Happy Trails to Norm and Gisele!

Ryan's family had a little going away party for Norm and Gisele before they head off to the sunshine state and relocate in their beautiful new home.  We wish them both nothing but happiness and hope they will enjoy their brand new retired life.  Congrats to them both! 

Declan

The happy couple, Norm and Gisele

Nat, Norm and Gisele

CAKE!

Blizzard 2011

I am just happy to be writing this post in April now that the weather seems to be looming somewhere around the 60 degree mark.  This past winter really did us in and when I make this statement, I am dead serious.  Our family became so sick of the snow and cold that we were one signature away from moving to Florida.  But after much thinking and going with our gut instincts, we decided to stay put in Massachusetts and pray for warmer weather before the cold would completely break us.  So I am excited to report that we have regained some of our sanity that winter stole from us and we are moving closer and closer to summer and it's long beach days. 

Here is just a little reminder of what mother nature bestowed upon us this past snowy season.  I have to admit that looking at these pictures makes me rethink our decision to stay in New England, however, I believe for now we have made the right choice.

Little gymnast

Along with dance, Arianna is a participant in gymnastics.  She currently is in her second session of recreational tumbling and she seems to really enjoy it as she is so full of energy, grace, and is extremely coordinated and agile.  Here are some pictures from Arianna's last gymnastics session that I thought I would share.

Going for the gold!

Taking the cake

I am seriously no Martha Stewart when it comes to the kitchen and coming up with decadent baked goods, but after several nagging attempts from my children, I folded and tried to make a couple of character cakes with them.  Being huge Hello Kitty fans, we created (or at least tried to) very yummy Chococat and Hello Kitty cakes.  Arianna and Rylan did most of the baking/decorating and I think the treats came out rather well for being novices in the cake field. 

Almost done!

Whiskers are on!

And of course Chococat!

Happy belated 5th birthday, Arianna!

I am a little late with this post, but hey, I am finally getting to it.  On January 31st 2011, my miss Arianna turned the big 5 years old!  I seriously cannot get over how fast these past few years have just flown by.  It is hard to remember when my little girl with just a tiny little thing, held tightly in my arms and nestled soundly in her crib.  Now it seems to blow my mind that she is this walking, talking, exquisite creature that seems to stun us from day to day. 

With that being said, God bless you, Arianna.  You are a miracle and the most amazing thing (other than your brother) that could truly happen to us.  Happy 5 to you!  May this year bring more to you than we could ever hope for.

Arianna wished for "Everyone to be friends."

One of her gifts, Rapunzel hair!

A reoccurring theme throughout the party, Hello Kitty!

 Plenty of pizza for the masses

 

 

 

Pinata!

Pin the bow on Hello Kitty

It wouldn't be a party without a pug in a wig

And of course no party is complete without someone passing out.

Full Moon

It was one of those days; just so beautiful and warm out and followed by the most brilliant full moon that hung high above the trees. It was one of those moons that you only see once every 20 years so to share that with our children was a moment wrapped in time.

The camera could not quite capture the true beauty of what we really saw that night.  Ryan got out our little telescope and let the kids get a peak of the heavens above.   The view from the telescope was not as amazing as what the naked eye could take in (we have a cheap telescope) however we are just so happy to be able to share these tiny yet significant moments with our little muffins.

This just in...

We are staying here in Mass!  Yes, we got approved for the Florida house but after long and thoughtful consideration, we have decided that there is no place like home and that a move may be a little too much, too soon at this time.  We don't know where we will end up in the future but for now there is no place we would rather be but here in Mass with our friends and family.