Birthday party

Junior really took a liking to one of the girls in his class this past year. She and her twin sister were both in his class the year before also. Unfortunately they are moving to Singapore soon and had the girls' birthday party before they leave. They will surely be missed!

Junior jumping on the trampoline

Junior and his fav...he was not happy until he was able to sit next to her

The twins and Junior

I had to work the evening of the party and left a little early...Gaga ran across the room to give me a hug goodbye. Love her!

Last day of school

1st day of school

Junior and his teacher on the last day of school

Same as the last school year, he grew so much over the course of the year. His teacher said that he is definitely ready for the 4's class next year. She also commented on him becoming quite the leader in the class, always helping when asked and making sure his friends are taking turns with each other. Through my eyes I have seen him really come out of his shell this year becoming more of an independent person around the house and out in public talking to other adults. He can also write his name, but still needs a little help every now and then to remember which letter comes next! We are so proud of him!

Cancun 2010

This was our first trip away from the kids for more than one night and a lot further than 30 minutes away. I knew they would be in good hands (Nana and Great One were coming to spend the nights at our house so the kids would feel at home and be in their own surroundings), but I still stressed until the day we left over all sorts of things from, what were they going to eat (I pre-made dinners for every night), to would Nana get Junior off to speech and school at the right places at the right times, to would Nana know where to find the ONLY book that Gaga likes to read before going to bed. Thankfully, Daddy had typed up a 3-page "How To Raise Our Kids" paper. I proofread it, made a few minor changes to ensure every detail was there and we printed it out and also emailed it to Nana prior to leaving so she could read over it and ask any necessary questions that were left unanswered. Nana was in desperate need of every detail because she had been telling me for several weeks prior to leaving to "write that down so I know"...so we did! It also took a lot of the stress off me for Daddy to type it all up. He takes care of the kids all day on weekends if I work and on nights that I work so he knew every step to have them well attended. Thanks Daddy!

There is not much to tell about the trip except that we had a wonderful time doing NOTHING! We ate, slept, talked, read, laid on the beach or by the pool and exercised. Well, I exercised twice, pushed myself too hard and hurt my knee. I guess I need to do that a little more often. The weather was great the first couple of days we were there and then overcast and slightly rainy the next couple of days. It made it nice to have the clouds around to keep the temperature down. But what I enjoyed most was only having to take care of myself (aside from the one night Daddy had a small stomach bug and I had to run out and get some medicine). There were no kids needing to be cleaned, dressed or fed. We would do it all again in a heartbeat and maybe stay a little longer!

We sure were excited to see Junior and Gaga when we got home though. We came home through the front door and first rang the door bell. The kids were all ready for bed and came running to the door. Junior was all smiles when he saw us. Gaga was a little over stimulated by all the excitement and started crying but stopped shortly thereafter. We received BIG hugs and since they were fresh out of the bath, smelled so good! We sat with them and Nana and Great One in the entryway as we talked about our trip and all the while Junior's smile never left his face. We aren't sure exactly what Gaga was thinking as she gave Daddy a hug, then me, then Nana, then Great One and then made the rounds a few more times, but it sure was cute! It definitely was not as hard leaving them as I thought it would be! It will make the next time that much easier!

Cancun

Rangers Game 2010

This year we decided with Gaga being a handful and more than likely not staying in her seat, we left her with Nana and Great One while the 3 of us went to the Rangers game. Just like last year Junior anxiously awaited the fireworks after any home run the Rangers scored. We made sure that if he left to get food or go to the bathroom that it was while the opponents were up to bat. That did not matter this time around because although the Rangers won (WooHoo!) they did not hit a single home run the whole game. Another disappointed little guy! :( We still enjoyed the rest of the night by getting a free Michael Young jersey, eating cotton candy, dancing to all the music they played and buying a new baseball hat (we lost the one he got for his birthday from Nana).

Daddy and Junior

Mommy and Junior

Groovin' to the music

After the game down by the field

We had the same seat numbers and one row closer to the field than we did last year so we were able to see Nolan Ryan again during and after the game...he is pictured below in a light blue shirt right below Ian Kinsler (ball player) who is being interviewed on the field.

2010

2009

2008

2007

Play dates

The first play date was with Gaga and my co-worker's daughter, Z. Junior was at school so it made a special day for just Mommy and daughter. Gaga enjoyed every minute of it. There was not a single structure that she did not try to climb. We had lunch and then rode the carousel for Gaga's first time. While waiting for Z to finish her lunch Gaga continued to make her way to the carousel and back waiting patiently. At one point though, she started beckoning Z with her hands telling her to come on!

Z and Gaga (they were actually wearing the same shirt)

Climbing

There's a look of determination

She made it!

Gaga found a nice cozy spot under a structure to sip her water and go #2!

Waiting for Z to finish lunch...watching the carousel

Finally, we are on!

Mommy and Gaga

Then came the play date with both kids and Big J and his sister E. Always such a pleasure when we meet up with them since they live what seems like across the country!

Junior with E playing trains

Gaga brushing Mrs. M's hair

Gaga and E

Big J and Junior

Best of friends!

Random Pictures

***Pictures taken anytime from 04/07/10 - 05/06/10***

Cuddled up watching a movie together

Sharing a car seat "chair" together

Playing airplane with Daddy

First PONYTAIL!!! (05/05/10)

Helping plant flowers

Helping water flowers

Testing out his new goggles

High ball

Finally, as requested...the pictures of Junior's "high ball" he said he was going to hit for Aunt K during one of his baseball classes. After I took one of these pictures, Junior called over to me and asked, "Did you get that one? We need to send it to Aunt K!"

He really DOES pay attention in mass!

Recently, Junior has taken up processing around our house holding the broom I sweep the kitchen floor with high above his head while chanting, "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus..." (Just as the alter servers do when they process the crucifix in at the beginning of mass.)

And yesterday while playing with his Aquadoodle, he takes the pen-like utensil filled with water and swings it around on Daddy and me spraying water on us. He then instructs us to "do this" (as he makes the sign of the cross).

There's nothing like being blessed by a three year old during Easter season!

Gaga's first kiss

I am all for an arranged marriage, especially if it's to this sweet little man! Of course we will have to wait and see, his calling could be to the priesthood!

Easter Weekend

Our Easter weekend started out early Saturday with a surprise visit from Aunt K!!! Daddy knew she was coming in for the weekend, but it was a wonderful surprise for Mommy, Junior and Gaga. Although Junior had been a little under the weather he sure perked up as soon as he saw Aunt K and acted like he was feeling better already.

That evening we put together Aunt K's kite she brought with her and headed to the park to see how it would fly. The adults had a great time trying to keep it up in the air, Junior became disinterested quickly and Gaga didn't know what to think. We then headed to the park for a few minutes and then back home to open special Easter treats from Aunt K!

Easter Sunday Gaga woke up with a fever like Junior had the previous few days. Despite not feeling well she did great at mass, egg hunting in front of our house, visit to the great-grandparents house and more egg hunting. Junior was an expert this year at hunting eggs, finding ones that were more difficult. Gaga didn't do too bad either. Once she realized to find an egg and put it in her basket, she was ready to go. The first one she found she opened it right away! Smart girl! She knew where the good stuff was!

At the great-grandparents house we spent leisurely time eating, visiting and egg hunting once again. We even made it out to a field to try out the kite flying once again.

Aunt K took Monday off from work and spent the morning with us before heading back home. She accompanied us to Junior's baseball class and then out to lunch. The smile on Junior's face during class was from ear to ear as he made sure that Aunt K was watching every move he made. He even showed off as he hit the ball during batting practice harder and further than he ever had before!

We sure enjoyed our weekend with family and Aunt K's visit! Thanks for coming up Aunt K. We love you!

Easter Weekend 2010