Heat Wave

Despite the fact that it was nearly 100 degrees today, we had a fabulous afternoon! We enjoyed an air conditioned lunch at DePiero's with our storytime friends, and then we had a fun filled playdate with the Vigilantes and Hyrniws at the Montvale Pool. Grace and I had fun in the big pool, and the water was extremely refreshing! She was such a little daredevil jumping into the pool, and she did a great job doggy paddling to the ladder. Andrew was fearless in the kiddie pool, which made me quite nervous. He had fun playing with the pool toys, splashing in the sprinkler, and running through the water. Before heading home, we stopped at LuLu and Pop's for some hugs, kisses, and J-ello! I've been enjoying every minute with my little sweethearts. It's so nice being able to spend so much time outdoors with them!

Grace and her besties... Juliana and Madelyn

Andrew and his buddy, Brandon

This is Andrew's "silly face."

Summer Dance

Grace began her summer "creative movement" dance class today. We were excited to meet her new dance teacher, Miss Sandi, who will also be her teacher for "Princess Camp" in July. Grace was concerned that none of her friends from Miss Stephanie's class were there, but we were happily greeted by Jen and Madeline Moss:-) Grace and Madeline were even partners at one point during class! By the end of class, Grace was exhausted. She didn't want to participate in freeze dance or the conga line:-( I guess Lollipop School, Jake's birthday party, a quick visit to LuLu and Pop's, and dance class is too much to ask of a 3 year old! Although we were very busy, we certainly had a fun filled day!

Stretching

Singing... "I'm bringing home a baby bumblebee, Won't my Mommy be so proud of me..."

Dancing with Madeline

A little disheveled after quite a busy day:-)

1st Carnival

While Danny and I attended his St. Joe's 15 year high school reunion at Maggie's in Carlstadt, Nana and Grandpa took Grace and Andrew to their very 1st carnival at Lion's Park. They had such a wonderful time! They enjoyed cotton candy, popcorn, and various rides. Afterwards, Grace and Andrew were treated to pizza at Sonny and Tony's. These two little sweethearts have quite a social life! Thank you Nana and Grandpa for such a special night! xoxo

Andrew and Nana were fixtures on the carousel... they went on 3 times!

Grace loved the Donald Duck ride!

Grandpa also took Grace on this swirly swing:-)

Olivia's Bouncy Birthday

We had a fantastic evening celebrating Olivia's 4th birthday at Bounce U! Grace and Andrew were happy to spend some quality time with their cousins. They had fun bouncing, sliding, exploring, and eating! Afterwards, we headed to Kinchley's for some pizza with Daddy! It was quite a busy day, and we had a blast!

Wally helped Andrew shoot some hoops with a gigantic basketball!

Football anyone?

Gearing up for his layup

Playing hoops

My niece, Shannon, flying down the super slide.

My nephew, Nicky, went down head first... weeeeeeeee!

My niece, Genny, soared down sideways!

The birthday girl, Olivia, and Grace went down this slide countless times together!

It's rare that you'll see my nephew, Shane, without one of his Batman or Superman costumes on!

These two little cousins are such girly girls!

Andrew's turn:-)

My brother, Wally, even had a go.

Happy birthday, Olivia!!!

Pizza and "Hello Kitty" birthday cake

The party family

Make a wish!

Olivia and her big brother, Wally.

Princess Olivia, on her throne, surrounded by her friends and family

Gardening by LuLu & Co.

We had a splendid afternoon with "LuLu!" After a little lunch, LuLu and Grace headed outside and began the gardening. They planted beautiful pink and white impatiens. LuLu did most of the work, but Grace did a great job feeding the flowers and watering them with her new princess watering can. It didn't take Andrew long to realize that there was some excitement going on outside our front window, and he did a fabulous job supervising. He also watered the flowers a bit, too. A big THANK YOU to our "LuLu" for the gorgeous flowers! You've helped make our home look extra cheery:-) xoxo

Feeding

Planting

Watering

Cheese!

My little princess and her princess watering can. It's amazing how the smallest things can bring her such joy!

Ta Da! Andrew helped watering the garden, too!

Mission complete!

Presentation Park

Grace and her friend, Lucia, from Lollipop School had a fun playdate this morning at Presentation Park. These two little cutie pies always have a great time together!

24 Weeks

Grace and Andrew accompanied me to my 24 week check-up this afternoon. Baby Colonna is very active (especially at night right after my daily Italian Ice). The heart rate was in the low 150's today. So, Dan is still guessing that we're having a girl, but I'm not so sure. It's fun trying to guess who's kicking around in there. Grace has been asking lots of questions about the new baby, and I think she's very excited. She put a sticker on my belly for the baby yesterday, and she talks to him/her sometimes. Andrew is blissfully unaware that his title as "baby of the family" will be taken in a few months time. I've been enjoying every moment with my little sweethearts. I LOVE my babies, and I can't believe we're going to have a new little one soon:-)