Saturday, June 7, 2008

Extended Family...the Circle Grows

Once, after I was lamenting the fact that we live so far away from our families, a co-worker suggested that friends can become your surrogate family. We have been blessed beyond belief with a tight circle of friends that have indeed become like family to us over the past six years. In addition to our adoption group, I have been fortunate to find a lifelong friend at work. Through Tracy, we were introduced to Patty and her mom. Abuela (grandma), as everyone calls her, immigrated to the United States from Ecuador, 6o years ago. Although her English is, at times, a bit difficult to understand, with Patty's help, we always manage to keep the conversation flowing and have many laughs along the way. Tonight we were the most honored guests for dinner at Abuela's retirement home. She fussed and fretted and made us feel most welcomed into her home. We got to meet her great-grandson, Torrian, who just turned 1! And best of all...Abuela has promised to take me to a Spanish grocery and teach me how to whip up some of her delicious Ecuadoran dishes! My favorite was the shrimp appetizer...just add popcorn!! Certainly a combo I had never had...but one I was very fond of!!

5 comments:

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

Looks like you had a great time!

Once you learn how to cook Ecuadoran food be sure to pass on the good recipes.....always looking to expand the cooking repetoire! Shrimp and Popcorn......sounds very interesting!

Lisa

Erin said...

Friends are like surrogate family. I even feel that some of my siblings friends have become part of our family. Lia looks so cute playing with the baby! (I have, I believe, now officially lost almost all of the photos on my blog. As of today. I am so mad at myself!)

Jboo said...

Sounds like lots of fun and good food too! Lia looks darling -- she's so pretty!

Janet

Jodee said...

Cute pictures. It looks like you had a great time!

Bridget said...

What a fun time. It is so nice to have good friends when your family lives out of town. As always Lia looks adorable!