3 Amigas

These twins have become Elena's buddies at our friend's casa hogar. They're about a year and a half older than her. When we visit, they come running to the gate saying, "Nena, Nena" and Elena squeals with delight. It's good to be known and appreciated regardless of your age.

Fall on the Porch

Fall, as in the weather. The porch has proved to be a great place for Elena to play. Each month something new and exciting shows up for her to enjoy. Lately its been the dried leaves that gather in the corner. There are also brooms that are left outside which she enjoys dragging behind her. And then last week Jonny (a student this year) purchased a skateboard. Who needs to spend money on new toys when these things provide so much fun!

Primer Piñata

This week Elena attended her first kid's birthday party in Mexico (referred to as a piñata). She was thoroughly entertained watching the other kids and exploring the grounds. They had rented two jump houses--one for big kids and another for little kids. She wanted to join the big kids but settled for rolling around in the smaller one. Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera handy to catch those shots. Below you can see her on the left in the pink skirt eagerly watching the bigger kids play.

Elena was completely enthralled with the Mario piñata. She didn't take a swing at him but as you can see from the sequence of events following, she did manage to get a paleta (sucker) out of the deal.