Sensational South America....

Oh geez...where is Papa taking me now?? :)

Princess Abs knew full well where she was going. She and King Tony traveled south--wwaaaayyy south--to our family's origins, Colombia, for an Agudelo Family Reunion. The photos pretty much tell the whole story about their travels to the coffee-rich countryside of Cali, where relatives from King Tony's side of the family reside. Agudelos from around the world convened on a 'finca' (farm) to enjoy days of storytelling, dancing, singing, eating, hugging, playing, visiting, and enjoying all that the area had to offer. Cousins Gabriel and Francisco with Tony and Abs

The gorgeous landscape surrounding them....

Wherever we go, we MUST swim....and Colombia is no different! :)

Prior to heading to the finca, Abby snuggles with her cousin Marah and Great Grandma...

...and Great Uncle Harold....

...and Great Grandma again.... :)

...and then onto her favorite cousins....

Tony hanging with cousins Melissa and Juan Mario. Melissa is a PR exec in Miami, and Juan Mario, an executive and p/t entrepreneur in Washington, D.C. Coolio!! :)

Tony and Marah taking in the fun at the amusement park....

Actually, Tony was preparing for a 'sneak attack' on Marah's delicious ice cream!! :)

Agudelos' can be seen going up--but we are still unsure if they ever made it down... Hmmm....

Uncle Mario proclaims victory even before leaving the starting gate... :)

Yet, Auntie Carmencita keeps her composure/calm since she knows who will reign victorious...

Tony and Abs enjoy the water flume....

One of the most memorable and special moments was when Tony met his half-sister, Jennifer. They've corresponded the last few years, but finally got to spend quality time together during this visit. It was an emotional time for all....

Abby takes a break to play some 'ring around the rosey...'

In the evenings, the party really got started as Agudelo family members took to the stage, impressing all who watched with their amazing, musical talents. Tony was hoping for a few more Van Halen songs, but even without, the Agudelo family (Juliana, Gigi, Gabriel, and Francisco) made the family very, very proud!

Sing it, Tia!! :)

Gigi now has the mic....go Gigi!!

Uncle Mario and Tony 'lift' the coffee bean jeep, which also contains a very happy, Melissa.

"Two peas in a pod" (Uncle Mario and Abs)--nearly inseparable on this trip. :)

Abby LOVES her Uncle Mario....

The two Agudelo moviestars strike a pose for the camera--Abby and Auntie Marcela. :)

Hmmm...where'd they pick THIS guy up???

Hola chicas bonitas! All the Agudelo gals...smile!

A sweet family photo....

OMG.. so cute! Princess Abs really enjoyed her Colombian family and made quite the impression being the first and only blue-eyed Agudelo. People were stopping to touch her in the airport and all over the country as you just don't see a fair-skinned, blue eyed, red head in Colombia. :) She thrived on the attention, of course, ham that she is! :)

Lots of fun family photos....complete with the special, hand-designed pendants that all the family members wore and then took home as a their souvenier--designed by a family member. :)

History in the making--generations of Agudelos from all over the world, convening in the country where it all began, and celebrating being an Agudelo! What a trip!

Next reunion: 2013.

Summer Homeschool Begins....

Whether it is a focus on 'community helpers,' 'time/money/calendar,' 'basic math,' or 'social skills,' our royal summer homeschool program is now underway. Our goal is to ensure that our little ones' minds don't turn to mush during the summer months--although we're certain to sprinkle in plenty of fun, exercise and adventure to balance things out. In the past week, we've worked on several areas of 'self-help/home' and community-focused themes--including a visit to an actual working farm, where we enjoyed not only visits with the farm animals and rides on mini tractors, but blueberry and cherry picking to highlight the results of the work that Farmers do on a daily basis. Thanks to Ellen from Parlee Farms! (www.parleefarms.com)

Yum! Blueberries...fresh, ripe, delicious and the size of quarters...seriously. :)

The royals tended to eat more while in the blueberry patch than they put into the bucket.

Good thing they brought Mom along so we could pick enough to make Papa a fresh blueberry pie!

When back at home, working on basic chores--including table setting. The best news that came from this effort was that the kids not only enjoy setting the table, but we are finally (after years of fruitless effort) eating together as a family--almost everyone eating the same (gulp!; knock on wood) things!!! :) Whew!!

Up next: Lawn mowing 101, followed closely by, Culinary Arts 101!

Happy 4th, 2011....

It certainly is an image that none of us would have imagined seeing...King Tony on a superslide!

The summer started with a 'bang' -- including fireworks on the 4th of July and the above adventure, courtesy of Abby's Godparents--Abra and Peter--and a lovely invitation to a seafood feast on the south shore. :)

The kids enjoyed another pool with friends.....

...and 'superslided' their way into near-coma due to exhaustion!

Queen Wendy worked on a new gluten-free/casein-free cake recipe...

It tasted way better than it looked...thank goodness for 'experimentation.'

(Note to Wendy: REMEMBER to cut all layers in half and build slowly with dowels. :) )

One of the most notable and fun experiences all holiday weekend long was taking in CARS 2 at a drive-in theater! It was the royals (well, Ari's and Alec's; Abby went to see Pirates of the Carribbean III when she was a tyke) first drive-in and the family's first of the Summer 2011 season! Pack a nice evening picnic of snacks, goodies and hidden liquor...and all worked out fantastically well!