Remember how it was Arnold’s Birthday last Sunday?  Usually his birthday kind of gets swallowed up in the post-holiday hangover but this year with Carmen as my wingman I decided we could do it up right!

Surprise party!!!!!

It all started out pretty simple but then as more people got involved I decided it might be better if my organizational contribution might be to “take Arnold out to the movies” so the party could be prepped.  I have to say this was a very smart move on my part.  I avoided a lot of boring discussion about what beverages should be served with cake plus I got to go to the movies.  Miraculously Arnold didn’t suspect a thing.  When Carmen called and asked if he was at the door yet he turned to me and said “We better get back now, I think my Mom’s tired of being with the baby.”  Then he detailed out an elaborate plan for the rest of our night which included taking Elian on a walk and taking Carmen to mass.  Meanwhile I nodded in agreement as I plotted my dastardly surprise birthday plans “Muwahahahaha!’

I have to hand it to the Restrepo-Perez-Carrascal families.  They really know how to surprise the right way!  We opened up that door to a “Happy Birthday” chorus and a never-ending stream of people who poured out of Andres’ bedroom.

It was a great day, wish you all could have joined in the fun!

It was Arnold's Day so of course our first stop was Juan Valdez. I got chided for taking pictures which is "Not allowed at Unicentro". Look at baristas indignant face! While she lectured me I took the opportunity to "Not speak good Spanish, am gringa"

We saw Avatar in 3D and ENGLISH! So happy about that. Not as excited about the weird "cows show you how to do yoga" cartoon that preceded Avatar. Long and weird.

We ate lunch at Wok. I swear I almost cried when I ate those noodles, it tasted like home.

Elian observes Dad's technique. Jorge Hernan approves.

Party People in the HOUSE!