Colombian Summer

Just dug this old blog out and dusted it off.  We have been quite a few places since the last post. 

We moved from lovely Cleveland, to the Windy city, over to the Nation's Capital. We have returned to Colombia for our second summer in a row to visit family and friends and to give the girls' more exposure to their Colombian culture, language and family - lots and lots of family time! 🙏

This year, we are starting our Colombian summer in Cartagena - the magical, coastal city. We are staying on the beach in La Boquilla where we are enjoying the pools and the warm waters of the Atlantic. The thing about Cartagena is, we don't have family here. We bought Betty a ticket to stay with us for the month, but in general, expected it to be fairly quiet. 

How wrong I already have been proven 💕. We arrived this weekend and were greeted by Nico's sister, Daniella, and her fam. We spent the long weekend together enjoying each other's company and creating memories amongst the cousins, Olivia and Juanfer. Nico's cousin, Victor, randomly happened to be in town for the weekend to visit friends and fam, and surprised us with a couple of visits. Monday, Daniella and fam left and that night, Betty arrived. Last night, we had dinner with two of Nico's aunts who came for one night. 

Yesterday was the first day of camp. Nico's cousin generously got us into a wonderful camp here for the next 3 weeks. As a child, I never liked going to summer day camps in my hometown. These two worldly kids hopped on a bus in a new city knowing no one and came home so happy and carefree. They are so brave. 

Tonight is our first night just the 5 of us and we will start settling into a routine. The girls are enjoying the real beauty of Cartagena - swimming daily - both in the pool and in the ocean. Our little fish love jumping the warm waves of the Atlantic and building sand castles on the beach - as well as practicing all their new moves from swimming class with their DC Swim Coach James in the pools. 

hellooooooooooo

It's been a minute. And in that time, I have had two beautiful girls and moved from hot South Texas to seasonal Ohio. As you can guess, this is just a stop on the adventure of our life but we sure are loving having the family close by. Grandma is a frequent visitor and aide to the family - helping watch a kiddo or taking one on an adventure. Grandpa is the chef every pasta Sunday. Great Grandma provides so much :)

Life sure is funny (but ain't humorous). Never thought I would be back here but we are soaking it up while we can and trying to enjoy the moment.

First College Football Playoff National Champions

Last night I went out to Brooklyn to watch the game with some fella buckeyes. It was a game watch at one of the girls' apartments and as it turned out, she only got ESPN Deportes, otherwise known as ESPN in Spanish. Alison and I adjusted easily, but we realized the rest of the girls were struggling. We would explain some of the graphics and comments - and we would all chuckle listening to the announcers mention the key players with thick accents.

My brother, of course, made it down to Dallas and into the game to witness history. Lucky guy :)

Even NYC got into the festivities, on my drive home, I was able to see the majestic Empire State Building lit up in Scarlet and Grey.

It's a good day to be a Buckeye. Go Buckeyes!

Five Years

Nicholas and I recently celebrated our fifth anniversary by buying a real Christmas tree for our apartment. It was the first time in over 5 years that we have been in the US in our own place and could get a tree. It's the little things.

The cutest delivery guy around

Stockings were hung, train assembled, tree decorated. Consider the halls decked. 

Whirlwind Fall

At the end of the summer, I took over a new account and have been working like crazy ever since. I suppose that is not so much news, but not splitting accounts as I had been doing, has been such an improvement and my work satisfaction has increased exponentially.

Starting at the end of August, I did my first red carpet event with Joan Jett, Maria Bello and Olympia Dukakis. Despite small hiccups, it turned out great and we had a huge amount of press show up for the show.

I took a quick detour back to the alma mater for an old client and had the privilege of going on the field with our VIP guests and I may or may not have cried and cheered and loved every second of being on the sidelines for the pre-game activities, the band playing Carmen Ohio and the start of the game.

I then took on the internet meme/sensation turned movie star, Grumpy Cat. We created partnerships with Macy's and Jetblue to promote the holiday movie. So many pieces to this project, and so many hysterical stories about working with the star, but those will be shared in person :)

Now, we are putting the final touches on a new partnership for a new show that premieres in January. Another day of intensity before I get to relax for the New Year holiday.

Finally, I got to meet the boss. He swung by the office a couple of weeks ago to say hello. All in all, a pretty interesting, intense and cool Fall '14.

You can see him on New Year's Eve doing his countdown :) 

Fall Trip BOOKED!!

Yahoo! Never have I been so excited about a trip!

Ok, that is a lie. My first trip abroad I was probably more excited. And my first study abroad, more excited. Our first move abroad. Our second move abroad. Everything in between. Ok ok ok... however, I just SO need some time away and am really looking forward to a trip back "home" to Spain and Switzerland.

We will go to Barcelona first for the wedding of a good friend and then hit up Madrid to see the family and new additions!! From there, we head back to the gorgeous land of Switzerland for some long overdue catch up with all our Swiss friends!

Nicholas and I both have not been to Barcelona in something like 10+ years ago, so we are excited to rediscover the beautiful beach town and see so many friends and family.

Always great to have something to look forward to!