Saturday at Papa's

Every Saturday evening, my dad has us up to his place. Now, I say my dad because he has called the evening, "Saturday night at Papa's" for a while now. To those that know my dad, you might think that this would be meals consisting of mac and cheese and hot dogs. No, no, no! My dad (of course with influence from my mom) puts on a pretty good show. Appetizers, great food, music, and left overs to take home. Now that Nonna is in town, we basically made a day of it because she is leaving Sunday morning. The day started by watching Carmen dance. Nonna bought her a new tutu and dance outfit which she had to show off. She loves dance class and Nonna being there made it very special.

After that, we went up to their place to hang out and have lunch. Carmen was wiped from dancing and playing, (and getting up at 6am) so she went down for a nap. The boys headed out for a trip to the Futures Course @ the 500 Club. This is basically a 9 hole par 3 course where kids can learn.

Gianni did a great job. This is actually his second time on the course. Papa took him last Saturday for the first time, but this time mommy and daddy tagged along to see him in action.

Daddy wanted to try his hand at golf too! The clubs were a little too short, and many of the balls went out of bounds, but it was great for a first try.

"Mommy.....oh caddy....club please!" That's right. Mommy pulled the bags all over the course. I am trying to figure out why my arms are so sore today. Oh that's right, because I pulled those bags! It was fun though to see the boys play.

It was nice to do something fun with Gianni. Gianni and I needed some special time together so the afternoon was perfect.

After we returned home and Carmen was up from her nap, Uncle Justin and Aunt Rachel came over. We had appetizers and played some couples games. Nonna and Papa ruled again. I guess that's what happens when you've been married for that long. They truly know how to work together.

The kids played, and ran, and ran some more. This is probably why they both fell asleep in the car. (Ok, Gianni not all the way but he was close!)

Thanks Nonna and Papa for a great week! We can't wait until we are all together again in April to continue our adventures. We will miss you Nonna. Thanks for everything.

Nonna is Here!

The NONNA has arrived. Tonight we celebrated her 60th Birthday being that this is the first time we have all been together since her real 60th on January 10th. We visited the Tiburon Restaurant at the Wild Life World Zoo. At first I looked at the atmosphere and menu and thought that my dad would be paying for the table! Our table was next to a huge fish tank with sharks swimming everywhere, but the food and service were incredible. Pecan Crusted Bass, Beef Fillet, Meatloaf, it didn't matter it was all delicious. The bread, cheese, and fruit platter could have been a meal in itself. My children adore their Nonna and Papa. For the longest time VERA was the person in the family that held it all together. I will tell you that my mother and father are two of the sweetest, loving, and classiest people I know. They are VERA!
I can't speak for my mom, but this was the most relaxed and perfect evening and we are so lucky to have NONNA and PAPA here.

Also this weekend my mom, Rachel , and I all took a 1 hour and 30 minute drive out to Tracy's Wedding Shower. The cake was beautiful and they played a beautiful video of Tracy and my cousin Christopher that displayed images of them growing up. We are very happy that they have found each other and are looking forward to a spectacular wedding on May 21st in Niagara Falls.

Now, my mom has class but it isn't just her. Last weekend my dad hosted my family and Holly, Adam and Sydney at his place. He had a beautiful appetizer table, a magnificent dinner and beautiful dessert. Once again a truly relaxing weekend.

This is our family! Food, wine, and family! It is a culture that we live by and I wouldn't change it for the world. It brings people together. Thank you to my mom and dad for being such wonderful parents and for helping us by providing emotional (and groceries) support! WE LOVE YOU! WE ARE TRULY THANKFUL!

Busy Baking

This morning daddy and Carmen went to the store so that Gianni and I could make cookies for his Valentine's Day party at school. While he was sleeping I mixed up my sugar cookie recipe and let the dough chill in the fridge. Once Gianni woke up we started to roll and press out beautiful hearts. We also mixed up some icing for the cookies. When we were done it was into the freezer so that the cookies will stay fresh for the party which is on Friday.

Once daddy returned from the store, he began cutting up fruit while I mixed up a marshmallow fruit dip to go into our platter. We will be celebrating the Super Bowl at the Roseland's house this afternoon. Tons of food and friends and looking forward to a good time.

After cleaning up and signing Valentine's Day cards for our friends at school and daycare, Abel dumped the kids in the backyard to play and I am now off for a run to work off all of the food that I will be consuming this afternoon. Trying to start running on pavement again. Would really like to do Pat's Run again this year so I am going to start at 2.6 miles today since it has been a few months since I have run on the street. Wish me luck!

Projects For All

So the story goes something like this. "Mommy, we got to pick any animal we wanted for our zoo project and guess what I picked......THE ELECTRIC EEL!" Not a giraffe, an elephant, a deer, but THE ELECTRIC EEL. Ok, so I explain to him that for research you have to go to the library. Daddy took him to the children's section and nothing on the electric eel. So the computer was next and then the craft store. We had lots of fun and it turned out great. Gianni is coming down with a cold but he sniffled through it and glued everything down himself.

"What's my project mommy? I want a project too!" So tonight we also made Carmen a bag for her tap shoes and ballet shoes that will hold her things for dance class. All the girls had bags last week and I guess a bag is the cool thing to have. Here is what we were able to come up with.

I am crafted out and gearing up for a busy weekend. Tomorrow it is dance class and then off to the bridal shop in Chandler so that Gianni and Carmen can be fitted for their wedding attire for my cousins big wedding in NY. Gianni says he would like a white tux!