And of course, everyone's favorite part was the birthday cake. It turned out so nice for Beckham's first birthday! He loved it, especially when we gave him a mordita (put his face in it). He got his first taste of frosting :)

This was Beckham's first experience with a pinata. He loved the brightly colored tissue paper swinging around in the air, even though he wasn't quite sure how to hit it or what the point was :) He loved watching other, such as his dad, swinging around aimlessly trying to knock the candy out of it.

Beckham and Arianni are trying to share the Lion and walk together. It was so cute! Beckham actually let go of the lion at one point and walked a few steps on his own to a cooler that was nearby! Yeah!!! He's getting the hang of walking :)

For Beckham's first birthday fiesta, Flor made us white and red Pozole! Yum :) One of my favorites, especially with all the toppings (jalepenos, radishes, lettuce, onion, lime and of course tostadas). It was absolutely delicious, and everyone loved it. Thank you Flor!

summer 2011 Family VACATION

So, this summer, before my parents returned to teaching English in China, our whole family went to Lake Michigan to get some good, quality time in together. The house was huge and beautiful, tucked back in some woods, on a lake. We had to walk down some wicked steps to get to the peer, but it was worth it fishing at sunset and paddle boating around the lake with my mom. This was the perfect vacation to take a break from my crazy summer program schedule. Morning omelets and coffee in the outdoor screened in porch along with picking blueberries on the most glorious day ever are some of my fave memories. Beckham bloomed and blossomed as a he developed talents of clapping and sleeping while riding his bike :) A couple of days we visited the sunny, South Haven and another day we strolled around the artsy Saugatuck. I loved sipping coffee in a garden while reminiscing childhood stories, passing in and out of the shops, buying an original piece of art that brings vacation home to my living room, biking 20 miles on the Kal Haven trail, and enjoying a late night campfire with smores and some friendly competition of Corn Hole. There's something magical about looking out on the sparkling, glassy lake with all the shades of blues, greens, and yellows as the water meets the sky. It's something I want to deeply breath in and sink into every depth, relaxing and refreshing me as a constant reminder of how Amazingly Beautiful God and his Love are.

To my precious family, we had such a joyous and memorable time t0gether and these fond memories will always give me a smile thinking of them. Amy and Kate, I loved spending time with you, laughing at fun stories of my brothers, and getting to know you more. Thank you for being such loving and caring people to Beckham especially :) He loves playing with you and wishes we lived closer and could see each other more often.

I'm looking forward to making many more family memories, and I cherish all the past ones!