Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Happy Birthday!

David in Las Vegas at The Venetian.

Happy 40th birthday to my wonderful husband!

Love you sweetie!

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Science Fair

Gemma and Spencer participated in the science fair again. You can click here for last years post.

Gemma's project was a "how to" on paper making. This fall when she was at the Renaissance Festival she was able to make paper and found it really interesting. That's when she decided it would be her project.
(Notice the title of her project, "Pulp Non-Fiction". It was David's idea! )

Gemma made paper at home and brought the finished product with her. But she wanted to demonstrate the process. She really thrives on the energy of others - she always had a group around her asking questions and wanting a try at the paper making!


Spencer's project was on aerodynamics. Specifically how drag affected his Hot-wheels cars in a wind tunnel. He and David had a lot of fun with this project and Spencer was so proud of his work!Judging took place during the day and awards were given in the evening. Imagine our surprise when both Gemma and Spencer earned awards! Gemma was given one for "Best Environmental Theme" and Spencer's was for "Best Over-all Project"! David and I were so proud of the kids - but more importantly they were proud of themselves!



Way to go kids! : )

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Winter Carnival

The third graders performed at the last award assembly at school - so of course Gianna and I were there!
After the assembly, we all lined up in the hallways to watch The Winter Carnival Parade. Unfortunately I didn't get great pictures of the floats.

I know this was a pathetic post, but I just haven't been in a blogging kinda mood lately. Hopefully that will change!

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

More Gifts

My nephew Stephen and his wife Amanda who live in Kansas, sent Christmas gifts to the kids. They were given the movie Despicable Me (which has been watched too many times to count already!) and this really cool stargazer book.

Thank you so much for thinking of us and sending the great gifts!

(This post is about 3 weeks late.....)

Christmas Gifts

Yes, we are alive.

The kids were each given gift-cards from a couple of family members for Christmas. Just two days after Christmas, the kids and I went to Target to spend the money. Here is what they bought.....
Gemma found a princess cake and kitchen set - both on clearance! That's my girl!
Spencer bought another Lego set.....shocker!
And Gianna bought a Barbie and matching dress-up dress. She already had the movie, so she was very excited when she stumbled on these. I should note - her purchases were also on clearance!
And just about an hour later Spencer had completed building his new Lego set!

Friday, January 21, 2011

Pinewood Derby Races

Since Spencer joined Boy-scouts in September, he has repeatedly talked about participating in the Pinewood Derby Races. This has actually been on his mind since watching Joshua race last year!

Tonight was his night. David and Spencer worked on his car for the past month. It started out as a block of wood and was transformed into a racing machine! I should note, David also helped Joshua and Gemma (siblings are allowed to race) build cars too.

And here is Spencer accepting his trophy for 1st place!!! After five races - he was undefeated!
I love this photo - after Spencer received his trophy, he immediately extended his hand! His Pack-leader wasn't expecting it!
Here are David and the boys with the cars. The car that David is holding was for Gemma - however it was disqualified the night before during the check-in process. Unfortunately it wasn't something that could be easily fixed so Gemma ended up racing Joshua's car from last year!
My boys!
Word is - since he won his Packs race, he now gets to race in the District races!

Friday, December 31, 2010

2010 In Pictures

Since everyone seems to be doing year-end lists, I thought I would do one too. I went through all of my photos and picked one for each month. Not because it was the best photo, but for what it represented that month....
January started with me flying to DC for a weekend get-away with just David. It was wonderful and wouldn't have happened without the help of my mom, Evelyn and Edmee who kept the kids safe and happy while I was away.
In February we started "Skypeing" with David. Even though we talked frequently it meant so much for him and the kids to see each other. They really enjoyed it.
In March we celebrated St. Patrick's Day. And by celebrate, I mean we wore green. I just really liked this picture of the kids together.
In April my first baby turned nine years old. We spent the afternoon at the Mall of America having lunch and playing at Magiquest. It was a great day.
In May, David surprised the kids with a trip home over Mother's Day weekend. They loved having him home.
And just six weeks later in June, he flew home again, but this time to help us drive back with him to spend the rest of the summer in DC. It was awesome.
In July we had our family pictures taken by an extremely talented photographer. I am so glad I had these done! The best souvenir ever!

In August marked the end of our stay in DC. This was the afternoon we left the apartment for Norfolk, VA. The car was BEYOND packed.
September was Gianna's third birthday. We decided to do a DC themed party. Here is the infamous cake....
David started running while he was out east. He ran a 5K in October called the Monster Dash - he didn't dress up in costume, but the kids did!
In November, our nephew Gabrin was baptized and David and I were asked to be his godparents.
And December, our family under one roof celebrating Christmas. May 2011 be just as blessed as 2010!

13 Years

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Christmas Day

Christmas morning the children woke up at 6:45....obviously they couldn't wait to see what Santa had brought them. They did as we asked...came to wake us BEFORE heading to the living room. Imagine Gemma's and Spencer's surprise when they found a Wii waiting for them from Santa!!!!After going crazy over the Wii the kids continued on to the stockings that Santa filled with little gifts.
Each child received two books (along with other odds and ends).
And each child has already read each book cover to cover.
I realize for Gianna that isn't a big deal. But Gemma's and Spencer's books were chapter books and were completed by the next day! They love to read! Santa might want to bring a few more books next year!


Next it was time to open presents from David and me. We still had some large boxes from our "move" in August. David had this great idea to wrap all the kids gifts and then put them in the large box and wrap that too. We only set the boxes two days before Christmas....just to get the kids wondering!
Needless to say, the kids were very excited when they had several presents in the big box to unwrap.





The children loved their gifts. And as always, my thoughtful Gemma made gifts for each of us.
Gemma drew coloring pages for Gianna - and when Gianna opened the gift she hugged her big sister! I was so glad I caught it!
And here are our babies after all of the gifts had been opened. Spencer is showing his gift from Gemma! (Yes, Gianna still drinks milk in a bottle in the morning - don't judge.) It was a wonderful Christmas morning!

After cleaning up the after-math, David and I started getting things going in the kitchen for dinner. Mom, Evelyn, Melissa, Abe and the two little ones came for dinner. Since we were so busy in the kitchen, I didn't think to take photos. But the dinner was yummy - prime rib!!!!

oh - I should add - through out the day, Gemma and Spencer would each say under their breath, "I can't believe Santa brought us a Wii!" It was pretty cute!!

Friday, December 24, 2010

Christmas Eve

Our morning started with a visit to the doctor. Gianna started complaining about her ear the night before and then woke up at 1:30 this morning screaming about her ear. She refused to get dressed, so she went in her pajamas. While waiting for the doctor, Gianna decided to read.
Shortly after this photo was taken, the doctor came in and examined Gianna. Poor thing had a DOUBLE ear infection! So off we went to get her prescription filled!

We quickly ran home and changed so we could go to Judy's house for our Christmas Eve dinner. I think we clean up rather nicely! : )

I failed at taking pictures earlier in the day, but I did get a few gems while the family was doing Christmas karaoke. Amanda and Libby were doing back-up for David and Gino.
Gemma wasn't sure if she wanted to do back-up or just laugh at the girls.
Apparently Gianna wanted to get in on the act too!

As always, we had a great time with David's family. Then it was time to go home and get ready for bed.
Gemma and Spencer set out milk and cookies for Santa.
And we moved the stockings to the fireplace.
Gianna wasn't interested in the cookies or in posing for pictures. Her double ear infection gave her a "pass" from the photos! But I'm sure she'll be all smiles for Christmas morning!