Christmas with the kids

Christmas was different but special this year. I was able to share my time, love and joy with kids that I adore. On Christmas-eve we went to church, had the volunteer play, a special Christmas dinner, and a bonfire. On Christmas day the kids woke up, opened presents, baked a cake and watched a Christmas movie. We were also able to bring some of the kids to the fair in Parramos. 

The Christmas decorations in the section of the special needs kids.

The new books the kids got for Christmas.

Some of the new clothing. 

The gifts all ready to go.

Paty opening her gifts.

Odi opening hers.

Alvaro checking out his new car! 

Brendy with her ducks.

Baking our delicious chocolate and strawberry cake.

The final product, it was unbelievable.

The girls getting ready to watch a movie. Gloria, Odi and Paty.

Leo enjoying the sunny Christmas day and giving kisses.

The fair in Parramos. Surprisingly there were a lot of rides for kids. For the record, I would never go on the rides or let my kids go on the rides. 

There were also a lot of sweets and treats in the park.

Enjoying time in the park. 

Cecile and I making shadow figures on Shawn's back. He was impressed.

End of the day celebration with a bonfire.

Juan and Gustavo. 

Christmas Play!

As volunteers, one of our many jobs includes creating a Christmas play for the kids. The play was set up with half of the volunteers talking and the other half acting.

Below are pictures from rehearsals and the actual play.

The actual play, I was the drunk Sheppard.

The angels, I think they had a little too much fun. 

 Our Nativity scene. Look closely, we used a real baby! 

Christmas dinner 12.22.12

The volunteer coordinator had all of the volunteers over to her house for a Christmas dinner. It was a beautiful night with friends, food and gifts. Try cooking for 27 volunteers that haven't had a decent meal in months! 

Marlene, Nona and I enjoying each others company.

We even had Secret Santa. We had to decorate the gift in a way that the person could recognize which gift was theirs.

Janelle, Jack, Stephanie and Charlotte. 

Stephanie and I enjoying our drinks a little too much.

Happy to be spending the holiday with such lovely people. 

The food: OH MY SEVEN, so delicious.

My gift! The outside consisted of a long math equation. I'm sure you can guess what the answer was.

Christmas outing

This December NPH took all the kids to a water park in celebration of Christmas. It was a beautiful, sunny day and all of the kids, volunteers and employees enjoyed playing in the water. It had pools, slides, music and food for all.