We've turned a corner...

Soooo, this was neither the first time for a shower nor the last time of the bath. I always wonder if I will catch "the last time" of the things that happen with our kids...the last "run, jump, and hug me in my arms" the last time "sleeping with the blanky" the last "nightlight night" the last "slipping their hand into mine as we walk across the parking lot"...and the list goes on! BUT our kids HATE, and I do NOT use that word lightly...HATE showers! Daddy was known as the "bath nazi!" But since we have moved into this rental and that is the only option, they have come to ENJOY a shower! Yes, I said ENJOY!

A couple weeks ago we had the kids start taking showers in leui of baths. Screaming, crying, general upset voices could be heard throughout the house...I (the mom) of course, hid, while Daddy had to deal with the sadness. I would have given in to the bath.

But now, they LOVE the shower! Who knew? Tonight, after a cry-less haircut (another big first), Dom hopped in the shower with no prodding or poking, and said, "it tickles mom, I like it!"

WOW! is all I could say! This boy of ours is growing so fast!

A New/Old Fad...

Dominic REALLY wanted a bandana (like his friend Pryce)! It's like they think this style is NEW or something...little do they know I wore bandanas in college (my gangsta days:)) for certain events! Hebought 2 bandanas with his own money at Wal-Mart-black and camo. OF COURSE little sister wanted to be like her brother and so she had to wear one as well!

"so adorable" G said, once she had placed the stool in front of the bathroom mirror and climbed up to examine herself! As you can see, Daddy thought she was "so adorable" as well!

Long Awaited Family Bike Ride

Heading off on our bike ride...several of the bikes have been out of commission this winter and we just got all of them repaired-just in time for summer! (wait, summer is coming right?)

Can't resist a bridge picture! I am a sucker for bridges! Especially wood ones!

The first of MANY flowers that Dominic would stop and pick for me on our trip. He is such a sweetie!

Next, a daisy:)

While we were eating our lunch the ducks ventured very close, knowing the kids would LOVE to share!

Sharing with the ducks

Our 3 Pumpkins

Love this guy!

She Had A Bad Day:)

These pictures just crack me up! Whenever Daddy dries Gianna off after a bath this is what happens to her hair! She does NOT like this look...if you can imagine!

Moving Time Fun

As our house was in disarray during the packing and moving stage the kids found there was all kinds of fun to be had! They loved sliding down the mattress and climbing back up it.

Boy's Day Out

Vinny took the boys golfing on Sunday afternoon. They had such a great time and they even got a cart! Nick tied Vinny on the back 9...wow! So glad they can share this time together.

Nick's PR

On Friday our family headed down to watch Nick compete in his track meet in Shelton. The kids were so excited to see "Nicky."

Getting ready to race...can you see the look in his eyes that says- "I am 12 years old and kind of embarrassed that my step-mom is taking pictures of me, and my dad is cheering me on, out-loud, not in his head!

Giving it his all, and getting a PR in the 800: 2 mins and 56 seconds! YEAH Nick! We are so proud of you!

Playing on the slides while waiting to watch Nick run...

Daddy was having such fun with G on the slides!

Our two kids...loving each other!

Let's get it started...

Bonfire season has begun! We live for the weekends when we sit around the fire, eat smores, run around playing kick the can (well mostly the kids), talking, cracking up...the best times!

The notorious "hair flip" that comes with the current hairstyle of preteen and teen boys!

Hope was running the "smores store" where bonfire attendants could get the ingredients to make a delicious treat!

Nick was getting some important ingredients for his smores!

Delicious!

Look at those marshmallows!

The big boys made a shield from an old box bc the fire was soooo hot! They poked their sticks through the shield to roast their marshmallows.

Riding around after smores

The Biggest Boys of all...having great fun!

Nerf water wars! The kids were soaking, but happy!

We love these nights!

There are two things you can give your kids...

one is roots, the other is wings.

So I have terrible hair in this pic-need a root job, but the great thing is-my kids would never notice and never care! They love me as much as I love them and I see every day how the sacrifices we make (vinny and I) touch and influence their lives. I could not be happier than when I am in the presence of these two precious lovebugs. They are sooooo different, but both so amazing in their different ways. They appreciate the life they live and I couldn't ask for more than that.

Girl's Weekend in Portland

Going up to eat dinner at the top of the hotel...we stayed at The Nines-absolutely beautiful! The 8 of us met up at Abby's house on Friday night, coming from Olympia and California. We then spent Saturday and Sunday in Portland-shopping, eating,drinking, just enjoying being together, all together. We have been friends for 18 years and some of us longer than that...our friendships have remained strong all of these years, all of the moves, all of the changes...and still when we are together it is as if we have never been apart. We settle back into that comfortable feeling, one of knowing each other truly, knowing where we have come from and looking forward to where we are going. So while, everything around us changes, our connections still remain the same.

AHHH! the heavenly beds at the hotel!

We got a little rowdy at dinner...so much laughing and talking, laughing and talking!

Our favorite street! We danced until the clubs closed...pretty impressive for sleep-deprived mamas!

Good thing Marissa was with us...she convinced the bouncers we were VIP and we had to go to the front of the line AND pay NO cover! She said it with such confidence no one doubted her!