G's Snow Attire

G's idea of ready for snow!

We don't know why but whenever the weather is really cold, Gianna gets in her bathing suit! Funny girl.

G loves her kitty

Our girl has such a huge heart. Every single morning, as soon as she gets out of bed, (after giving us some snuggles), she goes out to the garage, where the kitty is waiting, and snuggles her up. Even though it is FREEZING out there, that does not stop Gianna- her first thought is for that sweet kitty...and the kitty is always waiting for her:)

Sometimes we even let her bring the kitty inside for a few minutes in the evening- a big step for this family!



"Mr. Hustle"...apparently aka Nick!

So we have a teenager in the house, and he has never been known as "Mr. Hustle" when it comes to chores, or waking up, or basically anything! BUT Tuesday night at Nick's Bball awards we found out there was a whole other side to him!...apparently on the court and in practice he is "Mr. Hustle!"

WOW! we would love to see some "hustle" instead of saunter around this house!!!

Warming up

Nick and his buddies ready to hit the court!

Dom and G ADORE their big brother and were so excited whenever his team scored! Their cheering was the most heart-warming thing to hear.



Date with Dom

I was so privileged to take Dominic for a date this weekend. The two of us don't often get just "us" time. There is usually someone else (aka Gianna) around. He was the sweetest date! We went to Starbucks, per his request, where he had hot cocoa and an old fashioned donut. Then we ran some errands together...just being with him, doing the little everyday things, was so fun! I love hearing his thoughts and feelings. This is one special guy!

Grandma June aka Bramma June

G holding and stroking Grandma June's hand

We went to visit my Grandma this weekend, and got to spend some special moments with her. She is in the last stages of her life, and our visit was so bittersweet. One of the sweetest moments was watching Gianna, instinctively kneel down by Grandma, take hold of her hand and start stroking it, when she saw the pain that Grandma was in. She sat there for so long, comforting Grandma.

Gianna sang her songs, and then Grandma asked for her to sing more songs. After singing You Are My Sunshine, Grandma, who can barely speak because of the effort it takes, breathily sang it back to Gianna. They have such a connection, and I am so happy that our kids got to know my grandma in some of the special ways I have known her.

Chelan Cliff Jumping

 Seriously I can't figure out how to get these pics to show up the right way...so moving on- Nick and Payt getting ready to jump off the rocks into the Columbia River! The day before they had jumped off a bridge into the river that was even higher!!

 Watching from below- Jody and Payton Belle

 All the boys getting ready to jump!

Jared helping Kaden...and soon after Kaden was doing flips off the cliffs!

Nick is 14!!!

For Nick's 14th bday celebration we made Italian Sodas and had the Glassers and Langstons over. It was the day after we got back from Florida so it was a perfect homecoming and birthday celebration!

Last few days in FLA...

 Walking the pier in Panama City Beach

 Wine tasting the wines made from different grapes than on the West Coast

 Excited to eat real Southern BBQ

 Lovin' it

 Nick's in heaven with all of the hot sauces!

 St. Andrew's State Park

Gina's house continued...

 Sarah and her Natalie

 attacking Nick on his birthday!

 looking glamorous for shopping!

 Shaved ice on a hot day...what can beat this?

 Vinny's sisters, Michele and Gina

 an ice cream cake for Nick's 14th bday

lining up to give Nick 14 spankings!

Fishing in the gulf with Uncle Pete

 Nick's bday-they went out fishing in the gulf! Whatta day! Nick caught a huge catfish!

 Dom caught 2 little shark and a barracuda!

 Anthony and his shark

 As they were leaving to go home 2 dolphin came alongside the boat! AMAZING!

Beautiful!