Last Day of School - Catching Up From May!

Gavin and his buddy Matthew

It's funny how one little ol' day can create such a litany of emotions ... excitement, anticipation, dread (LOL!). Honestly though, I was genuinely excited about the last day of school. I was anticipating all the fun things we had to look forward to this summer. But I'll get to summer later ...

The boys both had classroom parties. Although Joey's was a little low-key ... Chick-fil-a brought in for everyone. I guess that is pretty exciting for a two year old! Gavin's class had a bug-themed party complete with a bug hunt outside and pizza. The kids loved it. Gavin was such a sweetheart when he offered his bug box to one of his classmate's that didn't have one. He has such a kind heart!

We were very sad to say goodbye to the majority of Gavin's classmates. Most will move on to the three-day option next year, while Gavin stays with the T/Th schedule. New friends to look forward to! We are also so very thankful for the boys' wonderful teachers ... Gavin's teachers Ms. Cynthia and Ms. Lisa (who thankfully will be Joey's teachers next year) and Joey's teachers Ms. Pam and Ms. Stacy. The boys' music teacher, Ms. Donna, is amazing as well. We feel so blessed we found Grace!

Lago Vista - Catch Up from May!

We took our first road trip in the minivan and headed to Lago Vista for a few days. We had a fantastic trip and got to spend a few days with the Siders-Gerardi family. We had such a relaxing, low key get-away ... imagine us lounging in the hammock!


It was great to see BJ and Stacy while we were there. Uncle BJ took some time to teach Gavin a necessary gesture ...


We squeezed in a few rounds of golf ...

Had some QT with our four-legged friends ...

If I'm not mistaken, this trip was the first time Gavin and Joey physically shared a bed. Ah, melt my heart ... nothing like seeing your babies sleeping side-by-side.

The only downside was Joey's decision to drink bubble juice on our last day there. Bless his heart. There was more vomiting than I care to remember, intermittently, throughout the day. A Mr. Gatti's pit stop on the way out of town hit the spot and restored the day to a good one ... love me some Mr. Gatti's!

WOW!

I can't believe I haven't touched our blog since June 25! Wow, four months and nada! We had a fantastic, busy summer and now our school year is moving right along. Joey is now three and Gavin will be four on Tuesday. FOUR! When did that happen?

Can't believe the holidays are right around the corner too. Yeah, I'll have plenty of time to play catch up ..... = )

While we keep busy, this is the kind of busy I'm talking about .... life is good!

I Just Might Be Turning Over That New Leaf!

Today, I took the high road .... and it actually felt pretty good! Although I can't help but wonder if it would've felt better to take the low road ... if I didn't go too low that is! = )

I received a request via email and my immediate response was, "are you friggin' (but not friggin'!) kidding me?" Thankfully, I paused before responding .... I actually paused twice because my second response was still on the bee-atchy side!

Some people .... the more you give, the more they try to take.

FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!

I can see the light at the end of the tunnel! We are one week and two small issues away from closing on the sale of our house in Richmond. This just might really happen!!!!!!!

If you are reading this, please keep yours fingers crossed for us!

Happy Father's Day!

My husband is many things.

.... feel free to insert all sorts of sarcasm here!

Seriously though, he's all sorts of wonderful but I must admit he is most wonderful at being a daddy. Even before we had our boys, I was always impressed by George's interaction with children. He has always had a knack with them. I must admit though, I seriously had my doubts the night we brought Gavin home from the hosptial. George got schnockered, 'celebrating' he later said, leaving me feeling soberly alone in parenting this little human we were now responsible for. Full of terror I wondered what I got myself in to! Since then though, my husband has continued to amaze me by how hands-on of a daddy he is. He's never been shy about changing a diaper, giving a bath, or taking them to a birthday party. He is there for them. He is present.

We started celebrating him on Saturday. My playgroup has a standing 'mommy and me' gymnastics playdate and we scheduled a 'mommy and daddy and me' playdate / pizza party for Father's Day. The boys LOVED having Daddy there to run wild with. George had to work most of Father's Day so we were left with a little playtime when he got home and then we grilled dinner after the boys went to bed .... a huge ribeye, shrimp, lobster (a surprisingly good lobster since we'd never grilled one before!), and veggies ..... YUM! We capped off dinner with brownies and cobbler a la mode. A bit glutenous but oh, so good!

Honey, I know I don't tell you enough how much I appreciate all that you do but please know that I do appreciate you and the wonderful father, husband, and provider that you are.

Love You!

George and the boys at gymnastics ....
the boys are totally NOT cooperating for the picture!

Joey on the rings

George showing Gavin how it's done

Don't worry Daddy, I got you!


Gavin mid-air

Getting a little push from Daddy


round and ...


... round!

Joey doing a back flip (check out Joey's tan!)

Summer Fun

hmmmm, I'm almost positive this is not an intended use for the slip 'n slide!

slip 'n run?

joey and kaitlyn at the drive in

playing frisbee at the drive-in


joey and christopher

ha, ha .... I got you!

bring it, meat

taking a break on the wiggle racer

sweet Per

my bubble lovin' boy