Visit to Monterrey

Well we are back from our trip to Monterrey. Although it was short, it was very enjoyable. We had a very good visit with family and made an unexpected trip to Concha(Concepcion del Oro), my fathers' birthplace. Mexico is very festive during this time of year. There are many "Perigrinaciones" through out the country. Perigrinaciones are groups of people dressed up in native indian costume making processions to local churches. They ususally walk very long distances to pay homage to the Virgen de Guadalupe. Added our pics in several links starting with making a Pinata thru Viaje a Concha. Enjoy.
Joe

Thanksgiving '08

We had Thanksgiving at Aunt Sandy's House this year. As usual on this ocassion the food was again fantastic with everyone eating more than anyone should. Thanks to a quick nap we were able to recover to attack again. And how about all the pies. Pumpkin, Peach (yum), peacan and last of all Apple. On top of all this, Sandy was also planning a Bridal shower for Melissa on Saturday. Thanks to Leroy and Sandy for hosting us this year.
(Updated pictures for Festival of Lights and Thanksgiving at Sandy's House)
Joe

Painting the Kitchen

Let and I went to Home Depot to select some paint for the kitchen. We are having a baby shower for Raeyana on Saturday here in LJ and Let wanted to put a rich look to the kitchen, so we selected a Peanut Butter Color. The job is finished for now. Strangely enough I feel like a Magarita and a P&J sandwich whenever I am in the Kitchen. It does look nice but I think that it clashes with the lavender living room. We are going to need some help.
I added some pics for review. Julian was glued to the TV while we painted. I fear that we are creating a couch potato.
Joe

Winding Down

All good things go to a new beginning. We have been in Raleigh for about three weeks and really enjoyed our visit. We were very forfunate to be here for McKenna's B-Day as well as seeing her take her first unassisted first steps. What a treat! We will be traveling to Lake Jackson on Monday morning hopefully arriving sometime Tues. Nov 4. Included for your pleasure are three pic links on the right. Enjoy
1.Halloween '08: We carved pumkings, Julina and McKenna trick or treated, and Aaron and Ryan dressed up.
2. A day a Pullen Park: We took Julian and Mckenna to Pullen Park. They had a good time on the various amusements.
3. Misc Pics in Raleigh: Most of these are from a shopping trip to the mall. McKenna gets on the kiddie rides.
See ya soon.
Joe

Walking with Dinosaurs Oct '08

Julian and I took the opportunity to go to a show "Walking with Dinosaurs" on Friday. Since he has a high interest in this subject, we thought that it would be a good experience for him. The show was very realistic and we both had a very good time. It got a little scary when the Utahraptors attacked the smaller dinosaur. We took alot of pictures and they are linked on the right side of the blog "Walking with Dinosaurs" under pics. Sorry about the number of pics, hope that you enjoy them. Joe

North Carolina State Fair in Raliegh '08

We went to the State Fair today in Raleigh. Lot's of folks at the fair, getting parking was horrible. We did lots of walking. The animal exhibits were a little weak but the children interactive activities were pretty good. So when all was said and done, Julian and McKenna had a good time. Enjoy the pics.
Joe

1st Week in Raleigh NC

Well the first week went by very quickly and with alot of activity. We drove straight thru to Raleigh from Lake Jackson, about 19 hours on the road. Julian handled the trip very well as he has gotten very use to "long trips" as he puts it. After recovering from the trip over the weekend, we drove to Knoxville Tenn on Tuesday. Aaron had a training session there. Wednesday, (while Aaron was training) Ryan, McKenna , Julian, Let and I went to a historical park named Cayden's Cove in the Smokey Mountains. We celebrated McKenna's birthday at Abuellos restaurant Wednesday night. On Thursday Let, Julian, McKenna and I headed back to Raleigh via the Great Smokey Mountain highway across the Mountains between Tennesee and North Carolina. (See Pics- Knoxville and Great Smokey Mountains). Aaron and Ryan drove into Raleigh at about 7:30 pm on Friday and at about 10:00 pm Aaron and I started cooking a brisket in preparation for McKenna's birthday party on Saturday. We finished at about 3:00 am. Ryan and Let prepared and pulled off a great party for McKenna on Saturday. (Aaron and I helped a little). (See Pics - McKenna's 1st birthday).
Also included are some Pic of McKenna getting into cabinets. We go the to Raleigh county fair tomorrow. No rest for the weary. Joe

Raeyana is 1 month old

Raeyana and Mommy came to GG's to celebrate Raeyana's 1 month birthday. She was a little sleepy but we managed to disturb her enough to get some good pics. I think that this is the same dress that belonged to McKenna. Thanks McKenna!!! I can see the pattern of handmedowns beginning to develope.
Joe

Update on Ike and Raeyana

Hey yall

Just added two pic links. One of roof damage from Hurricane Ike and another for Raeyana update.

Thank God the Ike damage was not much. Also, a pic of us sharing an MRE meal. They are not very good. God bless the soldiers.

Check out Raeyana after 1 month. She has put on two pounds!!! (started out at 7 lbs).

Joe

Hurricane Ike update

Well we sat out the storm safely in Corpus. We initially went to Lake Jackson because the early forecast was to hit in Corpus but the storm had other thoughts. We waited for Tina to get off of work and returned to Corpus that same day. By the way, it was Raeyana's first of many roadtrips with Nana and Granpeasy. She did very well. (See picture of Erika with baby in Lake Jackson). The update on Ike is that it appears to have gone in on the east side of Galveston hopefully limiting damage in Lake Jackson. Reports are of no power and downed trees making navigation thru city difficult and unsafe. LJ officials are cautioning people not to return yet. We will keep checking the city web page.
Joe

Raeyana is home!!!

Well Raeyana and Mom were let out today at about 5:30 today Friday 9/5/08. It is good to have them home. Amanda is doing a good job of breast feeding and Raeyana is passing it thru.
Enjoy the photos.
Joe

Marcus and Maria Moreno wedding pictures

It has been a busy few days. Prior to Raeyana's arrival, Marcus and Maria were married on Aug 31, 2008. We wish them our Best Wishes and a special welcome to Maria to our family. Enjoy

Raeyana day 2

Raeyana at the hospital day 2. Raeyana's fever is gone now. Waiting for Raeyana to pass some liquids and solids before they let them go home. Hopefully by Friday. Lot's of love to everyone.
Joe

Raeyana is here!!!!

Well folks the day has come to welcome a new addition to the family. Raeyana was born today Sept 3, 2008 in Corpus Christi, Texas. She was born at approx. 4:20 pm, weighed 7 lbs and was 20 1/2 inches long. Let and I are very excited to have Raeyana join Julian and McKenna as the next in line of grandchildren. Click on the "joeandlet" blue link on the bottom of the message to get to our blog. The photos are on the right hand side " Raeyana is Here" Click on the link to view Raeyana's birth pictures.

Joe

Added auto update

Hey, I added auto update to a few contacts to email a notice to you when we update our blog. Hope it works, this message is a test.
Joe

Update and Posting new pictures

Well we didn't get the permission letter for our car to enter Mexico's interior in time. However, we made the best of it in Corpus. Visited the USS Lexington and the Sea Center, went to Amanda's doctor visit and Let gave Amanda a baby shower at Aunt Sandy's house. Currently in Lake Jackson waiting daily phone calls from Amanda so we can go back to Corpus for Raeyana's arrival. We don't need to pack since we have been living out of suitcases for the last month. All we have to do is load up. I have uploaded pictures from the last few days in Raleigh, Amanda's doctor visit, visit to the USS Lexington, Sisters trying on dresses, and Amanda's baby shower.
Later
Joe

Back in Lake Jackson

Well we are back home for awhile. Had to catch up on all those tediuos chores that remind you that you are back. IE mowing lawn, paying bills, fixin stuff that broke while we were gone. The good news is that we got those things done quickly and we are ready to go again. Also, in case you don't already know, Amanda informed us that we have a grandaughter coming in Sept. Yep, that's right, no need to wait months for an arrival. Only have to cram a couple of commitments into Aug to be ready. Feels like Christmas in Sept!!!

And I forgot to mention, Let and I celebrated our 35th anniversary on Monday, Aug 4th.

New York

Hey try to see our pictures from recent New York trip

Hey