-bye to his pre-school friends after being together for over 2 years. Daniel had a great time at his preschool and truly blossomed there. He started off as a very shy and insecure little boy but left very confident and social. And Ms. Cooper did a great job in preparing him for Kindergarten; we will always look back at his pre-school experience with gratitude. The next set of photos show what a big deal the graduation was!



Vovo Daddy, tia Fafa and Zolinha were there too!



Lining up to "parade" in




Daniel took it so seriously!

He did not look at us, but had a slight smile...



Daniel recited: "I can make a difference by being compassionate and kind."

With Ms. Cooper, his teacher.

Back in May: Historic Family Reunion

This past May was also very special because we had a historic family reunion: in addition to having my sister and niece visit for the first time together, my mother, step-father, father and step-mother were able to visit us as well (unfortunately, my brother-in-law couldn't be present). We had about three days when we were all together and we decided to record the time by having a professional photographer take photos of us all. Plus the fact that I was 22 weeks pregnant made it an event that will never be repeated. Here are some of my favorite photos taken on that special spring day: