Josh and Jenn

Josh and Jenn
Est. July 21, 2007

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

Sandra Farms

Jarrod and Christina (our first visitors)  recommended a  coffee farm here in Puerto Rico.  They were also so kind to leave us a bag of coffee.  One sip of the coffee and I knew I had to visit this majestic farm!

Our first visit was in early October.  We spontaneously packed the car one Sunday afternoon and headed up through the beautiful treacherous mountains.  The trip itself was a great adventure and one I was happy to share with my best friend, Kelly.  So thankful she squeezed in a visit before baby 4's arrival, the laughs we shared on this journey are memorable!

Carmelo, our tour guide, greeted us and began to explain a little about the farm.  We were able to see all the crops with the main focus on the coffee making process.  He was so patient with our children through the tour, explaining on their level at times.  The tour ended at the house of the farm owners- Sandra and Israel.  We sat on their balcony with a 180 degree view of the mountains while Carmelo prepared the coffee.  Yum..

This trip was such a rich experience we knew we had to share with Oma and Opa on their visit as they are both nature and coffee lovers.  Into the mountains we ventured once again!  This time was much the same the only difference being a history from Sandra herself on their personal journey from  mainland professional jobs to Puerto Rician coffee farmers.

Israel, Sandra, and Carmelo are wonderful hosts.  Interesting people with many stories to share in their wilderness oasis.

Go here to order the best coffee of your life:
http://www.sandrafarms.com/


Coffee Bean

Cameron loved exploring!

I can not remember what this is!

It was tasty!

The kids really enjoyed Carmelo

Swinging

Gorgeous setting

Trip #2

This is where saffron comes from

Selfies and the mountains

The four of us

Monday, January 25, 2016

Cameron turns Three!!

Cameron is a BIG three year old!  We had an exciting birthday week with a few celebrations.

This year Cameron has grown so much.  I have noticed many things I am proud of him for, but the one that I love the most is the way he wants to keep everyone safe around him.  
At times when he has sensed danger he has been quick to grab someone to "save".  
Ex:  At the beach when the big waves are crashing, and most recently in a bounce house when the air was deflating he helped a little girl get out.  Those are just two examples that stick out the most.  He is so much like his Daddy!

 Cameron's favorite question is "Are you ok, Mommy/Daddy/Alexis?" 

And now, some photos of the birthday week...

Three candles in an egg muffin



Mickey Mouse Cupcakes



Enjoying a cupcake at school

Birthday Tree

Opa helps set up the fishing rod

Oma and Cameron with the fishing game

Favorite gift- Superhero mini potato heads

Our Family


Pinata time!

Three Year Old Survey
Favorite Color- Blue
 
Favorite Animal- Giraffe
 
Favorite Food- Chicken and rice
 
Favorite thing to do- Play "aminals" with Alexis
 
Favorite thing to wear- A shirt
 
Favorite Game- Zingo
 
What do you want to be when you grow up?- I don't know

Who do you want to marry when you grow up?- A girl.
 
Favorite TV show- Football (We were all watching football with Josh)
 
What are you proud of? Alexis, Daddy, and YOU!

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Christmas 2015


Christmas 2015 was a hit!  Easy, laid back, lots of family time...just what we needed.  The Christmas season began shortly after arriving home from Aguadilla.  We showed up at Ft. Buchanan ready to buy a live tree, took one look at the looooooong line and said FAKE IT IS!  Our first fake tree. 

Part of what made this season so fun is the outside time.  Our kids have so much fun outside where they have freedom to do what they want! 

We had many activities leading up to Christmas day- Parties, Girl Scout caroling, cookie making, new movies.  The time just flew by!

 Christmas morning we ate a light breakfast, read the Christmas story, opened gifts, and later had brunch with our good friends who are here with us from Omaha.  That evening we walked over to a neighbors house for dessert.

Pictures of the fun below:

Decorating

Movie night by the tree

Kids with Santa at Ft. Buchanan

Cotton Candy at a neighborhood Christmas Party

Grinch Snacks
Grinch Snacks

Ho Ho Ho

In the dress my Grandma made!

Off to a work Christmas Party


Party time!!

Reading the Christmas story

Excitement

Calm and methodical

Thanksgiving

This holiday season we decided to stay in Puerto Rico.  We often travel at either Thanksgiving or Christmas, but we have had lots of travel recently and agreed that it was best to stay on the island.
The day before Thanksgiving Josh was released from work early.  We quickly packed up the car, and joined a large group from our neighborhood at the Coast Guard cottages in Aguadilla on the west side of the island.  A new tradition- Thanksgiving dinner by the sea.  It was wonderful! 
Thanksgiving morning I woke up to a beautiful 70 breezy degrees.  Of course, I could not resist a run along Cliff Road over looking the ocean.
A little later that morning we joined our group at Crash Boat Beach.  After that- light lunch, naps, and the main event- Dinner!
Thanksgiving feast at school
Alexis is learning to write!

Coffee with Mom
Reading time


Stuffing

The kid table






Our dinner view