Where The Hell Have I Been?

So, because the two people who read my blog regularly, complain about my lack of posting, I thought I would surprise them and update the blog.

October was a busy month for us. And an expensive month. In lieu of a Disney trip we opted for new siding. Four days in Disney would have been cheaper.

November was an awful month for us. David's mom died rather suddenly. Dealing with the stress of a hospitalization, a terminal cancer diagnosis and her passing only 2 weeks later put blogging on the bottom of my list of things to do.

However, I think I'm ready to get back to it.

Here are a few photos from the past few months.

The before photo. Complete with pumpkins and Gianna!

After photo - only missing Gianna.

A beautiful fall day at the zoo.

Gemma earned a literacy award in October.

Finally had our family photos done (LOVE THEM), but have yet to order them.

Cousins - at Halloween

The entire clan - we had our last Sunday dinner just 5 days after mom passed.

Gianna being cute at her pre-school Christmas program.

Our annual Christmas tradition - the Macy's display in Minneapolis.

Gianna writing her letter to Santa.

Her adorable little girl hands.

David and the boys at the pinewood derby races. Joshua finished 2nd and Spencer in 5th place.

David and Judy at Amanda's confirmation. David was her sponsor.

Spencer earned a literacy award in February.

That will have to do for now - I promise not to take another four months to update. :)

The Navy Ball

Tonight, David and I attended the Navy Ball. David was the MC and I was his date. : )

It was fun getting all dressed up and going on a date.
Me and my handsome sailor as we were leaving for the evening.

Pumpkin Patch

We spent a nice fall afternoon at the pumpkin patch with Bamma. The kids didn't cooperate with the photos, but I was able to get a few.

Gianna loved feeding the animals. After she ran out of the food we bought from the machine, she picked up the little pieces of corn the fell on the dirt. Very resourceful!

My littlest pumpkin with a bunch of pumpkins.
Here we are on the hay ride. They don't look happy, but they really did enjoy themselves.
David and me - please note I have a black back-pack on. It's not a hunch back!
Gemma and Spencer had a silly string fight. They took it very seriously! : )

Action shot!

While the big kids were with the silly string, Bamma and Gianna were looking for gemstones. Gemma came over to look for some too.

My attempt at a family photo. It was a fun day and we're looking forward to more fall fun!

Cat Bite

Today we went to Gino and Linda's house for the afternoon.

Unfortunately, we had to cut our visit short when one of their cats decided to bite Gemma! I decided to call the doctor and was advised to go in to have the bite cleaned properly and to get a perscription for an anti-biodic.

So after an hour visit, we loaded in the car and went to the clinic. Gemma missed swimming lessons, but I felt much better having seen the doctor and getting the medicine.

Just another reason why I really, really dislike cats. : (

Gianna's Birthday

Yesterday was Gianna's 4th birthday.  I normally have to wake her to start her day, but today she greeted me at the stairs leading up to my (and David's) room.   

She was very excited to see her door decorated (I always do this for the kids' birthdays). 

After everyone was off to school, I ran some last minute errands for the family party in the evening.  This is the box that Gianna's cake came in - can you tell she likes Barbie!

After school, I wanted to get another photo of her in the doorway wearing her cupcake shirt.  I bought this shirt last spring and if it was up to Gianna she would wear it DAILY!

We had a small family gathering in the evening - just grandparents and godparents.  Fortunately the weather was beautiful, so gathering outside was managable.  

Gemma invited her friends from down the street for cake and ice cream.  The more we give away, the less I am tempted to eat!

And before it was completely dark outside, a quick group shot.  We had a wonderful evening with family celebrating our precious little girl!

Happy Birthday!

Happy 4th birthday, Gianna!

xoxo mommy & daddy

Pinning Ceremony

  

On Sunday, the children and I attended a ceremony.  David is reading the invocation.  He didn't ask for photos, but I couldn't resist!

Here he is standing at attention.  I know he looks "displeased", but the military doesn't really care for smiling while at attention.

After the ceremony, I wanted to take photos of us together with David in uniform.  He was busy taking care of something so I tried to get a photo of the kids with the huge flag.    

David and the kids.  

David and me.  I tried to do a family photo - but the children were less than cooperative.  Spencer doesn't like having his photo taken, Gemma was in the mood to smile (you can see that in the above photo), and Gianna was more interested in running around.  Oh well, at least I tried!

Birthday Party

Today we celebrated Little Abe's third birthday.  You can't see it in the photo below, but he was really happy to see Gianna!  ; )

Gabrin need some quality Uncle David time.  They were having a deep conversation when I snapped this photo.

It was almost time for cake and ice-cream!

Gianna really loves her cousin.

Abe was so excited for cake too!

I tried to get a group shot - but Gabrin was missing. : ( We had a nice afternoon celebrating a very special little boy's birthday!

First Day of School

Here are the last few years posts 2008 part II, 2009, 2010.

Today was Gianna's first day of preschool.  She'll be attending on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.  David and I walked her to school and she skipped and chatted the whole way.

Can you see the nerves?

Yesterday was the first day for Gemma and Spencer.  There was no hesitation or nerves.  If anything, the kids couldn't wait to start the new school year.  As I say every year, I can't believe how fast the kids are growing!  I have an almost 4 year old, a fourth grader and a fifth grader!