Happy Father's Day to an AMAZING dad!

Vinny wanted to go to the zoo for Father's Day, thinking of his kids, just like the amazing father he is! (Of course he has a Golf/Poker Night planned for later on in the day with his friends!) We had such a fun time. We got through the all of the exhibits, and started in


The polar bears were very playful today, wrestling and tackling each other...it was incredible to watch their powerful strikes against each other.

Welcome Payton Belle Eygabroad!!

We drove down to Olympia to meet the newest addition to our family-Payton Belle Eygabroad! She is such an angel with her little heart shaped face. Dan and Jody were BOTH glowing with happiness and we were so excited to meet our niece and cousin!
She weighed in at 8 lbs. 8 oz, and as 21 in. long. HEALTHY girl!

I was so excited to get my hands on this little sweetpea. She was an angel, being passed around our whole family. Welcome to the LOUD Riccobenes Payton!!!

Gianna would have held Payton the WHOLE visit if we would have let her. She tried to dominate all of the holding time. She loves babies so much.

Dominic loved holding his sweet cousin.

Dominic loved touching and caressing Payton's baby skin. He loves the softness! He studied those hands and her face forever.

See-we could have just ONE more!!! He is such a natural at the baby thing:)

Even Nick, (the pre-teen), held Baby Payton with tenderness and care!

What a beautiful mommy and daughter!! We finally let Jody hold her OWN baby!!

Gianna in a timeout after being sassy! Nick took this picture and we were all cracking up! She thought she knew it all and was being sassy, therefore timeout for her!

Last Day of School Bike Ride

Payton made the tradition of riding on the Olympic Discovery Trail and then picnicing at the Railroad Bridge Park on the last day of school to celebrate the beginning of summer. For the last couple of years we have joined them in this tradition.

The fearless leaders of 6 bike-riding kids!

The bike riders...(Gianna rode on the back of Kimmie's bike)

Such fun!

Last Day of Kindergarten

Walking out from his last kindergarten class!! What a big boy we have.

Dunk Tank!

Vinny sheepishly climbing out after being dunked! He makes a deal with the kids at his school regarding meeting their reading goals, and whoever meets their goal gets to try and dunk him at the end of the year...it was NOT a warm day!

Splashing the throwers, egging them on

"come on, what do you got?"

Victory! A missed target!

but not for long!!!

Nick got to throw too!

His first and only throw...dunked his dad!

Very happy with himself!

"Mr. Ricco Appreciation Day"

Yesterday at Vince's school it was declared "Appreciate Mr. Ricco Day!" There were signs on all the doors of thanks, 2 videos were made that were funny and also touching, a parent reception with goodies and gifts...he will be missed so much at this school. He brought an energy and fun aspect to some pretty serious matters, he was out in front greeting kids and parents every morning, and out at recess everyday connecting with kids. He constantly walked through the classrooms, engaging with students and teachers alike. The kids really know who he is, what he likes, and where he comes from. He said he felt pretty overwhelmed with all of the love that has been shown to him as he ends his time at Haller.

The PTA so thoughtfully presented me with this bouquet saying"they know that all of the times he was at school, he was away from our family and they appreciate my support." Can't say I was always so happy about him being away, but if he wasn't he wouldn't have made the impact he did.

Brother Reunion after 12 Years!!!

Today Vinny got to see his older brother Steve after not seeing him for 12 years! Vinny was like a little kid when his brother called and said he was in Tumwater this morning. We packed our bags, put the kids in the car and went down to Olympia. We picked Steve up and brought him out to Summit Lake, to my parent's house, where we could BBQ and visit by the lake.

Steve lives on the East Coast and also lived in Ohio and we have not been able to connect over the years when we have made the trip to Florida to visit family, as Steve's job takes him all over the United States.

We had so much fun sitting on the deck, enjoying the sun, and hearing all of the brotherly stories from growing up. Steve was much more than just a mere big brother to Vinny-he really looked out for him in so many ways and took care of his little bro better than many big brothers would.

Gianna and Dominic were excited to meet Daddy's brother, their Uncle Steve. It was wonderful to share some of Vinny's family with mine-my parents and brother Dan and sister-in-law Jody were all here for the evening with us.

Getting ready to take Steve back into town after an evening of reminiscing, laughter, sun and fun! We were thrilled to have this time together, after so long apart.

Beach Field Trip

Inspecting a jellyfish at the beach. Vinny was on a bike hike with the 5th grade classes and stopped by Dominic's field trip on their ride.

Today I got to go with Dominic's class and 3 other K classes on a field trip to the beach. It was goopy, slimy, wet, interesting...all the makings for a GREAT time! Here is Dom with 2 buddies from our group. Vinny, who is not even the teacher, assigned a student (from another class mind you) to be in my group because of his difficult behavior. He "knew I would be great with him." Rayne, my new little buddy, ran from one end of the beach to the other, slipping and sliding in the mud, stomping out into the ocean, and sliding down rocks! WHEW! My only goal was to NOT lose him! But he did end up doing a good job of returning to me when I called for him and he even brought be several presents from the beach. He and I got along great!

A starfish we found curled around a rock, probably trying to hide from the little feet running around the beach!

We found sooooo many hermit crabs! Dom was the first to find one in our group, and then we couldn't stop finding them! It's as if they were drawn to us.

This crab enthralled the kids and captivated their attention for quite a while as it darted back and forth, inside their circle of feet.

My little lovebug! I am so glad I can stay home with the kids at this time of our lives because of times like this...

Of course, when Vinny took a picture of Dom and me, Maddy, my little shadow wanted one too!

Happy Birthday to my AWESOME Husband!

I have never met anyone who celebrates life more, loves the little things with more gusto, nor has more energy!! His enthusiasm is contagious and he has instilled wonderful traits in our children. They see how he appreciates the little things, loves his family, and is such a happy person to be around...and they have soaked it up! I am so lucky to have found him in this big wide world! (Actually my mom found him for me! thanks mom!)

Today Vinny turns 42 and he is on a mission to complete a 42 mile exercise extravaganza! Seriously crazy...who celebrates like that? biking, swimming, and running!

A "Smokin' Good Time" Baby Shower

The expecting couple! We had such a fun family and friends shower to celebrate the upcoming entry into the world of Baby Payton Belle!

We went with the "smokin' good time" theme for the co-ed shower...cigars, bbq, backyard picnic.

These sweet little boots were my dad's from when he was a little boy!

Toni made this cute diaper cake and the cradle below! What a crafty gal!

Waiting for the guests to arrive

Love these boys!

Dad making a wisecrack about Dan! At least Dan can laugh at him!

Tom Wakefield put together a Diaper Changing Kit for New Dads for Daniel!

It included everything from the gas mask, to the gloves up to the elbows, to the diaper scooper! He will be prepared for anything toxic!

Steaming up the mask

Vinny "the bookie" taking wagers for the due date pot

Dan and his longtime friend Evan, who has twins now!

Eygabroad-Gozart Clan of Cousins enjoying cigars outside

Cousin Braxton with his cool hairdo!

The girls!

The boys

Grandma and Grandpa have missed Cash so much! They couldn't get enough of his snuggles.

Til next time....