Well, now that the Christmas cards have gone out, and with a note about our annual letter, I'd better get writing!
We've had a good 2011,and hope you have too.
We started the year with 2 grandmothers moving in the area! Letty (Belita) moved to a new condo in Bonsall, just about 15 minutes from us. She's got a nice place just above the pool and spa area, and is still making little adjustments here and there to make it her own. Lillian (Nonni) moved down from Vacaville to Oceanside, just on the other side of the freeway from our home. We love having both around, and the kids enjoy being able to see their grandmas almost any time they want!
Sofia started taking dance lessons this year, and although our vacation didn't allow her to perform in the studio's annual recital, she enjoys it tremendously.
In just a few months of starting she had already learned many dance terms, and could perform ballet moves upon request (chassé, plié, relevé, sautée). We look forward to this years recital in June, when she will show all she has learned and loves!We headed to Colima, México, for Easter and the wedding of one of Raúl's nieces. A new Mexican city for us, a truly enjoyable trip!
Just a few weeks before our vacation we actually expanded our family. Before you jump to conclusions, let me say: we got a dog! A puppy to be more precise. He is a happy English Springer Spaniel, and his name is Marshmelo Brownie, due to his coloring of marshmallows and brownies. He is quite a sweetie, although as he grows he's getting more energetic! The children really enjoy their little dog, and "Melo" and I often walk to school together to pick up Raul.We got the opportunity to see Raúl's cousin Alex Segura at the annual Comic-Con convention in downtown San Diego. Alex is an up-and-coming comic book author as well as PR-man extraordinaire. This was the first time we experienced the craziness that is Comic-Con, but it was a great time! Can't wait to see you again next year, Alex!

Raúl started 2nd grade at our math and science magnet elementary school just down the road from our house. He loves his teacher, Mrs. Ramos, who reads to the class every week, and gives them many opportunities to be creative in writing and artwork. Mom Lisa has gotten more involved in school this year, taking on the role of PTA Treasurer. Sofia attended school 3 days per week this year at All Saints' Preschool and Kindergarten, in the Pre-K "Panda" class. She will quickly inform you that Pre-K is NOT the same as Pre-school! Her brother often works at teaching her arithmetic and writing, even though she's just mastering letters and numbers this year! She is completely looking forward to starting Kindergarten "at the big school" next year.
"Big" Raúl is working away with AT&T. How much he enjoys it depends on the day. We are all lucky enough that Raúl is able to work from the home office. He does however make visits to the San Diego office, or business trips out of town.
Along with the children and PTA duties, Lisa is trying to keep busy in the business world as well. Last year Raúl and Lisa made the acquaintance of the owners of a wonderful winery and B&B in Mexican wine country, the Valle de Guadalupe just east of Ensenada. We all hit it off so well, one of those instances when you can't believe you've only just met, you feel as though you've been friends for years! Through discussions of hotel design and event planning, Lisa's business A Majestic Affair has been named the exclusive Wedding Planner for Viñedos Malagón! Owners Joe & Rachel Malagón have built a new event venue and we are trying to develop a new business opportunity for us all.
In addition, Lisa has also just launched this month (December) another business - Popcorn Mamma. Popcorn Mamma is all about hand-crafted gourmet flavored popcorn. Personally developing interesting flavors and recipes, and initiating places to make sales, Lisa is very excited about this new enterprise. The first foray into sales was at the elementary school Holiday Bazaar, where we sold out of all the bags we brought to sell, and got a lot of good feedback on the flavors we were tasting that night. We certainly hope you'll be hearing more about Popcorn Mamma in the years to come!
We have so much to look forward to in 2012, and hope to continue to travel all over with the kids, and visit with family and friends both here at our home and afar. (If you are EVER in the San Diego area, we sure hope you'll get in touch and get together with us!) Enjoy all the wonders this season has to offer, and all our best in the year to come!
All our Love,
Raúl, Lisa, Raúl (7), Sofia (4)
... and Marshmelo Brownie, too




