Wil's Birthday Party

We celebrated Wil's 22nd birthday a little early. On Thursday, December 10, we spent the day with Wil's family. Wil did our laundry and we visited and I played dominoes with Michael. On the entertainment center and several of the walls there are plaques and certificates honoring Wil. I decided to finally get a picture of this adorable photo of Wil when he was 6. Yes, he was already a good student!

These are some of the many certificates Wil has earned over the years. And, a picture of his graduation from Mt. Hood last spring.

These next few pictures were taken outside the front door of Wil's family's home.

I didn't want to get too close to the people working next door. But, this view was quite different from the picture I posted a few weeks back. The neighbor had torn down their house and all of the cement blocks in the photo were placed in last Thursday. It was pretty amazing to watch them work.

I got a little closer.

Wil's mom wanted me to take pictures of the youngest boys in their school uniforms. This is Jolffi (yes, it's Jolffi and it's confusing when they say our names).

Jolffi and Yunedy (pronounced Junadey).

Yunedy struck quite a pose!

Wil's mom worked most of the afternoon making the delicious sancocho, a stew with pork, chicken, and vegetables.

Marinating the meats!

Later, the stew was bubbling in two large pots.

We moved down to Wil's aunt's house for the party. His aunt had invited some other aunts and cousins, so the party was bigger than we had thought it was going to be.

That explained why, eventually, there was enough sancocho to fill a five gallon bucket!!

Wil's parents, Maritza and Domingo. So, yes, his dad is Domingo Placido...

Wil's mom and two aunts enjoy a little Presidente beer.

Wil's brother, Fernando, asked me to take this picture of us.

I really wanted to get a family picture for Wil's parents for Christmas. This is the first attempt. Wil is saying, "get together!" and stamping his foot. His brother, Endry, has just fallen back onto the rest of the family.

What a beautiful family. I love Yunedy's senior picture pose with his chin on his hand!

One of Wil's cousins was good at getting people to dance!

I was teasing Wil's Aunt Morena because she often talks with her hands.

She loves Wil very much!

Wil poses by the cake that I made for him. Chocolate cake with white icing, his favorite!

The wonderful sancocho plated up!

After the non-immediate family members left, I gave the family their Christmas gifts from Montana. It was really fun to watch them open the presents. They were so appreciative.

We really had a great evening. For the first time ever I have included some videos. Enjoy!