Why does the sun go away earlier?

I went to pick up Jeferson from Daycare yesterday, and he looked at me and said, "mommy, why did you forget about me? Do you see it is dark outside already". I tried to explain to him that it was the same time that I always pick him up, and he asked why it was dark out this time. He didn't seem convinced that I was telling him the truth. As I tried to find an explanation that he would understand, I was left with no way of explaining to him that the days get shorter as we get closer to winter, and that we also change our clocks. Why? Why? Why? was his response to everything that I came up with. If anyone has a good answer to this, please share it with us.

Autumn 2009

Happy Fall to you all!



We thought it was time for an update, to let everyone know what we have been doing.


With the summer over, we started school in September. Diego is in Kindergarten at Green Tree Elementary in West Bend, and Jeferson is in preschool in West Bend as well.


Diego 1st day of School :








Jeferson 1st day of School.

Both boys continue to learn more everyday, to improve their language and to learn good behavioral skills. Both of their teachers have set up a color system, to indicate their behavior each day. Red is the best color they can get, and we have told them that if they can get Red everyday, that we will let them pick out a surprise at the end of the week. Diego did achieve this 2 weeks ago, so he was able to get a prize. We are hoping this will improve their listening and behavior skills in school. English is 100% in both boys, and Jeferson remembers very few Spanish words, and Diego knows a few more words, but not many more. Now that they have learned the English language, we have to get them to start studying Spanish, to keep up with their native language. Wow! I never thought that I would say they have to start learning Spanish!

We completed all the paperwork, in order for both Diego and Jeferson to be issued US Birth Certificates. We had our court hearing on October 6, 2009. They now have official US birth certificates, legally dropping their 2nd last name, as was required in Colombia.

Below is a picture of us in the courtroom with the Judge who approved our adoption in the US. It was interesting to actually be in the courtroom. Eric actually had to be sworn in and take the stand, accepting our responsibility as parents of the 2 boys.

Jeferson celebrated Birthday #5 on October 10. We celebrated in Michigan with Eric's family, as we also attended a wedding in Michigan on the same day. He had a "Buzz Lightyear" Party and invited about 9 other kids. The city of Norway, where Eric's family lives, happened to be having a parade and festival on the same day, so we attended the parade and participated in the kids activities in the morning. They had games and inflatable houses set up for the kids. Wow, it will be hard to top a parade for your birthday!

After, we went over to Auntie Sherry's house and had hot dogs, and cake, and opened presents. It turned out to be a great little party.

In preparation to Halloween, we visited a pumpkin farm and picked out pumpkins. We took a hayride out to the pumpkin patch to pick our pumpkins. Diego of course picked out the largest pumpkin in the patch.

Good thing we brought Daddy with us. We needed him to carry this pumpkin. We carved them up and roasted the seeds. Diego and Jeferson loved the cleaning and carving of the pumpkins. This is not a tradition in Colombia, so this was a new concept for them. I remember while we were in Colombia last year, that I couldn't find any pumpkins, so we purchased some gourds, and drew faces on them.

Below are pictures from "Boo at the ZOO". The zoo was open an evening for Halloween. They had light displays and many pumpkins lighting the walkways, and a hay bale maze for the kids

We went to several Halloween parties, so the boys got to wear their costumes a few times this year. Diego wore a Tranformers costume-Optimus Prime, and Jeferson wore his Batman costume again this year.

My superheroes had a great time Trick or Treating this year. I had to teach them the concept that you only go to houses with their lights on, and you say "Trick or Treat" and Thank you. The boys started out running from house to house, but as the night went on, they slowed way down. If someone came to the door before Jeferson would be able to ring the doorbell, he would ask them to close the door again, so he could ring the doorbell. I can't believe that people actually did this! He of course charmed them all! Now, my question is, "What do we do with all of this Candy?!" I remember when I was little, my brothers and sisters would trade candy with each other. Daddy of course tried to convince the boys to give him all the Snickers and Reeses Peanut butter cups.

So, things have been very busy for us. Diego and Jeferson are adjusting very well. They have learned to respect each other and us as well. Most importantly, we are now able to discipline them, and explain to them the reasons why when they do things they shouldn't be doing. They continue to keep us on our toes, with the things they learn everyday. Holidays take on a whole new perspective for us as well. We are still amazed at the energy that the boys have. We are truely blessed to have these 2 healthy and happy boys in our lives.


Joyce, Eric, Diego and Jeferson.

Family Day! (aka GOTCHA DAY)

As we look at these two beautiful boys- our hearts start to flutter with the excitement that Diego and Jeferson complete our family!

It is hard to believe that today is the official "Gotcha Day", and it has been 1 year since we met the boys, and Diego and Jeferson became a part of our family. We have decided that we are going to call this day "Family Day"and plan to celebrate this day each year.




First photos that we received of Diego and Jeferson. June 2008



Diego and Jeferson: 1 year later - June 2009


As we look back, we still can see those 2 little boys with big smiles, running into our arms, as we sat waiting anxiously to meet them. We exchanged huge hugs and many kisses. Those precious boys melted our hearts. This was the magical moment we had long waited for and the family that we had always dreamed of.

Wow! Have our lives changed! Our lives now cater to children's activities. We love it. We had so many years to do couple things, and now truely enjoy children's activities. (Well, at least for Joyce, as Eric has always shown his childlike tendencies). Joyce's concept of always having a clean house are gone! No matter how much she tries to accomplish this, the boys are not going to allow this. Our house is very much lived in: Fingerprints on EVERYTHING!!- windows, walls, mirrors, you name it, they are there. Thank goodness we have a dog to help clean up the food that falls on the floor during meal and snack times. Now, we are happy to just have things somewhat in order throughout the house. The one thing that has probably been the most surprising for us, is the loudness that 2 boys can create. We never thought about this. As all siblings do, Diego and Jeferson fight with each other, yell at each other, and when playing, they even speak very loudly. It is never quiet around our house, and I hope the neighbors enjoyed our quietness for so many years. We have dealt with many temper tantrums over the year, disobedience, not listening to what we ask, and of course their curiosity, testing their boundaries, and naughtiness. Oh well, "boys will be boys!"

However, all these difficult things are overshadowed with the love of these 2 little boys. They bring joy and laughter to our home. Just a simple "I love you!", "Mommy, you're pretty!", "Daddy, you are a good daddy!" or an "I am sorry I was sassy today" from the boys makes us forget all the obstacles we meet every day.
The boys pick flowers for mommy all the time, (yes, Diego even picked a cornstalk, roots and all, and brought it for mommy one day. He was so proud of himself for picking such a big plant!!) It is amazing to explore the world through the eyes of children.

The boys seem so happy, and comment all the time "We are a happy family, right?"
It is amazing to see how much they change everyday, how much they learn each day, how they have adjusted so well, and the amount of language that they are both speaking. The greatest difficulty thus far, has been the language barrier, and we are now at a point, where we are actually able to communicate with the boys. To actually have conversations with them, and to begin teaching them right from wrong.

We love their bright and beautiful smiles, their contagious giggles, and their curiousity in learning new things. We love to read books with them each night, and most of all, we love the snuggling, hugs and kisses, that we are showered with every day.

Thanks to everyone who has given us so much support over this past year. We are blessed to have such great families and friends.

There is nothing more precious than the love of children. Every obstacle in life seems minimal when we look at how much our family has been blessed!

Love, Joyce, Eric, Diego and Jeferson

June 27, 2009 "1st Brewers Baseball Game"

"Take me out to the ballgame!!!"

Diego and Jeferson had the opportunity to experience a professional Baseball Game. GO BREWERS!! They had such a great time. The stadium is awesome, and it has a children's area, where children can hit balls in the batting cage, race against a timer to home base, slide down "Bernie Brewers dugout slide", and also pitch balls. Jeferson has a great arm, and even hit a baseball. We think he is going to be our little baseball player. Hopefully by next summer he will be old enough to join a little league tee ball or baseball team.

We started out the day "tailgating" and grilled out brats, burgers, and hotdogs in the Brewers parking lot. It was also coincidental that it was the same game where the Brewers celebrated their Tribute to Hispanic Baseball players, so there was a Mariachi band that played instruments and sang some great Latin American songs. This was also the game where the Brewers played against San Francisco, which is the team that Edger Rentieriez, originally from Colombia plays on. It was fun for the boys to learn not only about baseball, but to also celebrate a little bit of their heritage.


Jeferson showing off his muscles, which as he says "is the reason he can really throw the baseball!"

Diego Running into homeplate. Kids can race against a clock and a cardboard figure of Corey Hart.

Jeferson with his Auntie Sherry.



Diego with his Godfather, Uncle Bob.

So many have commented about Jeferson wearing glasses.
Yes, when we took him to the doctor a few months back, they determined that his vision was poor enough to prescribe glasses for him. We think this is why he always watched TV with his head tilted back, as it would allow him to see clearly. Does anyone know how difficult it is to keep glasses on a very active 4 year old? He received his glasses on a Saturday morning, and on Sunday afternoon we were playing outside, and Jeferson walked up to mom, and said that he "doesn't want his glasses anymore!" Mommy noticed that they were not on his face, and asked where they were. Jeferson walked her to the front lawn, and pointed down into the grass. He said" they are scratched! I can't see out of them!" He picked them up and showed his mommy, and she noticed that they were so scratched, that the lenses were literally white from all the scratches. Jeferson took the glasses while playing on his hotwheel, and with the lenses down, scratched them back and forth across the driveway. He of course knew what he did was not good, so he told mommy about them right away. So, the first pair lasted about 28 hours!! The lenses did have a warranty on them, so the optical did replace them. Then about 2 weeks later, Jeferson and Diego were outside playing, (possibly fighting with each other), and Jeferson pulled off his glasses and squeezed so hard that he cracked one of the lenses. Not bad, within 2 weeks of getting glasses, he has now gone through his second pair. We had these replaced as well and tried again. It has now been about 4 weeks, and so far, we are doing well. No mishaps with the glasses, and he lets us know if we forget to put them on him every morning. We think they are good for him, and hope that he continues to wear them.

Keep checking back for more summer adventures. Our summer is going so fast.

Love, Eric, Joyce, Diego, and Jeferson

Minocqua, WI Camping Trip June 2009

We hope you are all enjoying your summer. We started out the summer with a one week camping trip to Minocqua. The boys loved it.
Camping was a new experience for them, but they lasted the whole week. Since Joyce has returned to work, she was only able to spend the first weekend, and then the following week
Thursday thru Sunday. Eric had some great helpers, with him though throughout the week.
Diego and Jeferson's Aunt Sherry camped from Friday until Tuesday, and their cousins, Marco and Jordan also camped with them over the weekend. The four boys play so well together. They all had such a great time, camping, fishing, swimming, catching bugs, roasting marshmallows, and whatever other trouble they could find to get into. And boy are they LOUD when they all get together. It is amazing the volume when they are all playing together.

Diego is taking a running start off of the dock and into the lake.

And JUMP!!

Hiding in the tent. Wonder what they are up to??

Fishing buddies.

The boys loved to sit around the campfire at night. They had a great time roasting marshmallows. I am not sure if they really liked the marshmallows, or if they just liked the flame when they started on fire!

Jeferson telling a story around the campfire. Both boys are great storytellers.

Cousin Jordan brought some sparklers with him, and this is the first sparkler for Diego. He was mesmerized by the sparkler.

Jeferson hanging out in the water.

THE THREE AMIGOS!!!! Diego (far left) with cousins, Jordan (middle) and Marco. They were told not to go in the water, but somehow they must not have heard the part of not getting wet.

.
The four boys looking in the lake. I am not sure if they were trying to catch a fish, or looking for that fishing pole that they dropped in the water. Overall a pretty good week. The boys only lost 1 pole in the water!!

Jeferson and Diego, sharing fish stories.

The happy fishermen!

On Friday, Aunt Julie and cousins Max and Arianna, came to the campground to camp with us.

Below is Arianna with Jeferson overlooking Lake Minocqua.

On Friday night, we went to the Minoqua-Bats water ski show. One of the skiiers actually came to talk with the kids. They thought they were so cool! (We are not sure who the 5th child is, he was just sitting there, and then jumped in on our photo!)
Diego, Max, Jeferson and Arianna watching the skiiers.

Diego and Arianna, enjoying the show.

The boys would have probably spent the whole summer camping. They were very sad to have to go home. Jeferson started to call the camper his new house. Over all, the week went very well. We came home with 2 boys, and no trips to the Urgent Care! (Yes, those were Eric's 2 goals for the week!)

Many changes in our daily routine have happened over the past few months. Joyce has returned to working full time for a pharmaceutical company, called DDN. Both Diego and Jeferson have adapted well to their daily routines. Diego finished his first year in school, and will start summer school, next week. He will attend summer school in the morning, and then will go to an afterschool daycare program in the afternoons. Jeferson is going to a private, in home daycare provider full days. There are about 7 other kids there, and he really enjoys going there. He looks forward to going everyday, as he says, "his friends are waiting for him."

Both boys are really growing up so fast. Jeferson is almost 100% english speaking, and Diego is well on his way. His English language is taking a little longer to develop, but he is really learning and speaking more English everyday. We have known for a while that he really understands the language when someone is talking, and now he is starting to really talk as well. Both boys are speaking to each other in English as well. Now, we really know what they are scheming up. No more secret talk in Spanish!!

Happy Summer Everyone, we hope you are enjoying it as much as we are.

Love; Joyce, Eric, Diego and Jeferson

Easter 2009

Welcome SPRING!!! We are so happy it is here. Things have been so crazy busy these past few months. So, it is time now to update the blog.

The boys are enjoying watching the change of seasons. They are experiencing our spring, when everything goes from brown and ugly, to green! and buds, and leaves. In Colombia, they do not have these changes of seasons, since the climate is the same year round. Everyday they are pointing out things that have "gotten, bigger, and bigger and bigger" (as Jeferson would say it!)

Jeferson has also been helping with some spring cleaning.



Easter 2009

Easter Egg Hunts- The boys were able to search for eggs in 2 different egg hunts. The first one it took a bit for them to figure out what to do, but when they went to their second egg hunt, they were ready to go.

Posing with the Easter Bunny in Jackson. Colombia does not celebrate the Easter Bunny, so this is yet another first for Jeferson and Diego.

Checking out what is inside those eggs. Papi is looking for the Snickers and Reese's!

Jelly Belly Warehouse/factory in Kenosha, WI - We took a trip to the Jelly Belly factory to see how Jelly Belly's are made. It is a small factory, but the fun thing is that you board a train and get escorted around the factory. Free Samples at the end. Diego and Jeferson loved it!

Diego posing with Mr. Jelly Belly.

Jeferson posing with Mr. Jelly Belly.

Jeferson and Diego standing in front of the Jelly Belly car.

The boys had a blast preparing ( and eating) these Rice Krispie Treats. By the time they were finished, they had marshmallow and cereal in their hair, face, and hands. And the floor was covered in them!

EGG DAY at the Milwaukee Zoo.

We spent the Saturday of Easter Weekend at the Milwaukee Zoo. It was such a nice day, and the boys loved to see all the animals. The Zoo also sponsored face painting and an egg hunt (yes, more candy!) Diego loved the Reptile area, and Jeferson loved the monkeys.

Displaying a little Colombian pride with our Colombian hats.

Jeferson, looking like the Easter Bunny.

Diego thinks he is a bunny!

The 3 Colombian Bunnies.

Up Close and Personal, with the Kitty Cats!!!

Jeferson posing with the Easter Bunny at the Zoo.

It has been a long day. Jeferson agreed to pull Diego in the wagon!

And of course, we had to dye Easter Eggs!!

Jeferson's very 1st Easter Egg!

Diego holding his very 1st Easter Egg!

MUCHO Easter Eggs!!

Finally, Easter is here! The boys put out some carrots for the Easter Bunny, and Diego left a note for the Easter Bunny!

(Translation: Here are carrots for you. Thank you! -Diego)

The picture was taken after the Easter Bunny visited.

The boys needed a little bit of coaching, before they realized that the Easter Bunny hides their baskets. I think they were a little disappointed when they looked on the table where they left their Easter baskets the night before, and the Easter baskets were not there.

Diego did find his pretty quickly, hidden in the front closet, and Jeferson found his hidden behind the chair. I think the Easter bunny was kind this year, and didn't hide them in too difficult of spots. Wait until next year!

Checking out the candy and toys in their baskets on Easter morning.

We had a great Easter Sunday. Since it was the first Easter in the US for the boys, we decided we were going to stay home this year, so the Easter Bunny would be sure to find them. In the afternoon, cousins, Max and Arianna, and Aunt Julie came to visit us from Rhinelander. The kids played the rest of the day, and we had a small Easter Egg hunt at our house, along with a nice dinner. It was a great 1st Easter!!

A milestone for Diego! He lost one tooth before Easter, and a 2nd tooth about 2 weeks after! Not sure if you can see it very good, but here is a picture of him with his tooth missing. He is missing the two middle ones on the bottom. He was so excited, and not scared at all. Papi, helped him a bit with the final pull. He had been twisting it for a long time, and it was all but out. The tooth fairy came and left him

some money for each of his teeth. He now has one adult tooth coming in already.

We hope everyone is enjoying the warmer weather. We sure are. We have our bikes out everyday, and Diego is also signed up for soccer on Saturday mornings. We love to play outside.

Enjoy the photos.

-Eric, Joyce, Diego and Jeferson