familystoke

Tribute to Grandma Betty

The most special part of Christmas was being able to share it with my grandmother. Christmas was always her favorite time of year, and it filled her with joy to have the house filled with her family. After missing Christmas with her last year due to COVID, we were overjoyed to spend the season withContinue reading “Tribute to Grandma Betty”

Guatemala with Gratitude

When the kids had some days off of school for Fiestas Patrias (Panamanian Independence Day) and the U.S. Thanksgiving, we saw it as an opportunity for a VACAY! We haven’t taken a family trip internationally since January 2020, right before the pandemic (except to go back to the U.S. to visit family). Living in theContinue reading “Guatemala with Gratitude”

PJC’s Retro 6th Birthday

PJC has grown up so much in the past year. January through April were really difficult months as he was experiencing a flare from PANS (brain inflammation due to an immune response). He regressed in everything, had OCD and anxiety symptoms, and zero emotional regulation. It was so hard to watch him struggle. He wentContinue reading “PJC’s Retro 6th Birthday”

Halloween 2021

For the past three years, we have spent Halloween in Panama. Traditionally, Panamanians don’t celebrate Halloween in the same way as the United States. However, over the years, U.S. traditions have become more popular, and the kids here enjoy dressing up and Halloween parties. Especially because we live in an expat community, Halloween parties areContinue reading “Halloween 2021”

First Day of School 2021

Ahhh, summer is glorious. But so is the first day of school (at least for the parents!). This year is especially great because it is the first year that AJC and PJC are going to the same school and will be on the exact same schedule. Their school is AMAZING! It’s a Reggio-Emilio inspired schoolContinue reading “First Day of School 2021”

Summer of Fun 2021 (Part 2)

Summers in Buffalo have a special place in my heart. It’s where I spent every summer growing up. The weather is usually beautiful, there are acres of rolling green farmland, and the summer produce is abundant. Summer days are filled with fun activities and summer nights are for playing baseball in the backyard, getting after-dinnerContinue reading “Summer of Fun 2021 (Part 2)”

Summer of Fun 2021 (Part 1)

As we wrapped up the school year, we were beyond excited to embark on our summer adventure. This trip was long overdue as the pandemic restrictions had closed down the Panamanian airports for much of 2020 and prevented us from seeing our family. Summer vacation and all the holidays that we would normally celebrate inContinue reading “Summer of Fun 2021 (Part 1)”

School’s Out 2021

School has been the biggest challenge since we moved to rural Panama. In fact, I’ve written multiple blog posts about it. It’s been difficult to find stable environments that meet our educational needs and desires. We have been continuously piece mealing solutions for the past two years. Then, of course, the pandemic threw us forContinue reading “School’s Out 2021”

Hard Good-Byes

One thing about living in a community made up of mostly ex-pats is that is very transitional, a revolving door. There are always new people to welcome, and there is always someone moving on. We have made amazing friends since living here, and we’ve had to say some sad good-byes. We accept that there areContinue reading “Hard Good-Byes”

Aladdin

One of the most amazing gems that we have in this town is Teacher Emily. She is an incredible teacher who has taught my kids everything from academics, Spanish, and now theatre. Last year, she started a theatre class and the kids put on a wonderful production of Cinderella. However, this spring, she and theContinue reading “Aladdin”